Nick Gillett: Education, education, education – hospitality’s secret weapon

When it comes to the spirits and hospitality industries, I harp on about education a lot. But with good reason. That dinner you had out the other week with the outstanding service – it’s thanks to education. Receiving a top new tipple recommendation from your local bartender – education. Formal training, cocktail masterclasses, category insight – it’s all helping to create better teams, better serves and ultimately an altogether better experience for the customer. So as someone who works for or is interested in the industry, here’s why you should care about it.

Nick Gillett: Wholesale at a crossroads – which way now?

We’re now at a crossroads in the UK. I don’t mean economically or politically. I will leave others to comment on that. Having worked previously for a wholesaler and now as a distributor, it’s the changing wholesale drinks market I want to discuss.

Naked Wines profits warning sparks shares nosedive

Online retailer Naked Wines has lost nearly 40% of its market value after it admitted that lockdown-boosted sales and heightened customer acquisition is likely to see a significant drop in 2023.

Quintessential Brands unveils 'industry-first' Spirit Centre

International spirits business Quintessential Brands has launched a first-of-its-kind Spirit Centre, designed to “take customer collaboration to new heights to drive better, insight-driven innovation within spirits”.

Laithwaites commits to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035

Laithwaites has committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, with the shorter-term goal of halving its carbon footprint by 2030.

Digital strategies and synergies continue to rise in importance as businesses physically reopen

Online services continue to grow in importance, key sources have highlighted this week, as online retail sales continue to strengthen despite physical stores reopening, and as digital strategies and e-booking becomes more important than ever for bars and restaurants re-launching to demob-happy crowds.

Paving the way back to tasting

The B2C shift: Driving it home

The coronavirus (Covid-19) has opened up a new world of B2C engagement for businesses offering a lifeline to consumers stuck inside their homes, as Jo Gilbert reports. 

Vivino faces legal challenge in Sweden

Vivino, the leading wine app is facing legal trouble in Sweden, the Times is reporting this morning.

My perfect customer: Chris Laidler, Covino

Chester's Covino is a stylish independent wine shop, wine bar and small-plate restaurant boasting over 100 artisan wines. Owner and manager Chris Laidler shares his secrets to attracting new customers and keeping his existing crowd happy.

My perfect customer: Emily Silva, The Oxford Wine Company

How would you describe your customer base?

Royal Wedding and hot weather boost online BWS sales

Online sales of beer, wines and spirits were up 27.3% YoY in March 2018, new data has revealed.