Shift from shop to showroom is vital for the future of retail, says Majestic CEO

The chief executive of the newly rebranded Naked Wines has defended the decision to trim down its 200-store estate while shifting investment focus to the online side of the business.

Sainsbury’s Asda merger “unlikely” to impact consumer choice as supermarkets offer to unload 150 stores

The tie-up between Britain’s second and third largest supermarkets will have no detrimental impact on the diverse and “quick to adapt” supermarket sector, it has been suggested.

IMW appoints new executive director

Rufus Olins has taken the top job at The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).

Carluccio’s boss calls out casual dining operators for aggressive expansion plans

Carluccio’s CEO has criticised the UK restaurant sector for focusing on “capex-heavy investments” – the same focus which almost brought the chain to brink of collapse last year.

Thc could replace abv as consumers look to cannabis for an “intoxicating buzz”

Experts have warned that alcoholic drinks is the FMCG category most likely to be under threat from cannabis, which will be at the heart of a “global paradigm shift” over the next decade.

Aussie backstop will safeguard Australian wine exports post-Brexit

Australia will continue to trade with the UK, its biggest export market by volume and third by value, on its current terms post-Brexit.

Edrington appoints new CEO as Curle retires

Edrington has announced its CEO Ian Curle will retire in March 2019 after 15 years in the role, and 32 years with the company.

New CIVL Languedoc president to focus on sustainability

The Languedoc’s interprofessional body has appointed Miren de Lorgeril as its new president, making her currently the only female president of an interprofession in France.

Billecart-Salmon appoints Mathieu Roland-Billecart CEO

Champagne Billecart-Salmon has appointed Mathieu Roland-Billecart to the position of chief executive officer.

Ban on post duty point dilution could hammer British made and low abv wine

A change to legislation in the 2018 Budget policy document could have a significant impact on products made from concentrate in the UK, including British made wine, low abv wines, RTDs, sherry-style drinks and flavoured ciders – anything which is diluted after fermentation.

Low disease pressure and minimal intervention casts warm glow over UK wine industry

The Wine Society appoints new CEO

The Wine Society has appointed current Clarks chief commercial officer Steve Finlan as its new CEO.

Pernod Ricard plugs Scotch growth back into NPD with new launch

Pernod Ricard is capitalising on encouraging growth in the Scotch category with the launch of its new Chivas XV.

Stag’s Leap backer steps down after 17 years as president of Ste. Michelle

Ted Baseler, the man who brought Stag’s Leap winery under the auspices of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is retiring after 34 years with the company.

Molson Coors chases the buzz with joint marijuana venture

Molson Coors is the latest mega-brewer to announce plans to make hybrid beverages with one of Canada’s leading cannabis producers, further signalling the march of smoke products into the alcoholic sector.

Fever-Tree puts the UK at the forefront of premium and healthy drinking trends

Fever-Tree continues to gain ground in the UK and the US as the trend for premiumisation and healthy long drinks continues worldwide.

Gaucho sacrifices “struggling” sister chain in final bid to find a buyer

Gaucho has announced it is closing all of its Cau sites in order to focus on stabilising the Argentinian wine and steak restaurant.

Kiwi winegrowers predict ‘modest’ export growth in spite of good harvest

New Zealand winegrowers are predicting only modest export growth for the coming year in spite of a 6% surge in grape production.

UK sales of Aperol and Campari drive group growth

Campari’s stable of brands continue to drive “sustainable growth” for the group, including Aperol and Campari, where sales rose in the UK during the first three months of the year.

Not too big to fail: Where it all went wrong for Conviviality

With annual sales of £1.6bn and shares flying high at 425p each on the stock market at the end of 2017, Conviviality seemed to be more than keeping its head above water in the choppy seas of today’s difficult trading environment.