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Artisanal Galician wine producer joins Bibendum portfolio

Published: 09 October, 2024

Artisanal Bierzo wine producer Estevez Bodegas y Vinedos has joined premium wine specialist Bibendum’s portfolio.

How the Bank of England base rate impacts the hospitality industry

Published: 09 October, 2024

The Bank of England’s base rate, also referred to as the Bank Rate or simply the interest rate, is a key economic tool that affects the cost of borrowing and returns on savings in the UK. Set by the Bank of England, it helps control inflation and maintain economic stability.

Alejandro López appointed new winemaker of Bodegas Beronia

Published: 09 October, 2024

Alejandro López has been named as the new winemaker and technical manager of Bodegas Beronia, taking over from Matías Calleja, who held the position for 42 years.

More than one in ten British pubs at risk of closure

Published: 08 October, 2024

More than one in ten British pubs are at imminent risk of closure, with 11% of the UK’s pubs classed as technically insolvent and facing maximum credit risk, according to analysis by accountancy firm Price Bailey.

Lea & Sandeman expands English wine range with Black Chalk addition

Published: 08 October, 2024

Lea & Sandeman has expanded its 30-producer sparkling wine portfolio with the addition of Hampshire-based Black Chalk. The Test Valley winery becomes the independent wine merchant and wholesaler’s main on-trade partner for English wines.

Waitrose appoints new wine trading manager

Published: 07 October, 2024

Nicola Jones will join Waitrose as its new wine trading manager on 13 October, bringing 13 years of experience from within the company.

Wanderlust Wine adds Tuscan winery Castello Di Ama to its UK portfolio

Published: 07 October, 2024

Wanderlust Wine has announced it will add Tuscan winery Castello di Ama to its portfolio, with the partnership starting on 1 October 2024.

Virgin Wines and Ocado announce exclusive partnership

Published: 07 October, 2024

Virgin Wines has agreed a strategic partnership with Ocado.com, which will give the online-only supermarket’s customers access to an exclusive selection of 50 wines from Virgin’s portfolio.

Jeroboams named UK distributor for Harrow & Hope

Published: 07 October, 2024

Jeroboams has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Harrow & Hope, a prominent English wine producer known for its award-winning sparkling wines. This partnership reflects the increasing popularity and reputation of English wine, as more domestic producers seek to align with established distributors to broaden their reach.

Bodega Argento partners with Freixenet Copestick for UK distribution

Published: 07 October, 2024

Bodega Argento, one of Argentina’s leading wine producers, has entered a new distribution agreement with Freixenet Copestick in a bid to strengthen its presence in the UK market. The partnership, set to commence on 1 January 2025, will see Freixenet Copestick take on the distribution of Bodega Argento’s premium wine range across the UK.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024: The full rundown

Published: 04 October, 2024

Harpers’ round up of the leading UK wine, beer and spirits suppliers has landed once again, featuring the best in the business. Drawn from a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, these are the companies that our judges deemed to have gone the extra mile in terms of quality of service and portfolio, plus much else besides. And their inclusion in this list is a celebration of that professionalism and attention to detail.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 ranking: 10-1 revealed

Published: 04 October, 2024

Welcome to the final reveal of our Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024, featuring the Top 10 businesses in the UK.

Greencroft Two wine bottling facility opens with focus on sustainability

Published: 04 October, 2024

Greencroft Two, a new £21m wine bottling plant, has opened in the UK, promising to raise the bar for sustainability in the industry. The 240,000 sq ft facility, now home to Greencroft Bottling, can handle up to 400 million litres of wine annually once fully operational.

Wine prices to rise as tax changes loom

Published: 04 October, 2024

Wine prices are set to increase as UK retailers brace for significant changes to wine taxation starting February 2025. Businesses warn that the new system will require six-figure investments to handle the administrative burden, with potential annual costs also running into similar sums.

Moët Hennessy invests in alcohol-free wine producer French Bloom

Published: 03 October, 2024

Moët Hennessy, the wines and spirits division of LVMH, has acquired a minority stake in French Bloom, a leading producer of premium alcohol-free sparkling wines. The investment signals a shared ambition to shape the future of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, catering to the growing demand from consumers seeking high-quality alcohol-free options.

30% MUP rise in Scotland throws up challenges for retailers

Published: 03 October, 2024

The overall efficacy and knock-on effect to businesses from minimum unit pricing (MUP) is in the crosshairs once again following the news that the floor price for alcohol will rise from 50p per unit to 65p in Scotland, further adding cost and margin pressures for retailers.

Majestic Commercial secures partnership with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

Published: 03 October, 2024

Majestic Commercial, the on-trade arm of the UK’s largest wine retailer, Majestic, has signed a significant deal with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.

Mentzendorff appoints Christine Allen as director of brand management

Published: 03 October, 2024

Mentzendorff has announced Christine Allen’s appointment as director of brand management. Allen brings over 20 years of experience in the drinks industry, having started her career in the Scotch whisky sector with Glenfiddich and Auchentoshan distilleries before transitioning to the wine trade in 2007.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 03 October, 2024

This week marks the unveiling of our Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 results, singling out and celebrating the best in the business when it comes to supplying wines, spirits and beers.

Laphroaig distillery appoints new manager as part of restructuring on Islay

Published: 02 October, 2024

Laphroaig distillery has named George Campbell as its new distillery manager, part of a broader restructuring initiative by owner Suntory Global Spirits.

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