Signs that life is returning to something closer to normal, at least for the UK’s independent merchants, were borne out in London yesterday (17 January) at a well-attended Vindependents tasting in Camden.
Read more...
Adaptability has been key for indies that have sought not just to survive, but to thrive, as Angela Mount reports.
The organisers of London Wine Fair (LWF) have confirmed that the landmark event will adopt a new format this year.
Read more...
Wines of Chile has postponed its 13 January showcase tasting in London, with several other organisers of tastings this month also understood to be considering whether to still go ahead.
Read more...
Continuing our seasonal Bouncing Back Q&A series, Ben Knollys takes stock of the challenges and lessons of 2021 and considers the path ahead for the trade.
James Lawrence reports on the main findings from the ninth annual Sopexa Wine Trade Monitor survey.
Read more...
It really is hard to know what to believe these days. The digital world enables instant sharing of information across the globe, which seems good and democratic. Just about anyone can participate. But with it comes lower reliability and veracity of what is being communicated, making it easier to seed fake gospels claiming that two plus two equals five, or seven, or even nine. Perhaps what really matters is the extent to which people make decisions and take actions as a result.
Read more...
The WSTA summit highlighted how the potential for blockchain and other digital supply chain technologies are quickly taking off at pace for wine. But given its energy-guzzling reputation, is this solution sustainable? Jo Gilbert reports.
Read more...
Comedian Sean Lock passed away on 16 August. Many knew him from TV, radio and his live one man shows. 8 out of 10 cats on Channel 4 was probably his biggest audience. Sean’s sparkling eyes, dead pan delivery and absurdist wit made him a true original.
Read more...
Jeroboams Group has expanded its wholesale arm [Jeroboams Trade] with two new hires as part of its strategy to build this side of the business.
Read more...
A line-up of top buyers in the wine market will be attending a free-to-attend webinar looking at how to unlock the full potential of organic sales.
Read more...
The Adam Smith Institute has added its voice to calls on government to reduce post-Brexit red tape for the wine trade, including scrapping the much derided and wholly unnecessary VI-1 forms.
Read more...
A mental shift around harnessing digital capabilities and automation this year has moved businesses towards stock management systems that free up time and capital to focus on sharing information and storytelling with customers.
Read more...
The wine trade can be a wonderful place to work. Yes, we have had our share of stresses and strains since Covid used its airmiles. True, people running wine businesses can spend more time with PnL spreadsheets and cashflow projections than they do with the latest vintage from Chateau Marvellous. But overall, the balance sheet for working with wine is very strong.
Read more...
We are once again launching our annual 50 Best Indies Awards, to acknowledge the best in the business of indie drinks retailing.
Read more...
Steven Spurrier, one of the most widely respected and liked people in the wine trade, has passed away.
Read more...
An infuriated wine trade has today delivered an ‘unprecedented’ collective letter to Victoria Prentis MP, calling for the scrapping of VI-1 forms when the easement provision ends on 1 July.
Read more...
As we come to the end of this extraordinary year and look towards the future, are we filled with feelings of fear or opportunity, or a strange mix of both?
Read more...
The numbers are terrifying. With the imminent closure of 124 Debenhams stores and the loss of 12,000 jobs, the high street has arguably suffered its highest-profile casualty since Woolworths back in 2009. Stir in the 13,000 Arcadia employees who are likely to swell the unemployment statistics before long – and the probable disappearance of Sir Philip Green’s Topshop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins brands – and we are contemplating a toxic brew.
Read more...
Harpers 50 Best Indies awards will be announced throughout the week of 7 to 11 September, culminating in a live webinar with the top 10 on the Friday.
Read more...
