Long Read: Accolade shakes up its global fine wine strategy

Global alcohol consumption to return to pre-Covid levels by 2023

The global beverage alcohol market is showing positive signs of recovery and is projected to grow 2.9% in volume by the end of 2021, according IWSR research.

Numbers 2020: A black swan year

Fresh insights from Euromonitor’s annual data release shows that 2020 was a year of “unprecedented collapse” for BWS globally without the counterbalancing regional effect that buoyed markets during the 2008/9 financial crash. Jo Gilbert looks at the year’s volume figures to break down how global sectors were impacted.

Changing face of global wine supply

The OIV’s recent annual report painted a picture of shifting global supply, with consumption falling to its lowest ebb since 2002 and vineyard surface area nudging back towards Europe as China’s plantings slow.

Mark McClintock crowned as GB Bartender of the Year

Diageo World Class Competition 2021 has awarded London-based Mark McClintock the title of GB Bartender of the Year.

Champagne: A rollercoaster year

David Kermode takes the measure of Champagne, which managed to add some sparkle to its sales in 2020 despite the loss of celebratory drinking occasions.

Wine industry falling behind other sectors on creating a global sustainable standard

A global framework used by other sectors like palm oil, mining, textiles and even golfing is needed to build best practice for the wine industry, some of the world’s leading experts in environmental management have said.

Vinexpo and Comexposium unveil new joint venture

Vinexpo and Comexposium have unveiled details of their new joint venture, named Vinexposium, which was first announced in January.

Premium spirits to defy Covid pressures

Premium-and-above spirits are forecasted to increase their global volume market share to 13% by 2024 as consumers continue to search for “authenticity and status”, according to the IWSR.

New Zealand: Working with nature

New Zealand is one of the best-placed wine-producing countries to get the sustainability message across to consumers. Andrew Catchpole reports on how this paragon of environmental friendliness is furthering its green credentials

Self-imposed regulations risk UK’s standing as fine wine trading hub

The UK's status as a global trading hub for fine wine will face major risks from the additional burdens of government-imposed regulations when the UK ends its Brexit transition period at the close of the year.

Alcohol to not rebound globally until 2024

It will take five years for the global alcohol category to get back to pre-Covid health, the IWSR has predicted, with double digit declines expected to the hit the category this year.

Delayed recovery predictions put Covid-19 in stark contrast to 2008 crash

The UK’s retail sector will experience a delayed recovery well into the fourth quarter of 2020, with businesses needing to adapt to altered customer behaviours.

Wine Intelligence updates Global Report post-virus

Wine Intelligence has updated its Global Report post-coronavirus (Covid-19), first launched in January, to highlight both the short and long-term effects the pandemic is likely to have on wine consumption. 

Michael Broadbent MW passes away

Harpers has learned of the sad passing of critic and auctioneer Michael Broadbent MW, who has died, aged 92.

Hardys focuses new branding around “certainty in uncertain times”

Hardys has unveiled a new look for its global branding while also offering customers a 100% money back guarantee with the aim of becoming “a top 10 global power brand by 2025”.

UK winner of Bacardí cocktail competition revealed

Scottish bartender Nicole Sykes won the Bacardí Legacy Cocktail Competition at an event in London last night.

Diageo slashes 2020 expectations in wake of global volatility linked to coronavirus

Spirits giant Diageo has cut its sales expectations in global markets for the coming year, with the likelihood that the recent viral outbreak in China could further impact sales in 2020.

Global headwinds hit fine-wine market

Uncertainties in global trade have hit the fine-wine market, according to the 2019 report from Liv-ex, the online global trading platform for wine.

Accolade appoints new European marketing director

Accolade Wines has appointed Caroline Thompson-Hill to the role of European marketing director.