Small distilleries back cut in duty campaign

Small distillers across the UK have come out in force in favour of a 2% cut in the rate of duty, which they maintain would boost growth in the industry.

Labour's alcohol policies to boost Britain's health attacked by trade bodies

Labour party plans to introduce a ban on alcohol sponsorship of sporting events, combined with a series of measures to boost Britain's health have been attacked by the drinks industry's major trade associations.

WSTA's Miles Beale urges all in UK drinks industry to help secure 2% cut in alcohol duty

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, spells out today on Harpers.co.uk why it is so important everyone in the UK drinks industry plays their part in trying to secure a 2% drop in alcohol duty in the Budget in March.

Miles Beale: how you can help secure a 2% cut in alcohol duty

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, sets out the steps everyone involved in the UK drinks industry can play their part in convincing the Chancellor to a 2% drop in alcohol duty in the forthcoming Budget

Drinks industry leaders praise outgoing Direct Wines' chief Simon McMurtrie

Drinks industry leaders have heaped praise on outgoing Direct Wines' group chief executive Simon McMurtrie, as he prepares to take up a series of roles as  chairman of different businesses.

Brits fork out 50% in tax on festive drinks shop

British consumers forked out over 50% on tax for their festive alcohol shop, as taxes have surged by 19% in the past four years.

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: WSTA chief Miles Beale

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirits Trade Association, says the industry's progress against the Responsibility Deal is something to shout about. Meanwhile he's gearing up the pre-Budget Drop the Duty campaign and planning to engage with government after 2015's General Election.

'Unfair': how 84% of Britons describe tax on Scotch whisky

More than eight out of 10 Britons find the 78% tax on Scotch whisky unfair, according to new research carried out by Censuswide on behalf of the Scotch Whisky Association.

Drinks industry 'vastly exceeds' target to remove 1bn units

The drinks industry has "vastly exceeded" its target to remove 1 billion units of alcohol from the UK market two years ahead of schedule, a report from the Department of Health has confirmed.

Sparkling wine is success story of 2014, as still wine sales fall, says WSTA report

Wine sales fell 3% in the off-trade in 2014, and 2% in the on-trade - but sparkling wines are still in the ascendancy, says the latest market report from the Wine & Spirits Trade Association.

'Help us help you': wine and spirits trade call to Chancellor

"Help us, help you" was the direct message laid down to the Chancellor by the wine and spirits industry at today's media launch of its new Drop the Duty campaign.

WSTA and SWA call for 2% duty cut with launch of Drop the Duty! campaign

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association and the Scotch Whisky Association have teamed up to launch the Drop the Duty campaign which calls for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the March Budget, saying it will boost public finances by £1.5 billion. 

Minister backs call for lower duty tax band for reduced alcohol wines

The UK's public health minister has expressed "frustration" with a lack of flexibility around introducing a lower tax band for lower end wines, but the WSTA warns such a step would discriminate against wine from warmer climes.

Wine and spirit industries to unite in combined campaign for 2% duty cut in 2015 Budget

The wine and spirits industry is to unite under a combined campaign and consider calling for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the 2015 Budget.

Wine industry should take initiative on calorie labelling, says WSTA chief

The wine industry needs to prepare itself for adding calorie labels to wine bottles, as the battle against obesity continues, warned Wine & Spirit Trade Association chief Miles Beale.

WSTA recognises trade figures contributions to 'Call Time on Duty' campaign

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association has recognised a select group of MPs, Michael Saunders of the newly formed Bibendum PLB Group and Denis O'Flynn of Pernod Ricard UK for their outstanding contributions to the success of the 'Call Time On Duty' campaign.

WSTA chief slams new Sheffield study for ignoring already falling alcohol consumption

The WSTA chief has criticised a new report into minimum pricing which says the measure would be 50 times more effective than the below-cost selling ban, for "ignoring the reality" that alcohol consumption is already falling.

Wine should follow Top Gear's example and look to entertain not educate

The wine industry should look at the massive success of BBC's Top Gear in how to make a potentially complex subject entertaining to the public, according to advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty.

Supermarkets are threatening the future of wine suppliers warns Sir John Hegarty

Britain's biggest supermarkets are in danger of "screwing" wine suppliers so much the market is no longer "sustainable" was the dire warning laid down this week by advertising guru and wine producer, Sir John Hegarty.

Advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty, slams "truly appalling" wine industry