Small businesses fear recession is going to get worse, says FSB

Drinks watchdog slams Alcohol Concern's 'misleading' report

Drinks watchdog the Portman Group has called Alcohol Concern's claims that the trade is targeting young people through social media "entirely misleading".

Faustino V Reserva introduces new blend

Cellar Trends has announced the launch of its Faustino V Reserva 2005, the first vintage to feature a Tempranillo and Mazuelo blend.

Sterling strengthens against dollar as investors reverse bets

Sterling strengthened to a three-and-a-half-month high against the US dollar yesterday after investors reversed bets against the pound and an improvement in risk appetite saw the US dollar drop.

Havana Club launches 'mintfields experience' to promote Cuban Mojito

Havana Club has teamed up with UK guerrilla gardener, Richard Reynolds to launch a series of pop up urban mint gardens in four UK cities to promote the Cuban Mojito.

Independents fear for future if business costs keep spiralling

Six out of ten independent retailers fear their business will not survive if costs continue to spiral upwards.

Relief for riot-hit firms

Relief for riot-hit businesses may be available in the form of deferred rent payments, insurance under the Riot (Damages) Act or cuts in business rates.

Harpers joins forces with WoA and La Riojana in Torrontés push

Harpers is linking up with Wines of Argentina and La Riojana to launch an initiative to help raise the profile and understanding of Torrontés in the UK.

Alesha Dixon becomes FirstCape ambassador

Alesha Dixon, singer and Strictly Come Dancing judge has been announced brand ambassador for FirstCape's Café Collection lighter style range.

Sterling gains due to UK inflation rise

Sterling gained yesterday against the US dollar after figures released showed that UK inflation accelerated more than forecast.

Australian and US wines under-represented in on-trade, says WDR

Australian and USA wines are being under-represented in pubs and restaurants according to analysis from the Wilson Drinks Report, WDR.

Rise of sterling hampered due to UK recovery concerns

Sterling gained against the US dollar yesterday, but failed to break beyond $1.64/£1 due to concerns about the UK recovery.

Pernod Ricard to trial Absolut iPad displays in Tesco stores

Pernod Ricard owned brand Absolut, is to trial in-store iPad displays in selected Tesco stores to encourage purchase of its vodka brand.

Kingsland secures Co-operative listing for Rickety Bridge

Kingsland Wines and Spirits has secured a new listing with The Co-operative for its Rising River range of wines from South African partners, Rickety Bridge.

Wines in the Press, August 12-14

The Guardian
After visiting the pop-up tapas bar Cavaville, in Bristol, and Spanish chef José Pizarro planning to open a cava bar at his new London restaurant when it opens in Bermondsey, Fiona Beckett wonders we're due for a cava revival.

Bacardi pitches Oakheart exclusively at men

Male drinkers aged 18 to 24 who love "adventure, fun and girls" are the target audience of Bacardi's new spiced rum-based spirit.

Sterling gained against US dollar after better tone in stock market

Sterling gained against the US dollar on Friday, boosted by a better tone in stock markets but hampered by lingering concerns over the UK economy and the fact that interest rates are set to stay on hold for some time.

Accolade launches low alcohol Stowells Light wines

Accolade Wines has launched Stowells Light - a range of lower alcohol wines.

More drinks firms pledge to reduce environmental impact

Several leading drinks companies have pledged to cut down on packaging by signing up to the second phase of the Courtauld Commitment.

Number One Drinks Company gains Japanese distillery stock

The remaining inventory from Mercian's Karuizawa Distillery has been acquired by an Asian-based company on behalf of its international importer and distributor, Number One Drinks Company.