Belvedere Red special edition bottle unveiled for charitable cause

Belvedere Vodka in partnership with RED has announced the launch of a special edition bottle to raise funds for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. According to a press release, fifty per cent of the profits from the sale of Belvedere Red will be contributed for the cause in Africa. The special edition bottle is expected to be launched shortly in the global market.

LCBO fights drunk driving

One of the latest iPhone apps comes from Ontario's own LCBO and offers an easy way for hosts to gently remind guests they shouldn't drink and drive. The free application in iTunes sends a pre-recorded message to mobile phones, BlackBerrys and iPhones for up to 20 friends at once. "Our research has shown everyone is well aware of the consequences of drinking and driving," said LCBO spokesman Chris Layton.

"We wanted to give hosts the tools they can use," to approach guests. "This is a subtle way to do it."

Diageo looks to double liquor sales in Middle East

DUBAI, Dec 13 (Reuters) - British drinks group Diageo (DGE.L) wants to double its liquor sales in the Middle East and North Africa region over the next five years, as part of a focus on new emerging markets.

Diageo, which makes Johnnie Walker whisky and Smirnoff vodka, said liquor sales in the MENA region grew 16 percent this year. Gulf Arab countries contributed 44 percent of the sales, the company told reporters at a media gathering on Monday.

Ontarians return 1 billion wine, liquor bottles to beer stores

Officials say Ontario residents have returned one billion wine and spirit bottles to beer stores for recycling.

The Bag It Back program was introduced in 2007.

Bottles used for products sold at provincial liquor stores can be returned to beer stores for a refund.

Officials say 370,000 tonnes of glass have been diverted from landfills, enough to fill 54,000 garbage trucks.