Long Read: Who do you think you are talking to?

Simon Huntington, former head of ecommerce at trade merchant and retailer Roberson Wine, looks at some of the difficulties faced by companies who have diversified into online retail and outlines how by trying to talk to everyone, they risk being heard by no one.

Ferovinum gets capital backing to support wine and spirits sector

Ferovinum, the company that provides capital against wine and spirits inventories, has unveiled a new funding facility with BCI Finance that will enable it to increase the scale of its support.

Soho Street Cocktails signs exclusive distribution deal with Vindependents

Soho Street Cocktails, the ready-to-drink premium cocktail brand, has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Vindependents, the independent merchant buying group.

WineGB Wessex appoints Jacob Leadley as new chair

WineGB Wessex has appointed Black Chalk winemaker and CEO Jacob Leadley as its new chair from 9 November.

Limited edition ALESSANDRO M. corkscrew in promotion with MSI

MSI, the computer and gaming company, has launched a new promotion called Live in Everyday Passion, offering a free limited edition corkscrew.

Licensed sector shrinks by 10,000 sites

The licensed sector has shrunk by nearly 10,000 sites from pre-Covid levels, the new Market Recovery Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners has revealed.

Late-night sector loses 86,000 jobs due to pandemic

The UK’s night-time cultural economy (NTCE) sector has been ravaged by the pandemic, with around 86,000 jobs lost in the sector since the 2019 high, a new report has found.

BWS sales continue to fall in grocery sector

Grocery alcohol sales fell by 6% for the 12 weeks to 3 October due to the impact of the reopening of the on-trade, the latest data from Kantar has revealed.

The Drinks Trust launches first ever charity auction

The Drinks Trust has launched ‘Cream of the Crop’, its first ever charity auction aiming to raise £75k to support the people who produce and pour drinks across the UK.

Accolade Wines supports upskilling and education with new training programme

Accolade Wines has launched its Vinspire programme to encourage the upskilling of individuals and recruitment for the on-trade and wider wine industry.  

SME distillers call for duty freeze to prevent the British gin bubble from bursting

Britain’s gin makers are calling on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to freeze spirit duty and extend hospitality’s VAT cut to alcoholic drinks to help boost British business.

Trade groups call for PM to keep VAT at 12.5% to help economic recovery

A coalition of the country’s hospitality, tourism trade and membership bodies has called on the Prime Minister to keep VAT low for businesses to help them play their part in the Government’s levelling-up and job creation agenda.

Nyetimber unveiled as wine producer of the year

Nyetimber was unveiled as Wine Producer of the Year in the first-ever Tim Atkin MW England Special Wine Report.

Enotria & Coe expands further into no and low with Sprigster

When in Rome implements climate footprint labels

When in Rome, the Stroud-based wine company, has revealed that it has become the first wine brand in the UK to implement a climate footprint label on its packaging.

New double bill sparkling launch for Graham Beck

South Africa’s leading sparkling wine brand in the UK market Graham Beck has launched a new ‘double bill’ named Yin & Yang, as part of its artisan collection.

Diversity scholars recognised at The 2021 Golden Vines Awards

The 2021 Golden Vines Diversity Scholarships have been awarded to Angela Elizabeth Scott from the USA and Dr Erna Blancquaert from South Africa.

Wine Drinkers UK call for wine duty freeze

A combination of climate change, labour shortages and increased shipping costs are threatening Britain’s wine supplies, with price rises likely to follow, Wine Drinkers UK (WDUK) has claimed.

Moët Hennessy signs partnership with Coravin

Moët Hennessy has agreed a strategic partnership with global wine technology company Coravin that will promote by-the-glass consumption of Champagne and sparkling wines.

Revolution sees strong trading from pent up demand

Pent up demand has seen Revolution Bars, the 67-strong bar group, report strong trading well ahead of expectations.