Nick Gillett: The big boozy, British brain drain

Viña Doña Paula appoints Mauricio Palacios as CEO

Argentine winery Viña Doña Paula has announced the appointment of Mauricio Palacios as CEO of the company, effective from January 1, 2023.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Jon Carson, Carson & Carnevale Wines

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Jon Carson, director at Carson & Carnevale Wines (pictured, right, with co-director Christopher Carson), reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Friday read: Savouring chocolate and wine

It’s always fascinating being taken out of one’s own world of intense focus – wine – and into another somewhat parallel, but also contrasting field of expertise. So when Cocoa Runners approached Team Harpers suggesting a wine and chocolate pairing session – also just ahead of Christmas – we jumped at the chance.

More late stage delay for Scottish DRS

A Gateway Review into the already pushed back Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Scotland has concluded that the scheme won’t be fit to launch by August 2023.

Low & no growth in the fast lane to 2026

Low & no drinks are set to accelerate over the coming years, the IWSR has revealed, with analysts predicting that consumption will increase by a third by 2026, exceeding earlier growth rates.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Inflation puts the boot in World Cup boost

The UK hospitality trade rode a wave of World Cup fever in November, when sales were above a still somewhat Covid-dampened environment at the end of 2021. However, with inflation biting hard and more disruption on the way over Christmas 2023, operators could be set for a challenging end-of-year run.

Florent Latour steps into top role at Maison Louis Latour

Maison Louis Latour, the family Burgundy-based wine negociant founded in 1797, has appointed Florent Latour as its new chairman – a role which will see him assume operational control of the company.

Drinks Trust and Vagabond launch ‘well-being day’ for hospitality

The Drinks Trust is teaming up with Vagabond Wines to launch Hospitality Covered, a new initiative beginning with a wellness day by and for drinks hospitality staff, this January.

85% of alcohol product complaints concern appeal to underage drinkers

A new alcohol report has found that 85% of formal complaints considered by the Portman Group's Independent Complaints Panel (ICP) were regarding whether alcohol packaging and marketing had particular appeal to under-18s.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Andrew Porton, Lanchester Group

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Andrew Porton, wine division managing director at Lanchester Group, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead

10,000 young people across UK secure jobs in hospitality thanks to Springboard charity

Leading hospitality charity Springboard has led more than 10,000 people into employment through its initiative, which launched in October 2020.

Diageo and Encirc partner in net zero glass project

Diageo and the glass manufacturer Encirc have announced a partnership to create the world’s first net zero glass bottles at scale by 2030.

Millennial fallout threatens premiumisation

A major shift in premiumisation trends is about to occur, new analysis from the IWSR has concluded, as millennials and those who enjoyed greater discretionary spend during the pandemic feel the strain of a new period of economic instability and stagnation.

Jeroboams announces two new appointments

The Jeroboams Group has announced the appointment of two new positions within the business.

Majestic freezes on-trade prices until April in bid to help hospitality sector

Majestic, the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, will freeze its on-trade prices until April 2023 to help UK pubs, bars and restaurants, it has been announced today.

Ribera del Duero completes milestone vintage

Ribera del Duero celebrated its fortieth harvest this year, picking the last grape on 12 November. 

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Phil Innes, Loki Wines

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Phil Innes, founder and MD of Loki Wines, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Losh and Goode blend Chenin from SA and Loire

Few would deny that Chenin Blanc is one of the world’s greats when it comes to grape varieties, but most would recognise that it sits far behind the likes of Chardonnay and Sauvignon in terms of recognition. Chenin is, of course, the de facto flagship grape of South Africa, also playing a strong role in the Loire. Here, in appellations such as Vouvray, Saumur, Angou, Savennieres, and others besides, the best – as with their Cape cousins – are world class, capable of developing great complexity while ageing for a very long time.