Draycott to take helm at Gonzalez Byass UK

Melissa Draycott has been appointed MD of González Byass UK, effective from 1 September 2021, taking over the roll from Martin Skelton.

Brewers welcome “scrapped” Covid passports

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has responded to growing speculation that Covid “passports for the pub” have been shelved, calling pubs and taprooms across the country “safe” for reopening without additional red tape.

Hospitality in Wales and Scotland reopen with 8pm indoor curfew for Scotland

Hospitality businesses can now open in Wales and Scotland for the first time since December, with Scotland’s ‘indoors but without alcohol’ policy putting it ahead of England’s outdoor-only phase of its current roadmap.

Harpers 50 Best Indies 2021 – nominations invited

We are once again launching our annual 50 Best Indies Awards, to acknowledge the best in the business of indie drinks retailing.

Mark McClintock crowned as GB Bartender of the Year

Diageo World Class Competition 2021 has awarded London-based Mark McClintock the title of GB Bartender of the Year.

Staffing For Success

For the second of our Building Back webinars in collaboration with Trade Hospitality App, Andrew Catchpole invited on-trade leaders to examine the growing issue of attracting and retaining talent.

Nearly half of consumers in England flock to hospitality venues

Nearly of half (44%) of adults in England have visited pubs, bars and restaurants since they re-opened for outdoor service on the 12 April, beating last year’s rate of return to hospitality following the easing of restrictions after the first lockdown.

Bringing it All Together at SME business advice summit

Many SMEs have had it particularly tough during the pandemic, with small and medium-sized businesses less likely than their larger rivals to have access to the resources to help guide them through.

In tribute to Litmus Wines’ Mike Florence

Friends, family and colleagues have paid tribute today to Mike Florence of Litmus Wines, who has sadly passed away following a long battle with Myeloma.

Paragon projects three-fold revenue increase following ‘substantial investment’

Paragon Brands has upped its projections for revenue and profit to “a target of £15m” within three years following a major investment by Maison Villevert.

Pent up demand delivers bigger post-lockdown bounce than 2020

Pubs, bars and restaurants able to operate outdoor space have seen a significant wave of customers returning, according to new data from CGA.

International Sherry Week and Copa Jerez align for autumn celebration

International Sherry Week will this year coincide with the biannual food and wine focused Copa Jerez competition during November.

Rioja plays a starring role in Cune’s first UK campaign

Hatch Mansfield has announced the launch of its first UK marketing campaign for Spanish label Cune, which will hone in on the brand’s Spanish heritage while promoting their range of Riojas.

Frost signals “significantly smaller” vintage for New Zealand harvest

Cooler spring weather and late frosts have led to a “significantly smaller vintage” for 2021, New Zealand Winegrowers has said, applying pressure at a time when the industry is facing increased production costs.

Historic Inglenook winery renews ties with New Generation Wines

Rutherford’s Inglenook winery has renewed its partnership with UK importer and distributor New Generation Wines as it aims to grow its international appeal.

Independents roundtable: Creating stronger supplier relations

Looking ahead to a receding pandemic, our recent How to Forge the Best Relationship with Suppliers round table explored how suppliers and merchants can best work together to ensure that the needs of old, new and evolved channels of business can be best capitalised upon and maximised. Andrew Catchpole rounds up the key takeaways

Soaring sherry sales prop up Tio Pepe’s 12th release

Drinks Wholesaler Spotlight 2021 – our business survey

Given the immense disruption of the past year, we’re morphing our annual Top Wholesaler list into a 2021 showcase for the innovation, adaptation and support seen from companies across this all important sector.

Bordeaux trading rises on US tariff suspension ahead of 2020 EP campaign

Market sentiment towards Bordeaux is “showing signs of recovery” as this year’s En Primeur campaign swings around, according to the Liv-ex members’ Bordeaux report released today.

California: Challenging French supremacy

The smartly boxed and sleekly designed sample bottles distributed ahead of the recent California Wine Institute’s Essential California at Home series of tastings were eye-catching in other ways too.