Wine should follow Top Gear's example and look to entertain not educate

The wine industry should look at the massive success of BBC's Top Gear in how to make a potentially complex subject entertaining to the public, according to advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty.

Supermarkets are threatening the future of wine suppliers warns Sir John Hegarty

Britain's biggest supermarkets are in danger of "screwing" wine suppliers so much the market is no longer "sustainable" was the dire warning laid down this week by advertising guru and wine producer, Sir John Hegarty.

Advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty, slams "truly appalling" wine industry

Team Cox complete Médoc Marathon and raise £16k for drinks charities

A "united" industry effort can force a 2% cut in duty, claims WSTA's Miles Beale

Buckingham Schenk sees Argentina and Prosecco sales soar

Buckingham Schenk see sales of its Argentinian Viñalba brand rocket, with Prosecco also leading the charge while pre-filled goblets hit sales of 1 million.  

Accolade Wines switches its European division from the UK to Poland

Accolade Wines is to run its European affairs from a new dedicated office in Warsaw, Poland rather than manage the operation from its UK headquarters.

On-trade hit by decline in spirits sales across all venues

Declining year-on-year spirits sales in the on-trade will have brand owners hoping for a substantial pick up in the last few months of the year leading up to Christmas.

Global wine harvest predictions released by Ciatti

The overall European wine harvest for 2014 looks like being down on last year, according to the latest report from Ciatti, the global grape broking business, but France is set to return to its position as the biggest wine supplier in the world.

Consumer confidence rises despite drop in wine and spirits sales says WSTA

There are further signs that the economy is recovering and consumer confidence is returning despite a fall in wine and spirits sales, according to the latest market report issued by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Business and drinks experts to share innovation insights at WSTA conference

Experts from both inside and outside the drinks industry will share their experience on the importance of driving innovation through business at tomorrow's annual conference of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Diageo faces shareholder protests over executive bonuses at AGM

Diageo chiefs are bracing themselves for a tough ride at this Thursday's annual company meeting over a row with some investors over the levels of boardroom pay.

New firm North South Wines ramps up activity

Newly-created North South Wines is planning to boost its team as it gets ready for a series of product launches in the coming months.

Your view: the impact of Scottish independence on the drinks trade

With only three more days to go until the big Scottish independence vote we ask the UK wine and spirits industry what it thinks will be the best outcome for individual businesses and look at some of the big issues that might arise after the Yes/No vote. Will alcohol duty rates differ in an independent Scotland? And how would drinks firms cope with trading in separate currencies north and south of the border? What do you think is the right future for Scotland and the rest of the country. Take part in our poll and let's find out...

Last chance to vote in Harpers French Wine Awards

There is still time to vote and nominate the outstanding people and companies in the UK wine trade you think are doing the most to represent, promote and sell French wine as part of Harpers French Wine Awards.

Hallgarten signs South Africa's Lismore Estate

Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines has signed South Africa's Lismore Estate to its portfolio, with the wines now available to the on-trade and independents and the on-trade.

Seckford Agencies toasts sales growth

Seckford Agencies has seen sales grow by 10 to 15% in the past year, says director David Cartwright.

Argentina and South Africa lead growth in off-trade sales in UK

Off-trade sales of Argentinian wine increased 21% while South African wine was up 14% in the last 12 months, according to a report released yesterday by Bibendum. 

Les Grands Chais de France moves into Costières de Nimes

Les Grands Chais de France has acquired Château de la Tuilerie in the Costières de Nimes region for an undisclosed sum. 

Ehrmanns 'galvanised and recharged' by recent changes

Wine supplier Ehrmanns has had a "lively" few months, but says recent changes have left it "galvanised and recharged" and looking to the future with confidence.