Exclusive: Hallgarten to hold duty rise in bid to ease pain for trade customers

Faced with a significant duty rise from 1 August, many in the business of selling wine are bracing themselves for a new round of pain. Unwilling to pass on price rises to cash-strapped customers, but needing to protect already thin margins, this unpopular hike in tax is understandably the talk of the trade. And all of this is to happen at a time when implementation will impact on hospitality outlets, forcing a reorganisation of wine lists during the crucial summer trading period.

Friday read: Snoop Dogg Q&A

With Cali Red and Rosé to his name, the Doggfather speaks to Andrew Catchpole about his partnership with Treasury Wine Estates’ 19 Crimes label and his take on the world of wine.

LWF analysis: A 'different' proposition

Several exhibitors eschewed the traditional walk-up model at the London Wine Fair (LWF) this year, in a move to more creative ways of appealing to would-be customers, with interesting results.

Kanonkop marks 50th with salvo of older vintages in London

Kanonkop Wine Estate celebrated its half century yesterday (11 May) with a masterclass looking back at notable older vintages of Estate Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon, stretching back several decades.

Despite ‘greedflation’ concerns, alcohol brand loyalty remains high

A majority of Britons believe companies are using inflation to mask price gouging. But despite price rises, loyalty to alcohol brands remains high, according to new findings by consumer research platform Attest.

Waitrose trials removing sleeves from wine bottle necks

Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to test selling wine bottles without the familiar plastic and foil sleeves, in a move which forms part of supermarket’s aim to ‘reduce unnecessary packaging’.

Sustainability Report: The Co-op interview

For decades the Co-op has led the way in ethical trading and renewable energy in the grocery sector. In 2023, how is this reflected in its BWS offering? James Bayley reports.

South America producer Q&A: Pepe Moquillaza, Peru

Washington sets out credentials at London tasting

Washington State Wines put in one of its strongest showings yet at its March UK tasting, with ‘vivacity’ and ‘diversity’ being two of the clear stylistic takeaways from this London outing.

Producer Q&A: Rebekah Wineburg, Quintessa

Jascots adds Sartarelli to portfolio

Jascots Wine Merchants has added producer Sartarelli to its 750-strong portfolio, strengthening its Italian reach with this Marche-based estate.

CVNE folds Rías Baixas winery into portfolio

Rioja group CVNE has acquired Bodegas La Val in Rías Baixas, taking the number of wineries in its portfolio to eight.

Soapbox: Natural wine – a murderous funk?

Amphora Cambridge owner Cong Cong Bo takes a low intervention swipe at the faddish addiction to the word ‘natural’ in wine.

Budget misery for UK drinks trade

The trade is facing what has been dubbed a ‘double-pronged tax hike’ following the UK’s Spring Budget earlier this week (15 March), with the freeze on alcohol duty increases to end on 1 August 2023.

Guidalberto steps out of Sassicaia shadow as ‘standalone wine’

Tenuta San Guido is looking to reposition its Guildaberto label as a significant Tuscan icon in its own right, according to the estate’s Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta.

Henny’s Wine Bar

195C Balham High Rd, London SW12 9BE

Grandes Pagos de España launches global Terroir Workshop

Leading Spanish producer association, Grandes Pagos de España (GPE), has launched a global education program which puts the country’s ‘grand crus’ front and centre.

‘Super stealth tax’ looms via Spring Budget

Industry heads are warning that wine drinkers could face rocketing prices if the chancellor goes ahead with a double-pronged tax hike, likely to be announced at tomorrow’s Spring Budget.

Cambridge gears up for 30th anniversary celebrations

Cambridge Wine Merchants is celebrating reaching three decades in the trade in 2023, with a roster of events lined up to mark the major milestone.

Empire Empire

16 All Saints Road, London W11 1HH