SME distillers call for duty freeze to prevent the British gin bubble from bursting

Britain’s gin makers are calling on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to freeze spirit duty and extend hospitality’s VAT cut to alcoholic drinks to help boost British business.

Trade groups call for PM to keep VAT at 12.5% to help economic recovery

A coalition of the country’s hospitality, tourism trade and membership bodies has called on the Prime Minister to keep VAT low for businesses to help them play their part in the Government’s levelling-up and job creation agenda.

Nyetimber unveiled as wine producer of the year

Nyetimber was unveiled as Wine Producer of the Year in the first-ever Tim Atkin MW England Special Wine Report.

Enotria & Coe expands further into no and low with Sprigster

When in Rome implements climate footprint labels

When in Rome, the Stroud-based wine company, has revealed that it has become the first wine brand in the UK to implement a climate footprint label on its packaging.

New double bill sparkling launch for Graham Beck

South Africa’s leading sparkling wine brand in the UK market Graham Beck has launched a new ‘double bill’ named Yin & Yang, as part of its artisan collection.

Diversity scholars recognised at The 2021 Golden Vines Awards

The 2021 Golden Vines Diversity Scholarships have been awarded to Angela Elizabeth Scott from the USA and Dr Erna Blancquaert from South Africa.

Wine Drinkers UK call for wine duty freeze

A combination of climate change, labour shortages and increased shipping costs are threatening Britain’s wine supplies, with price rises likely to follow, Wine Drinkers UK (WDUK) has claimed.

Moët Hennessy signs partnership with Coravin

Moët Hennessy has agreed a strategic partnership with global wine technology company Coravin that will promote by-the-glass consumption of Champagne and sparkling wines.

Revolution sees strong trading from pent up demand

Pent up demand has seen Revolution Bars, the 67-strong bar group, report strong trading well ahead of expectations.

New campaign calls for Chancellor to keep VAT at 12.5% to support hospitality recovery

A major new campaign – #VATsEnough – is calling on the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to make the 12.5% VAT rate permanent for hospitality and tourism.

Long Read: Will vogue for organic grow beyond pandemic?

The organic market, along with its wine and beer subdivision, swelled during the past year, but whether this was a spur-of-the-moment spike driven merely by the pandemic remains to be seen. Callum Saunders, planning director at Zeal Creative, dives into the UK trend to explore whether organic wine and beer is set to be a staple in the drinks sector.

Investment shortfall highlighted as PM tells hospitality to fund its skills and pay gap

The hospitality sector is expected to invest in funding the sector’s skills and pay gap itself, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has signalled.

Côtes de Bordeaux to host virtual trade training event

A dedicated virtual trade training event to explore the wines of Côtes de Bordeaux is being held on 19 October 2021.

Alliance Wine strengthens team with new appointments

Alliance Wine has revealed it has strengthened its business with two new appointments.

A third of consumers to stockpile drink and food products for Christmas

A third (34%) of consumers either have or are considering purchasing food and drink for Christmas before the end of October, new research has revealed.

NTIA calls Welsh Covid passport vote a ‘shambles’

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has called the vote on the introduction of Welsh Covid passports a ‘shambles’ and has called for an urgent revote.

Feudi di San Gregorio obtains Equalitas Corporate certification

Feudi di San Gregorio, one of southern Italy’s major wine companies, has obtained Equalitas Corporate certification for the year 2021.

Prosecco Superiore reports ‘excellent quality’ harvest

Producers in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG in Veneto are reporting an excellent quality 2021 harvest.

New vocational hardship initiative launched by The Drinks Trust

The Drinks Trust has unveiled the launch of a new vocational hardship initiative called Develop, a scheme designed to lift people out of long-term hardship and help tackle the staff and skill shortage in the drinks hospitality sector.