Looking back on 2012 for the wine trade: part 1

Reflecting on 2012, and checking out some of our most popular articles both online and in the magazine, it's evident the trade didn't have an easy year. But it certainly wasn't all doom and gloom. A quick run-down picks up diverse themes incorporating everything from the Olympics, companies collapsing, generic bodies coming up with new approaches, UK-based firms taking closer looks at overseas markets in order to maximise returns, a host of changes at the top within the UK's leading wine businesses and the unstoppable juggernaut that is the alcohol duty escalator.

Three Barrels launches 50cl and undergoes image revamp

Three Barrels has announced the launch of a 50cl VSOP in a bid to meet growing consumer demand for a selection of premium spirits across a range of price points.

How Champagne will be one of the cheapest parts of this year's Christmas dinner

Whilst the cost of much of our Christmas dinner has soared in the last five years, the average price of the cheapest bottle of Champagne is nearly 10% cheaper.

Meet the buyers: Morrisons

It's now or never for the wine trade

Gemma McKenna meets BWS chief Dan Jago as the trade's supposed day of reckoning approaches.

Spirited Wines to roll out cheese deli concept

Spirited Wines has launched a cheese deli counter at 11 of its stores and is hoping to roll the concept out across the estate once trials are complete.

English sparkling wine sales soar in the run-up to Christmas

Corks are popping for English sparkling wine sales in the run up to Christmas.

Saint-Chinian AOC focuses on UK market

The southern French appellation of Saint-Chinian in the Languedoc is stepping up its activity in the UK market next year.

Booths to move away from promo-led deals

Booths is to move away from promotionally-led offers in 2013 to give its wine and spirits offering a more independent feel, according to its wines and spirits buyer Andy Green.

João Portugal Ramos releases exclusive wines

Portuguese producer João Portugal Ramos has launched a premium Albariño, to be stocked exclusively by Marks & Spencer, and a red called F'OZ, to be stocked by Waitrose.

Supermarkets see sales slowdown ahead of Christmas

Supermarket sales of beers, wines and spirits remain flat, reflecting what retail analysts believe is the cautious mood among consumers ahead of December and the festive period.

BWS figures remain flat heading in to festive period

Supermarket sales of beers, wines and spirits remain flat reflecting what retail analysts believe is the cautious mood amongst consumers ahead of December and the festive period.

Own-label wine sales flat

Despite huge investment in own-label wines by the major retailers, volumes are flat across the trade in the past year.

Trade celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau day without the 'Nouveau'

This year's Beaujolais Thursday may be marked with a host of trade events - but few of are actually marketing or serving traditional Beaujolais Nouveau.

Roberson Wine launches wine club

Roberson Wine has launched its new wine club ahead of the Christmas period that offers first hand access to members of its best wines and other benefits.

Waitrose's Diana Hunter appointed to head up Bargain Booze

Off-licence and convenience store chain Bargain Booze has appointed Waitrose's director of convenience, Diana Hunter, as its new chief executive.

Vodka Emporium opens door to first retail store

Online drinks specialist Vodka Emporium has opened its first retail store in Colchester in partnership with indie wine merchant The Wine Company.

Morrisons online wine store goes live

Morrisons Cellar, the supermarket's online wine store which aims to boost its wine sales by £100 million, has gone live.

Distell launches new sparkler in UK

Distell is hoping to cash in on consumer demand for lower-alcohol wines with its new sparkling white.

Languedoc's white wines growing in popularity in UK

Renowned for its red wines, the Languedoc is seeing an increase in demand from UK buyers for its "fashionable" whites.