New Zealand and France hit International Wine Challenge's top spot

Metro Group looks to drive wine growth in Russia

Metro Group, the world's fifth largest retail operation, is looking to widen its reach across Russia, the company's second largest wine market after France, and urged delegates at last month's Wine Vision to seriously invest in the country.

Andrew Park on protecting customers from wine investment scams

We regularly hear of fine wine investment companies going bump and customers' supposed holdings turning out to be non-existent. Wine trade law specialist Andrew Park of  APP Wine Lawlooks what reputable merchants can do to ensure that their customers are not at risk.

Independents should target the "ethical" under-35 consumer says IGD

Specialist independent wine merchants and retailers looking to sell organic, Fairtrade and ethically sourced wine and spirits are urged to specifically target the under-35 age group as they are the most likely consumers to want to buy such products, according to new IGD research released today.

Shoppers waiting for Christmas deals before spending says Nielsen

Consumers are increasingly holding back on their grocery shopping and waiting for Christmas deals to come in to play as the performance of the UK's major supermarkets declined for the third successive 12-week period, according to the latest statistics from retail analysts Nielsen.

Independent Wine Crew joins forces to help each other run better businesses

Online grocery sector set to increase by 123% in the next five years

Online grocery sales are set to grow by a staggering 123% to be worth £14.6 billion by 2018, according to the Institute of Grocery Distribution.

Morrisons full online grocery offer to go live on January 10

Morrisons has confirmed its first home delivery online grocery service will go live on January 10 which promises to make full use of its partnership with online specialist retailer Ocado.

Personalised marketing is key to future wine sales says Amazon at Wine Vision

Personalised marketing, customer reviews and product comparisons are key to successfully selling alcohol online, according to Amazon.

Marks & Spencer to launch carbon neutral PET Beaujolais Nouveau

Marks & Spencer is set to launch what it claims is the first carbon neutral Beaujolais Nouveau. The 2013 vintage is to be bottled in PET and launched, in line with tradition, on the third Thursday of November (21). 

Wine Vision Live News Blog: Why wine is integral to Amazon's growth strategy

Amazon has its sights firmly set on the wine and alcoholic drinks sector as it sees the "consumables" sector as a vital part of its future growth strategy.

Wine Vision Live News Blog: Tesco's Dan Jago vision of being a world class wine business

6pm

M&S to engage wine customers "emotionally"

12pm

We must make wine less intimidating say global leaders at Wine Vision

Industry leaders issued stark warnings about making wine less intimidating for consumers and moving the focus away from price at today's Wine Visionconference in London.

London's biggest ever wine conference kicks off with launch of Wine Vision

The biggest international wine conference ever held in London kicks off this afternoon with the inaugural Wine Vision summit organised by William Reed Business Media, publishers of Harpers.co.uk.

Fetzer launches new Californian wine blends in to UK with Tesco

Concha y Toro's Fetzer winery in Mendocino, California has launched a red and a white blend into Tesco. The red blend is called Crimson and the white is called Quartz.

The Wine Society: finding strength in simplicity

Throughout its 140-year existence the Wine Society has continued to prove consistency is key. Glynn Davis discovers why it won't be appearing on the high street any time soon

Retailers use social media to make more consumer friendly wines

Retailers are increasingly turning to social media to help create new wines they hope will prove popular with consumers.

Virgin Wines sale: UK market still key, says Direct Wines chief

Direct Wines boss Simon McMurtrie says the UK is still of major importance for the firm's business following the sale of Virgin Wines.

Virgin Wines aims for faster growth away from Direct Wines

The new owners of Virgin Wines are planning for faster growth outside of the Direct Wines stable with a focus on face-to-face events and customer interaction.