The Co-op has launched a limited edition cider, which it claims has saved two rare apple varieties from extinction.
Tillington Hills Premium Dry Reserve Cider is made from English apples grown on The Co-op’s own fruit farm at Tillington in Herefordshire.
So far 25,000 bottles of the cider have been produced, which The Co-op said had brightened the future of two apple varieties used to make the product, Nottingham Colonel and Tillington Ladies’ Finger.
Vicky Steel, category marketing manager for beers, wines and spirits at The Co-operative Group, said: “Tillington Ladies’ Finger has been grown on this site since the 1800s - the last apple tree was on its way out and it might have been the end of the apple.”
The 6% abv cider is sold in 750ml bottles at £1.99.
Diageo is axing Baileys Glide after it failed to meet sales expectations. Glide, a 4% abv ready-to-drink product, was the first extension of its Baileys brand.

Bruichladdich distillery is launching its first triple-distilled spirit, the 84.5% abv Trestarig, a long-forgotten Hebridean whisky thought to have its origins in Arak, the original Middle Eastern spirit distilled from wine.

Hayman’s Distillers has won off-trade listings for its Gin Liqueur brand, Hayman’s 1820, after a successful on-trade launch. The 40% abv drink (rsp: £18.20 for 70cl) will be going into Harrods in September, followed by Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

Moldovian wine producer Firebird Legend has launched Merlot Rosé 2004, targeted at the UK off-trade and priced at £4.99. The wine joins Pinot Grigio 2003 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, already available in the off-trade.

Springtime NV (rsp: £29.99), is the new rosé release from Champagne brand Pommery. The wine is the ninth non-vintage cuveé in its portfolio.

Vodka producer Blavod and drinks giant Suntory have signed a deal to create a joint venture company called Diamante. It will initially operate only in the US and will focus on high growth market segments such as premium vodka, tequila, rum and gin.

Corky’s Vodka Shots is unveiling a fleet of eye-catching psychedelic Corky’s taxis this month in several UK cities. It is the first stage of an increased marketing campaign for the brand.
Glide’s off market
Triple distilled
Hayman’s listings
New merlot rosé
Springtime Rosé
Spirits venture
Corky’s gets a ride