Spotlight on 2020: Michael Saunders, Bibendum Wine

As we prepare for the new decade, Harpers will be taking the month of December to look back over 2019 and ahead to what the coming year will bring – hopefully full of revived optimism for both politics and the trade.

Bibendum opens search for 2020 Wine Minds apprentices

Applications are now open for Bibendum Wine’s 2020 Wine Minds apprenticeship scheme.

Bibendum to offer free wine training

Bibendum is set to offer free wine training as part of WSET’s Wine Education Week.

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

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.

Bibendum launches ‘industry first’ training course

Bibendum has launched what it claims to be an 'industry first' training course - ‘Getting to grips with German Wine’.

Bibendum-PLB takes trophy at annual Santa Rita Arsenal event

The annual Santa Rita 120 Arsenal Experience was won this year by a team from Bibendum-PLB.

Bibendum grows organic range with Zensa

Bibendum has added to its range of organic wines with the listing of the Zensa range from southern Italian producer Orion Wines.

Journey’s End revamps range

Journey’s End is revamping its range of wines to provide “clear differentiation” between its three series, Tales, V and Icon, while maintaining a “consistent theme across the family of wines”.

Bibendum counteracts the “vanilla” effect of the Conviviality machine

Bibendum PLB is back on top form after veering away from Conviviality’s “one-size fits all approach”, according to one of its top bosses.

Gilbeys and Bibendum join forces in Ireland

Bibendum and Gilbeys have teamed up in the Republic of Ireland with effect from 1 March.

Bibendum signs deal as wine supplier to Cubitt House 


Bibendum Wine has been appointed sole wine supplier for Cubitt House as the London-based group looks to expand.

Back to business

Bibendum PLB is reasserting itself as a major premium player on the UK wine scene. Andrew Catchpole meets chief executive Michael Saunders to discover what’s in store

New Benevolent chair Michael Saunders calls for ‘more regular donations’

Michael Saunders, chief executive officer of Bibendum PLB and new head of The Benevolent, has called on ‘more regular donations’ from members of the industry.

Bibendum appoints new head of technical

Bibendum has appointed Carmel Kilcline MW as its new head of technical as Stephen Walder retires.

Former Bibendum buyer joins Berry Bros & Rudd

Matt Smith will be joining Berry Bros & Rudd where he will be taking over responsibility for the company’s Italian portfolio.

On-trade wine trends for 2019

Bibendum creates 'sales director for spirits' position

Bibendum has created a sales director for spirits position to broaden its reach into the premium side of the category.

Enotria poaches Bibendum directors to fill new MD roles

Enotria & Coe has recruited Ants Rixon and Sam Thackeray from Bibendum to newly created regional and national managing director roles.

Trade remains fearful of no deal Brexit

Following Wednesday’s marathon Cabinet debate on Theresa May’s draft Brexit deal, the Prime Minister was reported to drink a glass of wine before stepping out from 10 Downing Street to address the media.