Pernod Ricard and Diageo report mixed figures for first quarter performance

First quarter results issued this week have revealed mixed fortunes for the sector's major drinks companies with Pernod Ricard posting an organic net sales loss of 1%, whilst Diageo returned an organic net sales growth of 3.1%.

Q1 results: who were the winners and losers?

Q1 net sales results are coming in and while Pernod Ricard posted an organic net sales 1% loss, Diageo posted an organic net sales growth of 3.1%.

Invararity Morton sets sights on England in Forth Wines acquisition

Scotland's Invararity Morton has acquired Forth Wines for an undisclosed seven-figure sum and hopes to expand the business's reach south of the border.

French Wine Awards 2013 winners revealed

Waitrose, Les Caves de Pyrène, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Gerard Basset MS OBE and Andrew Jefford were some of the major winners in the first Harpers French Wine Awards announced yesterday at its inaugural France Summit in London.

French attitude to UK wine market improved, hears summit

There has been a marked improvement in recent years in the attitude of many French producers looking to work in the UK market, according to Anne Burchett, managing director of Sopexa UK. 

Fears France's latest vintage will put pressure on UK retailers

Whilst the French wine category is currently enjoying "unprecedented" sales in some UK retailers, there are real concerns about what impact this year's expected troubled vintage is going to have on the market in the year ahead.

Taylor's Port renews sponsorship deal with Jazz FM

Taylor's Port returned yesterday as the headline sponsor to Jazz FM's Dinner Jazz programme for 26 weeks after its successful run last year.

Waitrose aims to be contrary, Price tells 2013 IGD Convention

Gavin Quinney scoops Special Recognition accolade at French Wine Awards

Gavin Quinney, the English winemaker who owns and produces wine at Château Bauduc in Bordeaux, has won the Special Recognition Award at the first Harpers French Wine Awards.

Live report from the France Summit 2013

The darling of the UK market, France, is being celebrated today at St Ermin's Hotel in London, with players in all channels coming together to discuss the importance and future of the UK's favourite wine-producing country.

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck releases festive gift packs

Piper-Heidsieck has released a gift box range featuring three of its Champagnes, aimed at the Christmas market.

Spar Ireland pilots new Wine Wizard app to aid selection

Spar stores in Ireland are piloting a new wine app, available on iPhone and in-store iPad kiosks, designed to aid wine selection.

Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2013 finalists announced

The number of finalists competing for the Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2013 title has been increased from six to seven, due to the high calibre of the candidates.

Bon Coeur marks 20 years with portfolio expansion

North Yorkshire independent wholesaler Bon Coeur Fine Wines has launched its largest portfolio to date on the back of its 20-year trading anniversary.

Celebrate the fourth annual Champagne Day on October 25

Pop the Champagne and get ready to celebrate the fourth annual International Champagne Day this Friday, October 25.

Jean Lenoir releases educational tool Le Nez du Whisky

Jean Lenoir, the famed "Nose" and creator of the Le Nez du Vin, is releasing a new book-style case with 54 aromas focused on the different essences of whisky with Le Nez du Whisky.

Origin Wine hires Phil Reedman MW to cover Australia

Leading UK wine trade figures head to London for first France Summit

Leading figures from across the UK wine trade will be attending tomorrow's inaugural Harpers France Summit that will look at how well the industry is sourcing, promoting and selling French wine across the on and off-trades.

EU and Canada trade agreement will benefit UK wine and spirits

Negotiations concluded last week for a Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada, which will help UK distillers and wine producers import and compete more easily in Canada.

Spirits companies should work harder to protect margins, warns Rabobank

If spirit companies are to generate growth in a depressed market they are better to concentrate on protecting margins than trying to drive volumes, according to Rabobank, financial experts for the drinks industry.