Drop the Duty!: WSTA thanks industry for support as it waits for Budget Day

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association has commended the drinks industry for uniting behind the WSTA's Drop the Duty campaign and producing a compelling case for a 2% cut in duty.

ProWein opens for business with its biggest show to date

ProWein 2015 kicks off today in Dussdeldorf, Germany with a new looking show, different exhibition halls and over 5,500 producers, wineries and spirit companies all vying for the attention of visitors.

St Austell's Brewery appoints first exclusive wine buyer to drive more sales

St Austell's Brewery has promoted Louisa Fizpatrick to the newly created role of wine buyer, in recognition of her hard work and expertise and extensive knowledge of the wine world.

Argentina's bulk wine production has a 'structural problem', says governor of Mendoza

Argentina's bulk wine producers are facing "structural problems" that are causing unwanted low quality wine to stockpile, the governor of Mendoza has claimed.

Chief of the Week: Cockburn's Vintage Port

OK admittedly it seems strange to bestow our "Chief of the Week" honour on simply a vintage Port house. But then Cockburn's, now safely ensconced in the paternal ownership of Symington Family Estates, is not your average vintage Port company.

Waitrose profits hit by investment and deflation

Waitrose saw operating profits fall 23.4%, on the back of increased investment in operations and amid a deflationary market.

Aldi launches new 'super premium' range of £10 wines

Aldi is adding a new 'super' premium range of £10 'boutique' wines as it seeks to capitalise on growth from middle class customers.

Morrisons' new boss faces a tough challenge say City analysts

Morrison's results were broadly in line with expectations, City analysts agreed - but incoming chief executive David Potts faces a tough year.

Morrisons posts losses of £792m as 23 convenience stores come into the firing line

Morrisons has posted an annual pre-tax loss of £792m, as total turnover fell 4.9% to £16,816m in the 52 weeks to 1 February 2015.

Vine viruses found in UK for first time highlights need to be vigilant, experts claim

Recent reports that English vines are in danger from widespread viruses have been exaggerated, according to English winemakers - although they recognised the need to remain vigiliant.

Pacta Connect to open more East European wine sites following success of Brighton store

Pacta Connect, specialist importers of central and Eastern European wines, is looking to open further retail outlets following the initial success of its first site situated in Brighton's recently renovated Open Market.

Seven of England's leading wineries to fly the flag at ProWein

Seven leading English wine producers will be heading to ProwWein this weekend to help further cement the reputation of home grown wines in the international marketplace.

Spanish winery Abadia Retuerta returns to UK with Enotria

New Zealand wine exports up, as premium grows in the UK

New Zealand's wine industry has seen exports grow 8.2% in the last year, hitting a record NZ$1.37 billion.

Stuart Broad signs up as Hardys ambassador...just don't mention the World Cup

With all the excitement of last week's March for the Independents events we missed out on news that England fast bowler has been signed up by Australian wine brand, Hardys, to be one of its ambassadors as part of its ongoing sponsorship of English cricket.

Invivo looks to raise close to £1m in first New Zealand wine crowdfunding venture

Invivo claims it will be the first New Zealand winery to launch an equity crowdfunding offer as it hopes to raise a maximum $2million NZD (just under £1 million) with the help of shareholders, including UK chat show host, Graham Norton, to spearhead its future growth.

Villa Maria launches lighter alcohol wine range

New Zealand winery Villa Maria is set to launch a lower abv wine range into the UK off-trade.

Oddbins opens first standalone beer shop

Portuguese wine exports up 10% in UK says ViniPortugal

Portuguese wine exports to the UK rose 10% by volume in 2014, according to the latest figures from ViniPortugal. Values were also up 23%, it said.

ProWein Preview: The Brits are coming!

Downtown Düsseldorf will be the place to be this March as ProWein opens its doors to hordes of international buyers - with the Brits increasingly first in the queue. Here is what you can expect for arguably the largest drinks tradeshow in the world.