Spier pulls wine out of supermarkets - Claire Hu

South African producer Spier is pulling out of supermarkets in favour of a push into the on-trade.

New protective legislation for Scotch whisky

First Quench to close 373 stores

The joint administrators of First Quench Retailing have announced the closure of 373 stores, resulting in 1,738 redundancies across the group.

Virgin Wines merges with Warehouse Wines

Virgin Wines is merging with Warehouse Wines, an offline wine specialist.

Wine Australia calls on independents to back Regional Heroes campaign

Wine Australia is inviting independent merchants to take part in a four-week promotional campaign to help push its Regional Hero initiative.

Sainsbury's starts Christmas price war

The Christmas promotional war has started early with Sainsbury's slashing the price of its wines in a promotion that sees Charles Lafitte NV Champagne reduced from £29.99 to just £11.24.

James Forbes joins Stevens Garnier

Former Wines of Argentina UK director James Forbes has been appointed as buying and marketing director at Stevens Garnier.

Pernod Ricard launches gifting campaign

Pernod Ricard is launching a print and online festive campaign with leading UK retailers focussing on gifting and cocktail making.

Alcohol bill could push Scots into England

The Scottish Government's Alcohol Bill, due this month, could push huge numbers of shoppers into England to buy booze, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Disaronno ties-up with Karen Millen in £2m festive campaign

First Drinks has unveiled plans to launch a £2million Christmas TV campaign for Disaronno and a heavyweight PR programme which will see the brand tie-up with high street fashion designer, Karen Millen.

Constellation in joint-venture talks with Australian Vintage

Constallation Brands is in discussion with Australian Vintage Ltd about merging part of its Australian and UK wine operations.

Pernod Ricard targets slight profit growth

Pernod Ricard is targeting a slight rise of organic growth in profits from recurring operations of between 1 and 3 per cent for 2009/2010 and indicates it is seeing signs of recovery from the economic downturn.

Wines in the press - October 30-November 1

The Guardian

Absolut announces artistic partnership with Spike Jonze

Absolut Vodka has announced it will celebrate 30 years of its artistic creativity by launching an Absolut Art award and a new creative partnership with US filmaker Spike Jonze.

Job losses start at First Quench

Eighty-one staff at First Quench Retailing's head office have been made redundant, with administrators warning further job losses and store closures are likely.

Thresher owner goes into administration

First Quench Retailing, owners of Thresher and Wine Rack, has confimed it is going into administration.

Stone's Original ginger wine launches festive promotional push

Constellation Europe is launching a national promotion in the run up to Christmas for Stone's Original green ginger wine.

Threshers owner 'discussing administration'

First Quench is facing a new crisis after reports emerged that the off-licence chain could be on the verge of going into administration.

New national park threatens growth of vineyards

The future growth of Sussex vineyards may be under threat due to a national park that will be created in early 2010.

Christmas push for Gordon's gin

Diageo GB is investing more than £750,000 in Gordon's in the run-up to Christmas.