Border model could leave the UK between a rock and a hard Brexit

Co-op reports record growth as market share soars

The Co-Op has reported record sales over the past quarter, with the fastest share growth in the grocery retail industry for the 12 weeks to 14 June (Kantar). Sales are up 29.1%, bringing their market share to 7.4% – their highest since 2001.

Staff shifts still down 69% across the UK

The challenge facing the hospitality sector has been reiterated by new figures which show that shifts worked by employees are still down 68.9% across the UK.

On-trade trading at near 70% of pre-Covid norms

Managed pub, bar and restaurant groups in England have reported improving sales in the second week after shut-down was lifted, boosted by the reopening of more sites, according to the latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker data.

Pernod Ricard issues more upbeat guidance for 2020

Pernod Ricard is predicting a softer impact on its business as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, according to its latest guidance for its 2020 results.

Italy rising in half-year Liv-ex trades

The growing importance of Italian wines on global trading markets is reflected in the half-year data released by Liv-ex, the online fine-wine trading platform.

Green shoots of recovery in food-service

Britain’s food-service sector is showing signs of post lockdown recovery, according to new research from information business The NPD Group.

Friday read: Retail sales boom belies range stagnation

With supermarket wine sales soaring, buying strategies have altered dramatically, as Angela Mount reports.

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. 

Al fresco summer plans expected to skyrocket cocktails-to-go

Canned drinks and grab-and-go cocktails to go are expected to be given a major boost this summer thanks to a new vogue in outdoor drinking.

Tío Pepe opens first Sherry hotel

Historic Sherry brand Tío Pepe is adding a new page to its story with the launch of a boutique hotel within the grounds of the González Byass winery.

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.

Import-export webinar: A Taste of New York

Andrew Catchpole brought together leading NY state winemakers with UK merchants to explore Indie Opportunities from the Empire State

Lanchester goes digital with in-venue ordering platform

Lanchester Wines has unveiled its newest technological innovation – an online order and pay tool to help on-trade venues re-open while observing social distancing rules.

Majestic re-opens across the Channel

Majestic Calais, the French arm of Majestic Wine, has reopened its doors to customers at its superstore over The Channel following the easing of travel restrictions in and out of the UK.

Pernod Ricard UK launches largest single malt collection

Fifteen rare single malts are matriculating over to Pernod Ricard UK’s main portfolio, significantly ramping up the French giant’s stake in the Scotch whisky category.

Bollinger adds first cuvée in over a decade with Bollinger PN

Champagne Bollinger has added its first permanent cuvée in 12 years with the launch of Bollinger PN, the first of an intended series focusing on the house’s flagship grape.

Shakedown looms for English and Welsh spirits

A restructure could be on the cards for the English and Welsh spirits sector, as pressure from an impending recession begins to squeeze brands at either end of the price spectrum. Jo Gilbert reports

UK-wide bars and restaurants gear up to unveil new look on-trade this weekend

Bars, restaurants and pubs are expected to re-open in droves this weekend, with a complete overhaul of safety procedures set to establish a new normal for the British on-trade.

Casual Dining Group to close 91 restaurants

Casual Dining Group (CDG), the company that owns Bella Italia, Café Rouge, Las Iguanas and Belgo, has announced 91 of its 250 sites will remain closed permanently, resulting in the loss of 1,900 jobs to the on-trade sector.