The era of economic moderation is here, as inflation finally bites

Premiumisation was an ongoing trend in wines and spirits during the first half of 2022 as consumers leaned into little luxuries, new data has revealed. However, as we teeter on the brink of global recession, it is increasingly clear that consumers are holding back on their drinks purchases – a trend that could be particularly acute in the UK, where both intensifying economic gloom and rising inflation is threatening to ‘derail premiumisation’.

Third month of double-digit inflation hits food and drink

Data from CGA has revealed a third month of double-digit inflation for foodservice prices in April, with further rises expected and inflation unlikely to fall below 7% until at least next year.

English sparkling wine brand achieves 'B Corporation' certification

A niche sparkling wine brand, The Uncommon, has become the first UK wine business to be certified as B Corp.

A Plan B Christmas will put the industry under “severe pressure”

A re-tightening of restrictions is threatening to put a pin in Christmas celebrations, causing more gloom for the hospitality sector as the government rubber stamps plans to introduce vaccine passports for late-night venues.

Kingsland’s Thirsty Earth aims for a “better drinks industry”

In a bid to create a “better society and drinks industry”, Kingsland Drinks has announced its Thirsty Earth sustainability initiative – a new, in-depth programme which includes a long-term project linked to the UN’s sustainable development goals.

Long Read: Will vogue for organic grow beyond pandemic?

The organic market, along with its wine and beer subdivision, swelled during the past year, but whether this was a spur-of-the-moment spike driven merely by the pandemic remains to be seen. Callum Saunders, planning director at Zeal Creative, dives into the UK trend to explore whether organic wine and beer is set to be a staple in the drinks sector.

Australia feels impact of Chinese tariffs on wine

The impact of the Chinese tariffs on Australian exports will not be immediately offset by other markets, the latest Australian Bulk Wine Market Update has said.

Jerry Lockspeiser: What business must learn from the European Super League fiasco

The fiasco over football’s proposed European Super League (ESL) has echoes for business everywhere. The issues raised by this failed venture should seep into the nooks and crannies of ancient wine cellars and waft into the boardrooms of drinks corporations across the globe.

Ethical winemaking in South America: A new world

James Lawrence looks at the South American wineries championing biodiversity and giving back to the vineyards.

Five minutes with Nicolas Clerc MS, Armit Wines

After a tumultuous 12 months, Nicolas Clerc, brand manager at Armit Wines reflects on buying and the impact of Brexit on running a ‘virtual’ Burgundy EP campaign

Minister dashes hopes of VAT cut extension

A treasury minister has said there are “no current plans” to further extend the reduction in VAT for hospitality businesses despite estimates that rising rates could directly and permanently impact the sector and lead to the loss of up to 310,000 jobs.

UK hospitality takes a £30bn tumble

The closure of the hospitality industry between April to June left a £30bn hole in the British economy, it has emerged.

Pandemic weighs down on Gen Z

The generation of youngest drinkers are the most difficult age group to entice back through the bar, restaurant or shop door, Wine Intelligence has suggested, with the fallout from Covid-19 likely to have the most detrimental impact on their buying behaviours. 

GB sustainability initiative given the “green” light

The environmental sustainability scheme for the UK wine industry is now underway, around a year after plans were first announced in order to put GB winemaking on a par with green rivals in New Zealand and Champagne.

London restaurateurs call for wine duty cut