Looking ahead: Miles McInnes, Jascots Wine Merchants

Once again we are catching up with the trade over the next few weeks to find out how businesses are making the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.

Diageo targets new Scotch fans with voice-activated tech

The traditional world of Scotch whisky and Amazon’s voice-activated Alexa system are due to collide this Christmas.

Neil Ellis joins Gonzalez Byass UK

Looking ahead: Andrew Johnson, Woodwinters

Tumultuous political times are offering an interesting backdrop to our latest Looking Ahead series.

Rhône wines shine in the US

Sales of Rhône wines continue to decline in traditional markets, while the US east coast is showing “unprecedented levels of consumer interest,” according to leading sommeliers.

Rioja picks its leading lights for night of celebration

Raul Diaz, Bar 44 and Corks Out were some of the big winners at last night’s Rioja Recognises awards, which singles out the top ambassadors flying the flag for Spain’s flagship wine region.

Educators from UK to India celebrated in WSET nominations

Educators which have taken up the WSET mantle to bring wine and spirits education to the world are being celebrated today following nominations for 2018.

Edinburgh Gin plans multi-million-pound distillery

Edinburgh Gin has unveiled plans to invest in a new multi-million-pound distillery in Edinburgh city centre.

Bordeaux targets YouTube generation with new UK campaign

The Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) has launched a new digital campaign has launched to increase awareness of Bordeaux wines in the UK market - a major market for wine exports from the region.

Q&A: Robert Cooke, beers, wines & spirits director, Tesco

Buoyed by October’s encouraging interim results, Tesco is heading into the festive season with a hand in the on-trade for the first time, thanks to its merger with cash-and-carry group Booker. Jo Gilbert speaks to BWS director Robert Cooke about what the deal means for alcoholic drinks sales at the UK’s biggest grocer

Global wine markets: China shines as Brexit Britain picks up wooden spoon

The second annual ProWein Business Report looking at the attractiveness of international export markets for wine has placed China in pole position for the first time.

Freixenet-Copestick merger to create sparkling super supplier

UK-based wine supplier and brand owner Copestick Murray and Cava giant Freixenet have revealed plans to merge as of January 1.

Japan prepares to take on the world at second Wines of Japan tasting

As Japan continues to make waves in whisky, pushing outwards with its own distinctive style and winning awards left, right and centre, wine is poised to follow suit. Harpers joined Sarah Abbott MW at a recent Wines of Japan tasting – the follow-up to the inaugural UK event in February this year. We discovered a country ready to build on the newly signed free trade deal with Europe and take on the wine world.

Insights: Focus on fizz

Drawing on sparkling wine research carried out with Wines Direct, Harpers assesses the state of play

Europe ups its craft game as new leader of NPD

Europe is reclaiming its reputation as the hub of the beer world as it overtakes the US as the biggest driver of NPD in the craft segment. Jo Gilbert looks at the re-emergence of the world’s oldest beer market.

Ban on post duty point dilution could hammer British made and low abv wine

A change to legislation in the 2018 Budget policy document could have a significant impact on products made from concentrate in the UK, including British made wine, low abv wines, RTDs, sherry-style drinks and flavoured ciders – anything which is diluted after fermentation.

Pernod Ricard looks to Canada for latest premium gin

Pernod Ricard UK is further expanding the top end of its gin portfolio with leading Canadian brand Ungava.

Black Tower chooses low cal range for new campaign

Leading German brand Black Tower has announced it will be highlighting its low calorie range ahead of the festive season with a new neck collar campaign.

UK the fourth most expensive EU country to buy alcohol and tobacco in

The UK has been pinpointed as the fourth most costly country in the EU when it comes to buying alcohol and tobacco.

Missed opportunity: What a rise with inflation means for the UK wine trade

Pub landlords and spirits importers will be breathing a sigh of relief this morning, but not the nation’s wine trade – which is looking at an extra £90 million bill in duty next year.