A third of licensed premises reopened in April

After only a third of licensed premises traded in GB's first phase of reopening, today (17 May) marks the opportunity for many more to finally reopen, with most of the two-thirds (67.1%) of operators that have not yet traded having the option to do so as the on-trade is allowed to reopen indoors.

Pandemic boosts Argentinian and rosé wine sales

Argentinian wine and rosé were two of the alcoholic beverages which saw a “remarkable uplift” in retail sales during lockdowns and restrictions in 2020, according to the latest WSTA Market Report. 

Drinks suppliers ‘pulling out all stops’ as on-trade orders surge

UK on-trade drinks suppliers are cautiously optimistic that the surge in demand at venues able to offer outdoor service will continue as indoor trading returns.

April delivers ‘solid’ outdoor trading for on-trade groups able to open

Managed pub and restaurant groups able to deliver outdoor service managed to deliver 74% of normal sales in April compared with the same period in 2019, but overall sales were 60% down with a majority still closed.

Inverarity Morton enters retail with Bonnie & Wild bottle shop

Leading Scottish independent drink distributor Inverarity Morton has announced it will launch its first retail venture as part of the ambitious new Bonnie & Wild Food Hall due to open in Edinburgh next month.

Digital strategies and synergies continue to rise in importance as businesses physically reopen

Online services continue to grow in importance, key sources have highlighted this week, as online retail sales continue to strengthen despite physical stores reopening, and as digital strategies and e-booking becomes more important than ever for bars and restaurants re-launching to demob-happy crowds.

The life aquatic for English wine

Bordeaux’s Château La Fleur de Boüard joins Mentzendorff

Mentzendorff and Hubert de Boüard de Laforest have announced that Château La Fleur de Boüard will join the Mentzendorff portfolio with the first stocks of mature vintages being available from June 2021.

Freixenet Copestick becomes Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s UK distributor

Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Freixenet Copestick have entered into an exclusive partnership agreement which will see the latter become the UK importer and distributor for Bordeaux’s Mouton Cadet wine brand.

Last call for 50 Best Indies 2021 nominations

The chance to nominate your choices for the best in the business of indie drinks retailing remains open until midnight on Friday 14 May.

Wine Society membership and sales soar

The Wine Society has reported a surge in both memberships and sales.

Govt ditches on-trade BWS calorie labelling plans

The government has dropped plans to force hospitality businesses to list calorie content on alcoholic drinks, applying to both draught and pre-packaged offerings.

Gran Vino de Rueda sets bar high for Verdejo

The launch of new quality tier Gran Vino de Rueda in Spain’s leading white DO aims to elevate visibility of the top wines from the region.

Wales’ restrictions relaxed further than England and Scotland with indoor reopening

Wales is the latest member of the UK to announce that hospitality businesses can open indoors from 17 May, following in the footsteps of England and Scotland, but with up to six people from different households able to meet.

Moulin-à-Vent association launches

Thirteen domains from Moulin-à-Vent, one of the 10 Beaujolais crus, have joined forces to create an association to promote the appellation. 

SLTA: 'We’re a long way from fully reopening'

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) has welcomed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's confirmation that the Scottish on-trade will be able to serve alcohol indoors until 10.30pm from 17 May, but warned the road ahead is long.  

Lay & Wheeler records ‘best year’ in a decade

Lay & Wheeler has announced its best year in over a decade, reporting a 57% value sales increase for the year ending 29 March 2021. 

Jascots brings Luna Austral to the UK

Jascots Wine Merchants has added Luna Austral to its growing portfolio, marking the Argentinian producer’s UK debut.

LWF unveils details of its new The Wine Writers Edit feature

The London Wine Fair (LWF) has unveiled the details of its new The Wine Writers Edit feature.

UK Copa Jerez finalists revealed

Three chef and sommelier teams have been chosen to attend the UK final for Copa Jerez in London later this month.