Category: Industry

Macallan unveils Estate whisky

Edrington is set to release a new Macallan single malt whisky, which contains “rare” spirit made with barley from the brand’s Easter Elchies estate. Bottled at 43% abv, The Macallan Estate whisky is described as “rich and complex” with a “long finish”. It was created to celebrate the brand’s provenance and heritage. The liquid made from the Speyside brand’s home-grown barley is distilled once a year over seven days. Previously, it was limited to Macallan’s “most exclusive” bottlings. The 485-acre Easter Elchies estate has been the home of The Macallan since 1824. The barley fields are...

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Donald Trump launches Artificial Intelligence Initiative

A.I. has become a defining issue of our time, affecting national security, economic development, human rights, social media and many other domains. President Donald Trump signed an executive order launching the “American AI Initiative”, directing federal agencies to officially focus more on artificial intelligence technology. The administration will be assigning federal agencies specific timelines for “deliverables” and expects to release more information about the initiative in the next six months. The initiative is following at least 18 other countries that have announced their own artificial...

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Five Ways CIOs are Deploying AI

Walmart uses 100s of bots to automate back-office processes. Western Digital reduces CapEx by using artificial intelligence to optimise test equipment. Bank of America and Harvard University’s Kennedy School collaborate on responsible AI development. 7-Eleven uses chatbots and research voice interfaces to innovate the user experience. At Pearson artificial intelligence is at the heart of the latest product innovations. Here are a few interesting videos about the AI reployments of these companies: Walmart AI Bots Bank of America Merrill Lynch April 11th 2018, Catherine Bessant,...

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US targets EU spirits with retaliatory tariffs

Brandy and liqueurs are among the alcoholic beverages that have been targeted with proposed retaliatory tariffs from the US in response to an ongoing dispute with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The US has been embroiled in a “long-standing” spat with the WTO over civil aircraft subsidies. On 8 April, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) revealed a draft list of EU products that could be hit by retaliatory tariffs – including alcohol. However, trade groups representing the alcohol industry in the US, including the Distilled Spirits Council, have said they “strongly oppose the inclusion...

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Tanqueray launches bottled gin and tonics

Diageo is seeking to capitalise on the growth of the ready-to-drink (RTD) market with the launch of two bottled Tanqueray and tonics. Tanqaueray London Dry Gin and Tonic and Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Distilled Gin and Tonic will be available in the UK off-trade from the end of May. The two “premium” pre-mixes are presented in bespoke glass bottles topped with a screw cap to reflect the brand’s full-sized 700ml format. Mixed with a “premium crafted tonic”, the RTDs are available as 275ml single serves or in a 4 x 275ml pack. Both varieties are bottled at 6.5% abv. “We’re really excited to be...

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