Low-abv wine 'important' category, says Asda

A surge in demand for lower-alcohol products has led Asda to hold its first ever low and no alcohol tastings in stores nationwide.

Wines in the press, August 17-19

The Observer

MPs to warn drinks trade over lack of action on binge drinking

A report by MPs is set to reveal that the Responsibility Deal has failed to curb the drinks industry's excesses and should face heavier regulation, claims the Sunday Telegraph.

Meet the buyers: Asda

Scottish health secretary predicts hike in UK minimum price

Scotland's health secretary Nicola Sturgeon says she "wouldn't be surprised" if the UK government hikes its minimum price to the newly-announced Scottish level of 50p.

Wines in the press, April 26-28

The Guardian

Westons Cider to invest "heavily" in 2012

Westons Cider has announced it will invest "heavily" throughout 2012 in its leading brands: Stowford Press, Henry Westons, Wyld Wood, The Governor and Old Rosie.

Savanna Cider announces summer campaign

South African brand, Savanna Cider has announced its most significant investment in the UK to date, on the back of its claimed annual off-trade growth of 72%.

Frederic Robinson announces 2012 beer price freeze for tenants

Cheshire-based family brewers, Frederic Robinson has announced a 2012 price-freeze on beers supplied to its 360-strong tenanted estate.

Consumers urged to count units

A national campaign to raise consumer understanding about the number of units in certain drinks is rolling out in stores across the UK.

Craft beer centre stage at Bristol venue

A bar has opened in Bristol specialising in craft beer from around the world.

90% of adults fail alcohol unit test, says Wilson Drinks Report

Almost 90% of British adults that took part in a survey, had no idea how strong their drinks were, according to latest research from the Wilson Drinks Report.

Bitter drinkers ignore special offers and opt for brand or taste

Over a third of consumers buying lager choose what's on offer first, whereas bitter drinkers ignore special offers and opt for brand or taste, according to the latest Wilson Drinks Report.

BrewDog opens Camden craft beer bar

Independent Scottish brewery, BrewDog has opened its first craft beer bar in England, BrewDog Camden.

BrewDog to open "fan-funded" brewery and bars

Scottish independent brewery, BrewDog is to open a new "fan-funded" brewery and five new bars in 2012.

Somerset Cider Brandy's future secure

Niche product Somerset Cider Brandy, which was teetering on the brink of prohibition, has secured the highest level of EU protection after a long campaign by the trade backed by the UK government.

Britain's cider harvest begins a month early

Britain's cider harvest has got underway a month early with growers expecting a bumper crop due to the warm spring weather.

Heineken: learning from beer and cider category

Wine and spirits firms should be keeping an eye on Heineken - the beer and cider giant has pledged to remove 100 million units per year from a mainstream brand. It is currently investigating how best to approach this and which brand it should cut alcohol content from.

Spar launches Cider Festival

Spar is to roll out its first Cider Festival, following its Wine Festival campaign which saw its core range of wine sales grow by 11%.

Trade body condemns 15p duty increase on wine

Wine is set to rise by 15p a bottle after the Chancellor went ahead as planned with the alcohol duty escalator in today's Budget.