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The week that was

Top stories: A spotlight was shone on the future of the UK whisky industry this week as producers in Scotland and Ireland vied for pole position amid the latest of Brexit negotiations. 

While Irish whiskey basks in the glow of its status as – according to the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) – the world’s fastest growing spirit, the powerful Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) prepares to lose its lobbying role within the EU.

The SWA isn’t going to bow out without a fight however, and is now calling for zero tariffs on imports of whisky making materials, including glass, cork and cereal imports. 

Elsewhere, we covered a new training scheme at Bibendum which aims to grow the next generation of talent in hospitality, and we looked at changing times for Beaujolais as it moves towards becoming part of the united Great Burgundy wine region. 

Last but not least, we traced the impact of Brexit on Californian imports and took the measure of Greek whites like Malagousia, Vidiano, Kidonitsa, Savatiano and Moscofilero and how they are creating interest on buyers’ lists. 

• The rise of Irish whiskey as EU whiskey
• SWA calls for zero tariffs on whisky making materials
• Bibendum opens doors on new wine academy scheme
• English winemakers experiment with Charmant method
• Greek whites vie for Assyrtiko's crown
• Bancroft turns to Delicato for latest Cali partnership
• Beaujolais moves towards becoming part of a united Great Burgundy
• Brexit pushed Californian wine price up by a fifth

Analysis and Insights: Innovation and evolution have been at the heart of our recent analysis and insights stories, kicking off with a report on the growth of urban wineries as Vagabond’s new Battersea Power Station venture hits its stride.

And with Italy dubbed as key category for the trade looking ahead, we approached leading producers and consorzios to discover where investment is taking place and what new styles and initiatives are being driven forward.

In debate mode, a cross-trade panel examine The Future of the Agency Model, looking at the necessarily evolving role that these essential businesses play in oiling the wheels of the trade.

• Urban wineries
• Italian innovation 
• Harpers Industry Briefing: The Future of the Agency Model 

People and Opinion: This week our regular columnist Jerry Lockspeiser asks whether selling equity in your business is “great for growth or dancing with the devil?”

Meanwhile, there’s a chance to catch up with Michael Saunders in one of the first in-depth interviews since he returned to the helm at Bibendum.

• Jerry Lockspieser: Selling equity in your business - great for growth or dancing with the devil?
• Interview: Michael Saunders, chief executive, Bibendum PLB