EWGA announces double-digit distribution growth for Bodega Riojanas

Lancashire-based independent wholesaler EWGA, has announced a 40% increase in distribution for its brand Bodega Riojanas since it took over from Boutinot earlier in the year.

Invararity Morton sets sights on England in Forth Wines acquisition

Scotland's Invararity Morton has acquired Forth Wines for an undisclosed seven-figure sum and hopes to expand the business's reach south of the border.

Bon Coeur marks 20 years with portfolio expansion

North Yorkshire independent wholesaler Bon Coeur Fine Wines has launched its largest portfolio to date on the back of its 20-year trading anniversary.

Richard Evans completes his sailing race to Rio to raise money for prostate cancer

Richard Evans of Dedicated Wines has helped his team finish fourth in the first leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht race sailing race between Southampton and Rio de Janiero as part of an initiative to help raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Liberty Wines announces winner of 2013 Apprentice programme

Joanna Black is the latest winner of the annual Liberty Wines Apprentice programme that looks to bring in new talent to the company.

Luciann Flynn, director, Liberty Wines Apprentice Programme

We talk to Luciann Flynn about the Liberty Wines Apprentice Programme that looks to offer talented people the chance to further their careers in the wine trade with a two year apprenticeship at the company. It has just announced that Joanna Black of the restaurant, Riverstation, in Bristol is the seventh winner of the scheme.

Morrisons wants to increase wine sales by £100m

Morrisons claims it has a minimum extra £100 million in sales to be gained from the wine category alone if it maximises its full potential, according to Steve Mosey, trading director for beers, wines and spirits.

Fair spirits company brings Belize rum to the UK

The Fair spirits company has brought its premium rum to the UK, following success in France.

Jerry Lockspeiser: let's show consumers the true cost of a bottle of wine

Jonathan Cahill's recent opinion piece about wine value, duty and consumer perception got me thinking. The central point of Jonathan's piece is that because alcohol duty is fixed it takes up a much bigger percentage of the retail price when the wine is cheap than when it is more expensive. Ergo we should be telling consumers that the higher the price they pay for a bottle of wine the more their money is buying wine rather than tax, so the better the value, and exponentially so.

Q&A: Diego Somoza and Esperanza Asencio, Iberiandrinks

With an expanding portfolio, Iberiandrinks is intent on conquering all corners of the UK. Patricia Langton talks to its founders, Diego Somoza and Esperanza Asencio.

John Osborne to take control of PLB in the new year

John Osborne, sales director at wine agency PLB, is to take over as the company's new managing director in January when Peter Darbyshire steps down.

Alliance Wine looks to bring new life to the traditional wine tasting

Scottish-based wine distributor Alliance Wine was the latest wine company to host a different style of tasting this week with a Latin-themed event in Glasgow complete with music, food and tango dancers.

Enotria looks to drive its by-the-glass initiative with new winter selection

Enotria's 'Discover' campaign that aims to encourage the on-trade to increase its by the glass offering is seeing "significant" growth, according to its on-trade sales director, Fraser McGuire.

Last chance to enter Harpers' French Wine Awards

This week is the last chance for companies and indviduals to nominate themselves or other organisations to be considered in the inaugural Harpers French Wine Awards that look to recognise the best retailers, restaurants, suppliers, distributors  and ambassadors for the French wine category in the UK over the last 12 months.

Kingsland looks to strengthen its senior management team

Kingsland Wines & Spirits has added Ed Baker, finance director, and Paul Braydon, wine buyer, to its management team.

Chris Porter on how together the Benevolent and drinks industry are changing people's lives

What a year it is turning out to be for The Benevolent. Many of you will have read about the changes that we are making to our core strategy, moving away from a "bricks and mortar" approach. Instead we are concentrating on delivering help where it is most needed, in the homes of employees from our industry who are now unable to work due to an unexpected deterioration in their personal circumstances or the onset of serious illness. The Benevolent's support means that they can remain in their own homes, within their communities, close to their friends, families and loved ones.

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Independents head to London for SITT Autumn

Independents from across the on and off-trades will be heading to London today for the Specialist Importer Trade Tasting (SITT) where they will have the chance to meet close to 60 exhibitors at the Royal Horticulture Halls between 10:30 am and 6 pm.

John Nevens on how the rise in English wine is a lesson for all drinks companies

John Nevens, director of category management specialists, looks at how changing demographic trends and social habits are impacting on the kind of food and drink we buy, and how the rise in interest and popularity of English wine is something that is relevant to all drinks suppliers.

Liberty Wines introduces new cider, beer and spirits range