Independents turn to experiential approach

Independent drinks retailers are currently facing a double whammy with supermarkets providing consumers with the convenience of picking up drinks with their weekly shop, while discounters are providing the sort of low prices that are hard to ignore.

A second helping of Vinisud reflects on the wines to the fore at this year's show

Vinisud 2016 revealed a fresh focus on old vines and varietes 

Openings: The Wilderness

Chink & swig! Welcome to the Drinks Wholesaler

We hope you'll enjoy the mix of features, analysis and viewpoints in our launch issue. And, above all, find the content thought-provoking, informative and useful to you, this being the only publication solely dedicated to focusing on the business of wholesaling beers, wines and spirits.

Canada joins Bibendum-PLB portfolio

Two new Canadian agencies, Stratus Vineyards and Norman Hardie, have been added to the Bibendum-PLB portfolio, representing the company's first foray into the country's wines.

Real Wine Fair biggest event to date set for April

The Real Wine Fair is shaping up to be the largest fair yet with 160 growers from 15 countries set to show over 700 wines at the Tobacco Dock on 17 - 18 April, 2016.

Andrew Bewes: Consolidation is forcing suppliers and industry to adapt

At last week's Hallgarten Druitt annual trade tasting held in London, managing director Andrew Bewes, discussed the impact consolidation is having on the industry, how it forcing suppliers to up their service offering, but also changing the way the trade is sourcing its wine.

Insights: The pros and cons of buying groups and the changing agency model

Buying groups, particularly among independent merchants and on-trade wholesalers, are becoming more commonplace. Harpers.co.uk investigates the pros and cons of joining one

The rise of the Drink's Consultant

Smaller drinks lists, coupled with the trend towards more casual dining, is favouring consultants over sommeliers

James Bielby: Has the Government turned its back on small businesses?

James Bielby, chief executive officer of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, asks whether a number of different government initiatives being focused on from the National Living Wage to the relaxation of Sunday Trading rules could harm small business owners.

Insights: Independents best poised to gain if value can be returned to wine category

With supermarkets retrenching, independents stand to gain if value can be returned to the wine category

Insights: Lidl's successful strategy

In an exclusive interview with Lidl's BWS buyer Ben Hulme, Angela Mount explores the strategy behind the success of the discounter's wine department

Q&A: Leanne De Bortoli and her husband Steve Webber, De Bortoli Wines

Leanne De Bortoli and her husband Steve Webber, the chief winemaker, of the De Bortoli Wines talk about Yarra Valley wines, the 2015 vintage, anticipating consumer tastes and the UK market.

New Accolade Wine GM issues a 'word of warning' as Australian wines face a battle ahead

At the Australia Day Tasting held this week in London, Accolade Wines new general manager for the UK and Ireland Rob Harrison issued a 'word of warning' that challenges lay ahead for Australian wines, which now sits below the average price of wine of £5.83 at just £5.20.

Insights: On-trade needs to embrace social media to drive footfall and sales

There is a promising shift in the role of social media in the on-trade, but are pubs and bars missing out on a lucrative sales opportunity?

Groceries Code Adjudicator's investigation finds Tesco 'seriously breached' Code

Following an in-depth investigation Christine Tacon, the Groceries Code Adjudicator has told Tesco to introduce "significant changes to practices and systems after finding Britain's largest supermarket seriously breached a legally-binding Code to protect groceries suppliers."

Analysis: Suppliers today must be excellent service providers

Consolidation within the industry is happening across many channels and for suppliers to both the on- and off-trade, competing on supplying quality wines at competitive prices is no longer enough.

Analysis: Non-alcoholic drinks an upsell opportunity for the on-trade

With an increasing number of consumers cutting down on their drinking but not their socialising, Jo Bruce looks at the rise in demand in the on-trade for more exciting non-alcoholic drinks

Insights: Ayo Akintola's keys for success on social media following #WhatTheFox campaign

Ayo Akintola, the managing director of Oddbins, shared some of his recent learnings following the successful social media campaign the quirky retailer launched over the Christmas trading period. 

Insights: Is it the end of the traditional wine shops?

As the competition hots up in independent retail with the introduction of more and more hybrid venues, could this spell the end for the traditional wine shop? Nigel Huddleston investigates