Cash-strapped Irish consumers refuse to ditch wine habits

A poll carried out by an Irish wine merchant suggests that consumers are looking for better value wine purchases rather than ditching it altogether during the credit crunch.

Coca-Cola Zero limited edition James Bond bottle

Coca-Cola Zero gives new meaning to the term Zero Zero 7 as it launches a limited edition bottle to celebrate the release of the 22nd Bond film, Quantum of Solace.
Source: Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd

Powershot gets UK release

Making natural energy compact as a 10ml bottle, Powershot emerges as a premium energy shot with 100% natural ingredients.
Source: Powershot

Irish wine hike could face Euro challenge

The European courts could challenge a 20.2% hike on excise duty on wine unveiled in last week's controversial Irish budget, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned.

Thirsty Planet launches new pack for younger customers

While growth in the bottled water market appears to have come to a halt, the leading charity water brand, Thirsty Planet, is enjoying year-on-year volume sales that have more than trebled (manufacturer's estimate July 2008).
Source: Waterbrands

WSTA calls for compulsory alcohol education for children

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is urging ministers to make education about alcohol a compulsory element of the school curriculum.

'Jumbo' brewery gets royal opening

Heineken has opened a "jumbo" brewery in Seville, Spain.

Tesco launches budget wine range

Tesco has unveiled a range of budget wines, packaged in one-litre Tetra Paks and priced at £2.89.

The Wine Show kicks off in London

More than 800 wines from 17 countries will go on display at The Wine Show in London from tomorrow.

United Brands wins major on-trade deal

United Brands, UK distributor of Gosling's Black Seal Rum, has achieved a listing in the on-trade sector with a prominent retail chain.

ALMR calls for end to "crippling monopoly" over pub TV subs

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has presented to the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group on Ofcom's inquiry into the supply of Sky into pubs. Text

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has presented to the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group on Ofcom's inquiry into the supply of Sky into pubs.

The ALMR has called for Ofcom to put an end to Sky's "crippling monopoly" over pubs' pay TV subscriptions, and called on MPs to demonstrate their support for the pub industry by backing its plea.

According to ALMR research, Sky costs represent around 2.5% of total turnover for community pubs - the equivalent to all other normal operational costs including laundry, cleaning, glassware, telecoms and stock-taking. It is only marginally lower than utility costs of 3% of turnover.

Kate Nicholls, head of communications at ALMR, said: "The average subscription is now an incredible £15,000 per pub per year. We've calculated that a licensee effectively has to sell an extra 25,000 pints a season to pay for the cost of a Sky subscription.

"In real terms, the cost of a Sky subscription has increased by over 463% since 1996 - when Sky first became a must-have in pubs. Over the same period, the TV licence fee has increased by just 57% and the price of a pint by 61% - despite the best endeavours of the Chancellor.

"If the price of lager had risen at the same rate as Sky since 1996, we would currently be paying over £9 a pint."

Carling offers pubs free website

Carling is offering pubs the chance to create their own websites for free.

Carling offers pubs free website

Carling is offering pubs the chance to create their own websites for free.

Government considers alcohol only supermarket checkouts

The government is considering making supermarkets create alcohol only checkouts as part of its bid to curb binge drinking.

Restaurateurs should rethink their house wines during the credit crunch, warns AFW

Restaurateurs should check the quality of their house wines as consumers rein in the budgets during the credit crunch, the Academy of Food and Wine (AFW) is advising.

Las Moras steps up marketing campaign

Argentinian wine brand Finca Las Moras is stepping up its UK marketing activity following major new listings for its wines.

PR support for London International Wine Fair announced

Events organizers Brintex have appointed Complete Media Group and Relish to handle the PR for the 2009 London International Wine Fair and Distil.

Stormhoek makes bid for UK top five

South African wine producer Stormhoek is on the verge of launching a UK PR and marketing campaign as it seeks to become one of the top five South African wine brands sold in the UK by next year.

Castello Banfi cleared in wine fraud investigation

Magistrates in Sienna have cleared and released from impoundment almost the entire production of Castello Banfi's Brunello di Montalcino 2003, following an investigation into commercial fraud regarding grape blending.

Wines in the Press: From old wines to sweet wines

Jancis Robinson MW gets stuck into some circa 1955 vintage Penfolds, Jonathan Ray cosies up to some big, beefy reds and Jane MacQuitty makes a bid to get dessert wines back onto British tables. Meanwhile, it's the turn of Tim Atkin MW to cast his eye over the new look Oddbins range.