Bouncing Back Q&A: Des Gunewardena, D&D London

C&C Group appoints Harriet Kininmonth as wine trading director

C&C Group has appointed Harriet Kininmonth to the newly created position of wine trading director.

Investment in hospitality sector halves in Q1

Business investment in the hospitality sector halved in the first quarter of this year on an annual basis, according to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.

Diageo reports 8.3% jump in sales

Diageo has reported an 8.3% jump in sales to £12.7bn with strong organic growth offset by an adverse foreign exchange impact in the year to 30 June 2021.

Nicholls appointed hospitality disability ambassador

UK Hospitality (UKH) CEO Kate Nicholls has been appointed as the hospitality sector’s first disability ambassador to date as part of the government’s new National Disability Strategy.

Hospitality footfall boosted by ‘Freedom day’

The lifting of all Covid-19 trading restrictions in England on 19 July saw a significant boost in footfall, according to the latest Presence data from Wireless Social, with the UK reaching 80% pre-Covid levels.   

Overall BWS supermarket sales continue to slide

Beer, wine and spirits (BWS) sales through supermarkets continued to slide in the last four weeks to 17 July, down 6% compared with the same period last year, according to Total Till data from NielsenIQ released today.

‘Freedom day’ provides lift for bars

The long-awaited easing of Covid restrictions on 19 July saw like-for-like drinks sales at a GB level dropping by just 5% on the same day in July 2019, according to CGA’s Drinks Recovery Tracker.

Venue closures and reduced service looming for hospitality

The hospitality sector is facing a summer of venue closures and reduced service following the government’s decision to leave the industry off the self-isolation exemption list, UK Hospitality (UKH) has warned.

'Easing of restrictions does not mean easing of challenges'

The scale of the challenges facing hospitality businesses as they look to rebuild from the effects of the pandemic means government support continues to be essential, key industry bodies have said.

Famille Helfrich recruits to grow business in London and the South

Famille Helfrich, the on-trade and independent merchant arm of French winemaker Les Grands Chais de France, has recruited Julien Dillmann as national account manager to spearhead its quest to grow and support its customer base in London and the South.

Supermarkets record drop in BWS sales

Take-home sales of alcohol over the four weeks to 11 July were down by 3% compared with the previous month, according to the latest figures from Kantar.

Severe staff shortages dampen Freedom Day

The number of new job vacancies in the hospitality sector rose by almost 10% in the last seven days, according to new analysis by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM.

On-trade group sales nearly level with 2019

Britain's managed pub, restaurant and bar groups saw sales in June nearly level with the same month in 2019 on both a total and like-for-like basis, according to the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker.

Flint expands NZ portfolio with Huia

Flint Wines has signed a deal as the UK distributor of New Zealand estate, Huia Vineyards.

Business leaders optimistic about next 12 months

A majority of business leaders now feel optimistic about market prospects for the next 12 months, while consumers are increasingly confident about going out, according the latest Future Shock report from CGA and UK Hospitality (UKH).

Jascots lists Amarone producer Tommaso Bussola

Jascots Wine Merchants has added Valpolicella producer Tommaso Bussola to its portfolio.

Room to work from home

As working from home practices become more ingrained, it looks like they will become part of a long-term culture shift, says Jo Gilbert.

The Drinks Trust gets behind National Hospitality Day

The Drinks Trust has partnered with a taskforce of the hospitality industry’s main trade associations, professional bodies and charities to call on the nation to support the sector by visiting their favourite venue on 18 September – National Hospitality Day.

Rousset and Pineau return with Nocturne

Nocturne