Border model could leave the UK between a rock and a hard Brexit

Co-op reports record growth as market share soars

The Co-Op has reported record sales over the past quarter, with the fastest share growth in the grocery retail industry for the 12 weeks to 14 June (Kantar). Sales are up 29.1%, bringing their market share to 7.4% – their highest since 2001.

Approval rating of ‘new look’ on-trade reaches 94%

The vast majority of consumers who have visited pubs, restaurants and bars in England in the two weeks since reopening have been satisfied with safety measures and their overall experience, a new survey has revealed.

Lords advocate ditching VI-1s in favour of digital wine passport

The introduction of burdensome VI-1 forms to wine entering the UK from the EU has found its way into the House of Lords where members debated scrapping them via an amendment to the Agriculture Bill. 

Staff shifts still down 69% across the UK

The challenge facing the hospitality sector has been reiterated by new figures which show that shifts worked by employees are still down 68.9% across the UK.

James Sommerin left ‘devastated’ by restaurant closure as he issues plea to customers

Top chef James Sommerin has spoken about the cruel circumstances surrounding the closure of his family restaurant after the pressures of Covid-19 became too much to bear.

Sandia Chang launches one stop e-shop for grower Champagne

Sandia Chang, the renowned California-born sommelier and founder of Fitzrovia’s hotdogs and Champagne joint in is taking her love of growers Champagne online which the launch of a new e-shop.

On-trade trading at near 70% of pre-Covid norms

Managed pub, bar and restaurant groups in England have reported improving sales in the second week after shut-down was lifted, boosted by the reopening of more sites, according to the latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker data.

Champagne fails to agree 2020 yield amid “worst crisis since WW2”

The Champenois are in disarray as efforts to reach agreement on the level of yield for the 2020 harvest failed at a recent meeting of the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) in Epernay.

The Long Read: Questioning the wisdom of a direct approach

At a time when traditional channels are continuing to diminish and dwindle, direct-to-consumer (DTC) models are unsurprisingly all the rage. What was once a dirty word in regions like Champagne is becoming a de rigueur response to the crisis, as wineries desperately attempt to claw back income lost due to the pandemic.

Welsh Wine Week to launch with online tasting

Welsh Wine Week will launch with an online tasting led by wine experts Charlie Womersley and Oz Clarke OBE, who will be joined by iconic Welsh performer Max Boyce.

Ramón Bilbao targets organic certification for vineyards

Spanish producer Ramón Bilbao has begun the three-year process of converting its Rioja and Rueda vineyards to organic production methods.

Pernod Ricard issues more upbeat guidance for 2020

Pernod Ricard is predicting a softer impact on its business as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, according to its latest guidance for its 2020 results.

Italy rising in half-year Liv-ex trades

The growing importance of Italian wines on global trading markets is reflected in the half-year data released by Liv-ex, the online fine-wine trading platform.

Government releases details of temporary alcohol off-sales extension

The government has released details of its temporary alcohol off-sales permissions. 

South African government retracts tweet over alcohol ban

The South African government has attempted to clarify confusion over a tweet from its official Twitter account that said the ban on the sale of alcohol would remain in place throughout the lockdown period.

Green shoots of recovery in food-service

Britain’s food-service sector is showing signs of post lockdown recovery, according to new research from information business The NPD Group.

Three new wines from Offbeat

New Wiltshire-based sustainable winery Offbeat wines has released three wines, following the sell-out success of its first issue.

UK Hospitality welcomes progress on business rates reform

The government has launched a fundamental review of business rates, beginning with a call for evidence. 

Symington launches virtual School of Port 


Port producer Symington Family Estates has launched a new digital platform named The School of Port.