The Portman Group

Portman Group warns Polish brewer over 9%-abv lager

3 Jul 2020

The UK alcohol watchdog has cautioned the maker of high-strength lager Karpackie for putting "undue emphasis" on the product's abv.

Kirin’s Fourpure Juicebox IPA falls foul of Portman Group code

6 Jan 2020

An IPA brewed by Kirin's London craft brewery, Fourpure, has been lambasted by a UK industry watchdog over its potential appeal to children.

Portman Group marketing code "ignores facts", warns Tiny Rebel

5 Dec 2019

UK brewery Tiny Rebel has warned that a voluntary UK code of conduct on marketing alcohol is not fit for purpose after industry watchdog the Portman Group told retailers not to restock one of its beers.

Tiny Rebel Brewing attacks Portman Group ruling on "problematic" packaging

2 Dec 2019

Tiny Rebel has hit out after UK alcohol watchdogs have reprimanded the brewer for a second time for using packaging that could appeal to under-age drinkers.

Portman Group hails lower European binge drinking rates

30 Sep 2019

UK alcohol responsibility watchdog the Portman Group has welcomed a new report that shows binge drinking in Europe and Eastern Mediterranean regions declined by more than a quarter in the decade to 2016.

Marks & Spencer to rename Porn Star Martini RTD as Portman Group calls foul

27 Aug 2019

UK department store Marks & Spencer is to change the name of its Porn Star Martini RTD after an intervention from UK industry watchdogs.

UK's Portman Group sets 'immoderate consumption' definition in code update

4 Mar 2019

UK industry watchdog The Portman Group has released the latest version of its Code of Practice, outlining a new definition for 'immoderate consumption' of alcohol, among several other measures.

UK drinks industry welcomes NHS 'alcohol care teams'

7 Jan 2019

A UK industry watchdog has welcomed a move by the country's health service to introduce dedicated help for those who suffer from alcohol dependency.

Industry "bitterly disappointed" as UK Government sticks to current low- and no-alcohol guidelines

14 Nov 2018

Trade organisations in the UK have expressed disappointment over the Government's decision not to amend the rules for low- and no-alcohol products.

HappyDown urged to display RTD alcohol content clearly after Portman Group rap

9 Nov 2018

UK ready-to-drink cocktail company Tipple Brands has been told to display alcohol information more clearly, after a complaint to a watchdog was upheld.

Portman Group cautions BrewDog over 'beer for girls'

10 Jul 2018

The UK alcohol watchdog has upheld a complaint against BrewDog over the launch of a "beer for girls" that the Scottish brewer intended as a satirical swipe at sexism.

Portman Group boosts Independent Complaints Panel numbers

3 Jul 2018

The Portman Group has increased the number of members on its Independent Complaints Panel to nine.

The Portman Group backs CollaGin anti-aging complaint

24 Aug 2017

A ruling against CollaGin this week by UK drinks responsibility body The Portman Group has drawn the ire of the gin brand's founders.

Portman Group heads to Tesco for new chief executive

25 Apr 2017

The Portman Group has recruited the head of EU & international government relations at Tesco to become its next CEO.

The Portman Group maps UK drinking trends - video

10 Nov 2016

Alcohol consumption in the UK has fallen by almost a fifth in the last decade, an industry watchdog has claimed today.

Treasury Wine Estates to publish wine calories

7 Dec 2015

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) is to provide calorie information across its entire portfolio of bottled wine.

just a While Ago - On 28 April in...

28 Apr 2015

Here's a look at what was happening on this day in...

Health lobby angered over Diageo's rumoured Premier League deal

30 Mar 2015

The Portman Group has argued that UK health campaigners are “ignoring the facts” after claims that children are being negatively influenced by drinks firms sponsoring sport.

Jagermeister US push flags 'premium' credentials

4 Mar 2015

Mast-Jägermeister is launching a new multi-media campaign in a bid to showcase its namesake liqueur brand's heritage and “premium” ingredients to US consumers.

just the Week in - Spirits & Wine

31 Oct 2014

Here's a round-up of this week's highlights in the global spirits & wine categories. We are also running similar round-ups for beer and soft drinks & bottled water.

EXCLUSIVE - Mast-Jaegermeister, Treasury Wine Estates join The Portman Group

27 Oct 2014

Mast-Jägermeister and Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) have joined UK drinks industry watchdog, The Portman Group, just-drinks can reveal.

UK: Sharp fall in alcohol-related crime as British attitudes shift - studies

1 Sep 2014

Alcohol-related violent crime in the UK fell by 32% in the past 10 years, while the population is becoming less tolerant to anti-social behaviour, according to latest studies.

UK: C&C Group steps down as Portman Group funder

17 Jul 2014

C&C Group has left UK drinks industry watchdog the Portman Group after three-and-a-half years as a paying member.

The just-drinks Interview - Portman Group CEO Henry Ashworth

23 May 2014

Henry Ashworth has faced plenty of challenges since taking the reins at the Portman Group in 2011. Dealing with the fall-out from decisions by the group's independent complaints panel and the ever-agitating UK health lobby means life is rarely dull. Here, Ashworth talks to just-drinks' deputy editor James Wilmore about the watchdog's work, and a certain Scottish brewer.

UK: Phusion Projects courts new controversy as Four Loko ruled "irresponsible"

28 Feb 2014

Phusion Projects is facing fresh criticism over its Four Loko brand after the UK's industry watchdog ruled that the alcoholic drink's name breached packaging rules.

UK: Sport, music alcohol tie-ups under spotlight with new code

31 Jan 2014

Drinks companies that sponsor sport, music and cultural events in the UK will be monitored under a new industry code being introduced today (31 January).

UK: Most alcohol packaging responsible - Portman Group

30 Aug 2013

Around 90% of UK alcoholic drinks tested for responsible packaging have passed an audit, industry watchdog the Portman Group has revealed.

UK: Government drops minimum unit pricing

17 Jul 2013

The UK Coalition Government has officially abandoned plans to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol in England and Wales.

just the Round-Up - The week in drinks

14 Jun 2013

The top ten stories published on just-drinks last week:

UK: Alcohol ad ban talk a 'waste of time' - Portman Group

12 Jun 2013

The Portman Group has argued it is a waste of time talking about blanket bans after a new report urged a shake-up of the rules around UK alcohol advertising.