At this year’s SITT London, there was a great sense of importers continuing to push the envelope, showing that despite the headwinds thrown at it, the trade can adapt, and confidently. The same impression was derived from Boutinot’s independents portfolio tasting, where collaboration showed itself to be as important as ever.
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Each year our 50 Best Indies entries reveal a wealth of innovative ideas and interesting initiatives. Ahead of the big reveal in January, we shared just some of those – both serious and more fun – that caught our eye.
Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Matt Tipping, CEO of Jeroboams, as he reflects on a tough ride for the trade.
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Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Archie McDiarmid, manager at Luvians Bottleshop in St Andrews, as he reflects on a tough ride for the trade.
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Liberty Wines’ first ever Independent Off-Trade Wine Report paints a cautiously optimistic picture for the future. Jo Gilbert reports
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The government’s proposed ‘biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation’ could stifle job creation in independent shops and place further financial pressures on already struggling retailers, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has warned.
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In the second of our spring indie surveys, Andrew Catchpole invited feedback on service and the foibles of the punter.
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Setting out to discover the renewed dynamism and diversity in Spain’s flagship DO, Harpers teamed up with Wines of Rioja to host an indie merchant buying trip to the region. Andrew Catchpole reports.
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Jo Gilbert reports on the results of Harpers’ latest survey, where we asked independent retailers to let us know which cost pressures are affecting them most – with inflation and duty unsurprisingly leading the charge.
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Independent merchants, long considered the backbone of the quality drinks trade in the UK, were woefully underrepresented among those consulted by government over the duty changes now hitting businesses.
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Since its launch just over a year ago, the Cardiff Wine Passport has generated more than £32,000 in revenue for independent restaurants and bars in Cardiff.
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Bottle shop, wine bar or app? The Drop’s marketing director Helen Fletcher explains to Andrew Catchpole how it is all three and how this popular hybrid is set to grow.
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Jo Gilbert struck out for Manchester to discover what makes the city tick post-Covid.
Leave it to Marc Hough, owner of Manchester hybrid Cork of the North, to give a comprehensive summary of the city in which he lives and works in the space of 30 seconds.
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.
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Having moved on from the pandemic but now with economic upheaval to contend with, the UK’s independent merchant sector is nonetheless in vibrant health, if this year’s crop of worthy winners are anything to go by. Innovation, backed by enthusiasm, knowledge and great communication, with ever greater emphasis on sustainability, were much in evidence across the readership-nominated long list this year.
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This week marks the launch of our 50 Best Indies 2023, where we are celebrating the best businesses working in the UK’s thriving drinks merchant scene.
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Aimed at indies and restaurants, DO Rueda’s new marketing campaign is inviting sign-ups to join in the promotion of Rueda wines across the UK.
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With the cost of living crisis set to get worse, how can indies best protect their businesses? Andrew Catchpole listens to some differing views.
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Just over 40 miles from London, Farnham’s new watering hole, The Wine Yard, has become part of the regeneration that is taking place in the UK’s satellite towns. During Covid, many places felt the wrath of the virus and its various mitigation measures, with lockdowns leaving shop and restaurant fronts empty along what were once the more bustling parts of the nation’s high streets.
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Jason Millar looks at how the long tail of Brexit and Covid have impacted merchants looking to buy direct.
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