Spain raises the stakes

Spain has long been known as the commercial hub of Europe’s classic winemaking regions – a category that has traditionally seen off-trade sales veer towards its £5-£10 “sweet spot” or lower, to the sub-£5, rather than its top tier of lauded pagos.

Profile: Kingsland Drinks

By taking an holistic approach from sourcing to supply, Kingsland Drinks is injecting innovation along the way. Andrew Catchpole reports 

Côtes du Rhône scam sold 66 million bottles of fake wine

The extent of a large-scale wine fraud in the Côtes du Rhône has been unveiled, amounting to 66.5 million bottles of counterfeit wine.

Bordeaux pulls away from entry level as exports rise

2017 saw an increase in exports for Bordeaux to key markets such as UK, Germany and Belgium, with the US and China also on an upward trajectory, delivering significant growth in higher priced wines.

Transformed Slovakia targets UK

UK wine importers have sealed new distribution deals to import their first cool climate wines from Slovakia, in moves that highlight the transformation of viticulture in the eastern EU country.

China to squeeze bulk supply of Australian red to critical levels over next 3-5 years

Maxxium UK rebrands in a bid to clarify market position

Maxxium UK, the UK’s sales and distribution arm of global companies Beam Suntory and Edrington has undergone an enormous period of change since 2009, when the head office of its global brand owners – then a mix of Edrington, Beam, Rémy Cointreau and former Absolut owner VMS – folded.

Fever-Tree continues to lead the premium pack by adapting to low-cal and dark spirit trends

Fever-Tree accounted for 91% of the value growth of all mixers on the UK’s retail shelves last year, as the UK-based company continues to lead the march of premium mixers.

Sparkling drives growth as inflation bites down on average prices

Volume sales of alcohol continued to decline in the UK off-trade in 2017, but value sales increased in both yearly and quarterly sales, particularly in sparkling wine, which remains the main driver of growth for the overall wine category.

Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2018 open for entries

The international Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2018 has thrown down the gauntlet to UK somms, inviting entries for this year’s competition to be held on 9 April at 67 Pall Mall.

Call for greater clarity on low and no alcohol labelling reaches House of Commons

MPs are gathering in the House of Commons today to tackle the “confusing” labelling of low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks.

New Zealand premium exports hit a high note in the US and UK

New Zealand’s reputition as a top producer of quality wines continue to rise in the UK and across the world, as it is named the third biggest wine importer in value to the US.

French organic wine sales grow to a billion euros with UK sales on the rise

Are you being served by AI?

Jo Gilbert tracks how artificial intelligence is emerging from the shadows, along with augmented reality, to become the ultimate interactive collaborator

Champagne exports catch up with French domestic consumption as value grows

Shipments of Champagne abroad caught up with domestic sales last year, new figures from the Champagne Bureau UK show.

Pernod extends Wincanton partnership

Pernod Ricard has renewed its long-standing partnership with Wincanton in the UK.

Navarra goes back to its roots with Garnacha rosados

In the not-so-distant past, Garnacha accounted for 90% of plantings in Navarra. After falling to around 20% in the 1980s, it is now on the rise says Navarra DO president David Palacios, as winemakers flock back to the region’s once signature grape

Sparkling sales continue to fizz in the UK

Sales of sparkling grew by 6% in volume and 9% in value in the off-trade last year, showing the popularity of the category continues to rise.

Gonzalez Byass goes sherry light with a twist on an old classic

Packed out sherry and port stands at Gonzalez Byass UK’s tasting yesterday showed there is strength in the traditional fortified category, with Quinta do Noval and flagship Tio Pepe brand drawing crowds.

CIVB launches first Bordeaux Wine Month alongside PR shake-up

The official Bordeaux wine body has announced a number of initiatives lined up for the UK for 2018, including an official Bordeaux Wine Month to run in UK independents throughout the month of June.