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The Portman Group

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While the opening day of the ICAP 'Global Actions: Initiatives to Reduce Harmful Drinking' conference focused on many of the industry-led programmes initiated since 2010 when the WHO 'Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol' was launched, the second day was far more about looking ahead.

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It's the week of forecasts on just-drinks this week. On Tuesday, Ian Buxton considered what 2012 will bring for the world of whisky. Today, Chris Losh looks at what the next 12 months will provide for all you wine producers out there. Note: Some of the following might not happen.

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The recommendation by a House of Commons committee that consumers take two days off from drinking a week has thrust the issue of safe alcohol consumption guidelines back into the media spotlight. Ben Cooper reports.

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Over the past two years, the name Drinkaware has become a familiar feature on drinks labels in the UK. Drinkaware’s chief executive Chris Sorek spoke with Ben Cooper about what the industry-sponsored alcohol education charity does.

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.

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To coincide with tomorrow's forum on responsible drinking in the UK, this month's 'just the Answer' sees Olly Wehring tackle the CEO of Drinkaware, Chris Sorek.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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).

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

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

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

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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.

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Industry watchdog the Portman Group has introduced a host of new rules, including stricter controls on online marketing and a ban on all alcohol ads related to sex.

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The chairman of the Portman Group is to step down after four years in the post.

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A complaint over Tesco's budget alcohol range has been dismissed by the UK industry's marketing watchdog.

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Drinks producers operating in the UK have six months to prepare for a new version of the Portman Group code, which includes updated rules on marketing low-alcohol products.

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The UK drinks industry's marketing watchdog has rejected a complaint that a limited-edition bottle design for Pernod Ricard's Absolut Vodka appealed to under-18s.

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Drinks producers have "some way to go" to deliver on a pledge to offer health information on 80% of UK drinks labels by the end of next year, the Portman Group's head has warned.

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The Portman Group is looking for a new chairperson for its complaints panel, which rules on irresponsible alcohol marketing in the UK.

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A herbal liqueur has fallen foul of the Portman Group's marketing code of practice over the use of medical-related phrases in its promotional material.

Today's news that German spirits firm Mast-Jägermeister has joined UK responsible drinking organisation The Portman Group may raise eyebrows in some quarters.