Trade reacts to the Bibendum PLB merger

Rival suppliers and potential customers of the new Bibendum PLB group have been unsurprised by the news of the merger, given tough market conditions, with most saying further consolidation in the supply chain is on the cards.

Bibendum acquires PLB to create 'UK's most powerful independent' drinks supplier

Bibendum, one of the UK's largest wine and spirits distributors has acquired major rival, PLB, for an undisclosed sum and is merging both businesses, as of today, October 29, into the Bibendum PLB Group, Harpers.co.uk can reveal.

Analysis: The new Bibendum PLB supergroup

Bibendum's acquisition of UK drinks rival PLB and the merger of both businesses has created a supergroup, complete with five divisions, catering to the on and off-trades, independents, specialist beer and spirits and events sectors.

Tesco lists beer created by army veterans to support Help for Heroes

Tesco has listed a Help for Heroes beer, created by injured veterans with the help of brewer and pub operator Marstons, to help raise funds for wounded servicemen.

Matthew Clark sees British drinks soar in popularity

On-trade drinks supplier Matthew Clark has seen sales of English wines soar by 53% in the past year, with home-grown beers and spirits following suit.

Carlsberg ramps ups executive team with on and off-trade sales directors

Carlsberg UK has ramped up its executive team with the appointment of two new sales director roles to manage the brewery's on-trade and off-trade operations, freeing up James Lousada to concentrate fully on his role as chief executive.

Laine Pub Company takes on original Battersea Jongleurs site

The site of the original Jongleurs comedy club in Battersea, south London, where the likes of Graham Norton, Bill Bailey and Phil Jupitus first made their name, has been transformed in to a major pub operation.

Waitrose to make beers, wines and spirits 'destination' departments

Waitrose is making its drinks department more of a destination by upping the ante on its in-store dining plans - with plans to ramp up grazing options by adding steak bars and by serving fresh beer.

Adnams adds Karen Hester as executive director

Suffolk brewer and distiller Adnams has added Karen Hester to its main board as an executive director.

'Mild alcoholics' to be prescribed new drug nalmefene to help them cut back

People who drink more than two large glasses of wine per night or three pints are to be prescribed the drug nalmefene to help them cut back, according to new guidance for doctors.

Campaign for Real Ale appoints Tim Page as new chief executive

The Campaign for Real Ale has appointed charity veteran Tim Page as its new chief executive.

Drinks firms face increased costs and red tape over new HMRC fraud rules

Drinks firms face increased red tape and administrative costs for carrying out due diligence as part of a HMRC crackdown on alcohol fraud.

Tesco expands Dan Jago's global wine role to include beer and spirits

Tesco's UK and group wine director Dan Jago is to increase his responsibilities with the addition of the beer and spirits portfolio.

Craft beers direct to your office thanks to Deskbeers service

The saying going there is no such thing as a new original business idea, which is probably why there is an equally popular phrase - the greatest form of flattery is imitation. Well here's a business idea that could very easily be adapted to the wine and spirits world. Deskbeers.

Timothy Taylor wins Best Beer in Britain award at Great British Beer Festival

Drinkaware launches mobile app to help people cut down on drinking

Drinkaware has launched a mobile app which tracks alcohol consumption, calculates units and calories and helps users set goals to cut down their drinking.

Parliamentary group calls for tobacco-style health warnings on alcohol

A group of MPs has called for cigarette-like health warnings on all alcoholic drinks, as well as a lower drink driving limit.

Would you want to share a pint with Tom Jones?

Diana Hunter, Conviviality CEO, on the new BB's Warehouse concept

Diana Hunter is chief executive of Conviviality Retail, owner of the Bargain Booze network. Last week the firm announced the launch of a new concept - BB's Warehouse - a destination discount off-licence warehouse. Gemma McKenna finds out more.

Matthew Clark launches 80-strong Boutique Beer range

Matthew Clark will today introduce a new range of 80 different beers to cater to on-trade's fastest growing category.