Mentzendorff adds Napa Valley icon to portfolio

Hospitality sector warns of ‘devastating impact’ of national insurance increase

The changes to employer national insurance contributions (NICs) will see more than 774,000 workers newly eligible for the contributions. This figure represents almost 63% of workers who were previously ineligible. UKHospitality predicts this could cost the hospitality sector up to £1bn.

Jansz Tasmania announces new winemaker

Teresa Heuzenroeder, a winemaker with a vast array experience both side of the Bass Strait, has been appointed to the role of senior sparkling winemaker by the Tasmanian winery.

Yearly Champagne shipments fall once again

Le Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVIC) has announced the wine’s total shipments for 2024 accounted for 271.4m bottles, down 9.2% on the previous year.

France makes good on its large tasting ‘gamble’

France’s increasing regional complexity has made its tasting format something of an intermittent affair in recent times, with the country’s myriad interprofessional bodies usually heading up smaller regional tastings throughout the year.

Scottish Budget: thousands of venues miss out on rates relief

The introduction of 40% business rates relief for hospitality venues in Scotland with a rateable value of up to £51,000 will be a welcome introduction for many but could see more than 2,500 businesses ineligible for the scheme.

Berry Bros. & Rudd reduce emissions by 15%

Berry Bros. & Rudd have announced that across their business they have reduced emissions by 15%, as well as a number of other environmental milestones. The progress was detailed in their 2023/24 Impact Report, outlining the steps the merchant has been taking to bolster sustainability.

Nick Gillett: Predictions for 2025 following a turbulent year for spirits

This time of year, is when I must start polishing my crystal ball in the hope I can come up with a few nuggets of prophecy for the spirits industry, for the year ahead. And whilst I’m not Mystic Meg, I foresee the year to come as one of change; a year filled with lofty highs and disappointing lows. The way I see it, 2024 has seen a few big success stories, which have laid the groundwork to enjoy more success in 2025. But 2024 was also a tricky year for many producers, and, with plenty of regulatory and legislative upheaval expected, 2025 does look like it might have a few surprises in store for us. Here are my predictions on what could be, a rollercoaster of a year, for the great British booze industry.

Friday read: Sizing up Romagna’s Sangiovese

David Furer reflects on the often overlooked but increasingly impressive wines from Tuscany’s more affordable rival, the Romagna DOC and its 16 sub-zones. 

Proof Drinks announces the passing of co-founder James McDermott

Proof Drinks has announced the sad passing of its co-founder, James McDermott, who will be missed by all at the independent spirits distributor as well as his colleagues in the industry.

Yellow Tail owners gain sustainability certification

Casella Family Brands (CFB) has gained Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification for its wineries, vineyards and grape supply. The certification means that over one in 10 grapes produced in the country are now grown according to the body’s sustainability standards.

30 Under 30 is back for 2025: Nominate now!

Are you an up-and-coming name in wines & spirits? Or maybe you have a colleague under the age of 30 who you believe should be recognised for their skill, knowledge and creativity, uplifting businesses across the drinks spectrum?

Food & drinks sector shows strong November growth

The food and drinks sector was the largest contributor to the 0.1% growth seen in the overall services industry during November, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The services industry itself was the largest contributor to growth in the British GDP during the month.

US Whiskey producers anticipate new government guidelines

The recent decision by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to set specific identity regulations for ‘American single malt whiskey’ will come into effect on Monday 19 January.

Kiwi white sales lead UK Christmas market

New Zealand was the leading country of origin in the still white wine category for the four weeks leading up to 28 December 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, value growth was up 7.3% while volume growth was up 9.7%.

Hallgarten secures full Bruce Jack Wines UK distribution

Hallgarten & Novum wines has entered an exclusive agreement with Bruce Jack Wines to take over full UK distribution of the producer’s entire range.

Liberty expands Spanish portfolio offerings

Liberty Wines has announced new additions to its Spanish portfolio by becoming the exclusive UK distributor for Casa Castillo from Jumilla and Celler del Roure from Valencia.

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and WSET partner

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) have partnered to offer WSET’s Level 1 and 2 awards at the group’s Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking, Surrey.

Hallgarten continues portfolio expansion with Italian additions

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced an expansion to its already diverse Italian portfolio with the announcement of four new suppliers. The specialist wine importer says the addition of Tuscan-based Villa Saletta and Petra, Alois Lageder from Alto Adige and Prosecco producer, Masottina, will enhance its Italian range.

Gérard Basset Foundation announces 2025 Victims of Conflict Scholarship

The Gérard Basset Foundation has announced it is welcoming applications for its Artémis Domaines Golden Vines Victims of Conflict scholarships. The scholarships, which are jointly funded by Artémis Domaines and the charity, hope to provide meaningful support and career progression to wine professionals who have been impacted by war and geo-political conflict.