New DRS launch date reconfirms glass exclusion for England and NI

The newest launch date for a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England and Northern Ireland has re-confirmed that businesses will not be required to participate in a new system for glass recycling. However, confusion still abounds around the roll-out of four different national DRS schemes and how they will work in practice.

WSTA Industry Summit speakers revealed

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has unveiled an impressive line-up of speakers for its annual Industry Summit next week, due to take place virtually.

LWF: 'Fear of getting it wrong' is holding industry back on diversity

Trepidation around tokenism and not taking the right tack on issues of diversity and inclusion is stopping greater strides being taken in workplaces, it was said at this morning’s London Wine Fair (LWF) session on equal opportunities in the wine trade.

New CEO for Portman Group

The Portman Group has appointed Matt Lambert as its new CEO.

Trade slams new lockdown ban on takeaway drink sales

In a new blow for England’s on-trade, the government has banned the sale of takeaway alcohol for the duration of the second national lockdown, which begins at midnight on Wednesday 4 November.

Second national lockdown a "calamity" for hospitality without more govt support

There are deep concerns across the hospitality sector about the impact of the government’s latest lockdown measures for England which were announced on Saturday evening by the prime minister.

Portman Group launches pandemic blog series

The Portman Group is launching a new bi-weekly blog to examine how the drinks sector is confronting the responsibilities and challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Relief as gin spared from US tariff hikes, but battle for Scotch continues

The US has backed down on its threat to expand a 16-year old trade fight with the European Union to impose tariffs on gin – a move which would have been “hugely detrimental” for the British alcohol industry.

Sturges steps down from Jeroboams

London wine merchant Jeroboams is to have a new chief executive, with encumbent Hugh Sturges leaving the role at the end of June.

New group CFO for Quintessential

International spirits producer Quintessential Brands has appointed Alex Pollard as its new group chief finance officer.

FSA releases stark warning to CBD producers targeting pregnant women and vulnerable people

The Food Standards Authority (FSA) has broken its silence on CBD to issue a statement urging businesses to be upfront about potential health risks and suitability for vulnerable groups.

US and UK whisky industries demand action on tariffs

Whisky industry bodies on both sides of the Atlantic have issued a joint call for their respective governments to stop using tariffs on whisky as a proxy battle in unrelated trade disputes.

London restaurateurs call for wine duty cut

Ridgeview's Roberts named 2020 IWSC president

Tamara Roberts, chief executive of Ridgeview Wines, has been appointed president of the International Wine & Spirit Competition Awards for 2020.

Looking ahead: Michael Saunders, CEO, Bibendum PLB

As the first half of 2019 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities

Bancroft beefs up fine wine team with Snoxell hire

James Snoxell has joined London-based supplier Bancroft Wines as its new fine wine buyer, the company has announced.

Saunders wins chairman role at WSTA

Michael Saunders, chief executive of Bibendum PLB, has been appointed by the WSTA as its new chairman. He takes over from outgoing chairman, Dan Jago.

Dan Jago, chief executive, Berry Bros. & Rudd; chairman, WSTA

From beginnings to Brexit, the UK wine trade stalwart talks Andrew Catchpole through his career so far and looks at what lies ahead

Three familiar faces become The Benevolent trustees

Drinks industry charity The Benevolent has appointed three new trustees including Bibendum PLB chief executive Michael Saunders who is due to become the next chairman. 

Broadland’s new hire to drive branded portfolio following Schaafsma exit

Following Paul Schaafsma’s brief tenure as chief executive of Broadland Wineries, new senior brand manager Liz Cobbold is now joining the team to drive the branded portfolio which accounts 50% of sales