Independent merchants have key role to play in lobbying MPs for duty changes, says WSTA

Independent wine merchants have a key role to play in persuading local MPs to listen to the wine and spirits industry's calls for an effective cut in alcohol duty levels at the 2015 Budget.

A "united" industry effort can force a 2% cut in duty, claims WSTA's Miles Beale

Consumer confidence rises despite drop in wine and spirits sales says WSTA

There are further signs that the economy is recovering and consumer confidence is returning despite a fall in wine and spirits sales, according to the latest market report issued by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Business and drinks experts to share innovation insights at WSTA conference

Experts from both inside and outside the drinks industry will share their experience on the importance of driving innovation through business at tomorrow's annual conference of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Pernod Ricard UK chief to be new WSTA chair

Pernod Ricard UK's managing director Denis O'Flynn has been selected as the new chairman of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Advertising legend Sir John Hegarty to be star turn at WSTA conference

Advertising guru turned wine producer, St John Hegarty, is to give the keynote talk at this month's Wine & Spirit Trade Association annual conference.

WSTA conference to focus on engaging consumers

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association's annual conference will focus on the role branding, innovation and digital communications play in engaging with consumers in today's wine and spirits world.

Government praises drinks industry's on Responsibility Deal as new pledges announced

The drinks industry has been roundly praised by the Home Office and Department of Health for the "real progress" it has made in tackling alcohol misuse via the Responsibility Deal.

WSTA's Miles Beale gears up for the next battle to cut wine duty

Fresh from victory in the battle against hiking alcohol duty ever-upwards, the Wine & Spirit Trade Association's chief executive is already champing at the bit to secure a fair duty level next time around.

Wines over £5 account for almost half of supermarket sales

Underage alcohol sales have fallen, but proxy purchasing is rising

Retailers have made major progress in driving down underage alcohol sales, but proxy purchasing is on the increase, according to a new report.

WSTA gears up for aggressive campaign against duty hikes in 2015

The WSTA is considering calling for a 2% cut in duty on wine and spirits as part of its campaign in the lead up to next year's Budget.

WSTA's Miles Beale wins Harpers Special Achievement award for Call Time on Duty campaign

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirits Trade Association, has been awarded with a Special Achievement award at tonight's Harpers Awards for the leadership he showed in driving the Call Time on Duty campaign which resulted in the duty escalator on wine and spirits being scrapped in the 2014 Budget.

France still best performing wine in on-trade

On-trade wine sales fell by 2% during 2013, and stayed flat in the first quarter, according to figures compiled by CGA for the WSTA market report. In the long-term, France still remains best-performing country for wine in the on-trade. It has grown 10% in the 12 months to January 25, 2014 and now holds a 27% share of total wine sales.

Scotland's minimum price plan referred to European Court

The Scottish government's plan to introduce a minimum price for alcohol has been referred to the European Court of Justice.

Drinkaware accuses trade of not doing enough to promote unit guidelines

Drinkaware says consumers are confused over unit guidelines and called on the industry to do more.

Chilean wine exports to UK fall by one third in 2013

The UK is still the second largest export market for Chilean wine, but volumes have plummeted by 34% in the last year, with value down 17%.

Wine sales down 2% in on and off-trade, says WSTA report

Wine is still struggling in both the on and off-trade, with sales down 2% over the last year, says the latest WSTA market report.

Industry leaders say reduced glass recycling costs have saved businesses

Senior figures in the wine trade say steps to cut exorbitant charges for glass recycling could save some companies from going out of business. 

Changes to packaging waste recycling costs could save wine and spirit sector £38m

The wine and spirits industry has welcomed news that the government intends to lower the costs involved in recycling packaging waste, following a huge increase in glass recycling costs, which could save the sector up to £38 million.