Wine & Spirits

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Castle Brands Inc., a New York City-based developer and international marketer of premium and super-premium branded spirits, reported financial results for the three- and nine-month periods ending Dec. 31, 2013.

London-based Diageo plc announced the official start of its Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. The Tullahoma, Tenn.-based venture aims to locate lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world and share them with the growing base of whiskey aficionados in the United States, the company says.

Smirnoff Vodka, a brand of Norwalk, Conn.-based Diageo North America, launched the “Guiltless Pleasures” Pinterest contest to celebrate female consumers’ guiltless pleasures. As part of the contest, three women will have the opportunity to make their Pinterest aspirations a reality by pinning the things they love. The contest is timed in conjunction with the launch of Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut, a guilt-free treat, the company says.

Campari America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliate Gruppo Campari, will add Irish Mist Irish Whiskey to its whiskey portfolio.

E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, Calif., has acquired the exclusive rights to distribute Italy's Allegrini wines in the United States beginning April 1.

Pernod Ricard USA, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard SA, introduced Malibu Sparklers, which combine Malibu rum, coconut water and carbonation.

American distilled spirits exports broke new records in 2013, crossing the $1.5 billion threshold, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), New York. This growth was driven by premium bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, which exceeded the $1 billion mark for the first time, it reported at its annual briefing for Wall Street analysts.

Freixenet USA will introduce its first kosher sparkling wine available in the United States in March.

Diageo plc, London, reported interim financial results for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2013. Following 2.2 percent growth in the first quarter, net sales grew 1.8 percent in the first half of the fiscal year, supported by 4.6 percent growth in North America, the company reports. Sales in emerging markets also were up 1.3 percent, but were negatively impacted by weakness in China and Nigeria, and sales in Western Europe were down 1 percent, continuing the improvement trend seen in the first quarter.

Edrington Distillers Ltd. added Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition Blended Scotch Whisky to its portfolio.