Sterling weakens over concerns of further quantitative easing

This week has seen sterling weaken against the majority of currencies amid concerns that we could see further quantitative easing in the UK.

Sterling has "torrid" day

Sterling had a torrid day, losing ground against the majority of currencies after Bank of England monetary policy committee meeting minutes hinted at further quantitative easing.

Chinese red for Moët Hennessy

Moët Hennessy has announced plans to produce a red wine in China.

AFWS calls for entries to Sommelier of the Year

The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) is seeking entries to its 2012 UK Sommelier of the Year competition.

Pernod brings cocktail trend to retailers

Pernod Ricard is hoping to help retailers tap into the on-trade populairty of the Espresso Martini with a new cocktail pack.

Pernod Ricard launches off-trade Espresso Martini pack

Pernod Ricard has launched a Espresso Martini pack as part of its premium edge initiative to allow off-trade retailers to tap into the popular cocktail trend.

Vinisud: French producers grow mid-tier wine sales

French producers are benefiting from the gap left in the mid-range, off-trade market due to the decline in demand for Australian wines.

Supply shortages for Spanish bulk wine

Spanish co-operatives are going to find it difficult to cope with demand for their bulk wines this year, a leading brokerage company has warned.

The Symingtons donate over £18,000 to Help for Heroes

Renowned Port producing family the Symingtons have donated over £18,000 to Help for Heroes - the profits from Warre's 2009 Vintage.

Greek bailout makes for volatile day in currency markets

The €130 billion Greek bailout deal resulted in a fairly volatile day with sterling finishing the day weaker against the euro.

Trade pledges needed for National Wine Month

Touch PR, the agency behind the first National Wine Month last May, is urging for pledges from the trade, in order for the 2012 campaign to go ahead.

E.&J. Gallo reveals 'film club' as part of 2012 activity

E.&J. Gallo plans include the launch of the Gallo Film Club brand platform, and a Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato, as part of its 2012 activity.

Ehrmanns takes on Robert Oatley Vineyards

Ehrmanns has become UK agent for Australian producer, Robert Oatley Vineyards, ROV.

Nicolas Feuillatte appoints Cavendish Wines as on-trade distributor

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has appointed the Thierry's owned, Cavendish Wines as its new on- trade distributor for the UK.

Pinnacle to distribute SSG brands in the UK

Vin de France has "come of age"

Vin de France has "come of age" this year, after 60% more wines were picked by a team of international judges to respresent the category.

Expert independent seminar at London SITT tasting

Anyone visiting the London SITT tasting on Wednesday, February 29 are reminded the Blueprint for Success seminar with expert first hand advice on running an independent business by leading merchants and on-trade wine consultants will take place at 2pm and not 11am as advertised.

Alan Lodge: a tribute

Everyone at Harpers Wine & Spirit would like to pass on their personal condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of Alan Lodge, news editor for The Drinks Business and deputy editor for The Spirits Business, who has so sadly died of a brain haemorrhage at the age of 29.

Guala buys Australian screwcap maker

Guala Closures is continuing its buying spree - which has seen it acquire five firms within the last 18 months - with the purchase of Australian screwcap manufacturer ASA.

Bibendum launches on-trade spirits training

Bibendum's on-trade training programmes will now include spirits for the first time.