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California's bumper 2014 harvest means overstock on bulk wine, broker warns

Published:  09 February, 2015

California produced a "shed-load" of wine - 4 million tonnes - in the chronic drought conditions of 2014, which will lead to an inventory surplus, a top bulk broker has warned.

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Supermarkets special report: Why less is more

Published:  06 February, 2015

As the UK's major multiples look to pare back their wine and spirit ranges in order to boost performance and compete with discounters, Gemma McKenna asks what this new direction will mean for the rest of the trade

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Independent merchants: the ones to watch

Published:  06 February, 2015

As part of our March for the Independents campaign, here we highlight some of the independent merchants across the country worth keeping an eye on. Gemma McKenna reports

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Wine merchants can have their say and take part in March for Independents survey

Published:  06 February, 2015

There is still time for independent wine merchants to have their say and share their views on how they see the sector, the opportunities and challenges they face, which wine and spirits categories are selling the most and what they would like to see more from their suppliers, by taking part in Harpers exclusive online poll.

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Portman Group hits back against 'misleading' calls for alcohol advertising ban

Published:  05 February, 2015

The Portman Group has branded research from Alcohol Concern which calls for restrictions on alcohol advertising and sponsorship "weak and misleading".

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Conviviality on track to open 20 more stores by April

Published:  05 February, 2015

Bargain Booze owner Conviviality Retail is planning to open a further 20 stores by April, and is targeting the south west for expansion.

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Q&A: Conviviality's Diana Hunter on acquisitions and expanding ranges

Published:  05 February, 2015

The ink has barely dried on Conviviality's latest acquisition deal - to take on 37 stores across Yorkshire and the East Midlands - and chief executive Diana Hunter already has plans in place for further expansion.

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Grocery Adjudicator launches Tesco investigation

Published:  05 February, 2015

The Groceries Code Adjudicator has launched an investigation into Tesco over evidence that it delayed supplier payments and demanded fees for better positioning on shelf.

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Felix Solis UK toasts sales rise of 28% in first year as standalone firm

Published:  04 February, 2015

The UK arm of Spanish wine company Felix Solis is toasting a cracking first year as a standalone company as its sales have soared 28% in the last 12 months.

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Conviviality Retail acquires 37 stores from GT News in £6m deal

Published:  04 February, 2015

Conviviality Retail, owner of Bargain Booze and Wine Rack, has acquired 37 stores owned by GT News in a deal worth £6 million.

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Kent vineyard Chapel Down signs deal on new land

Published:  04 February, 2015

Kent winery Chapel Down is looking to bump up production and has signed deals to double the land it holds under lease to 130 hectares.

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Yalumba CEO Robert Hill-Smith steps down after 30 years

Published:  04 February, 2015

Australia's oldest family winery Yalumba is to lose its chief executive of 30 years - Robert Hill-Smith - who is stepping down from the role to chair the board of directors.

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Encirc Beverages appoints new general manager John Hawkins

Published:  03 February, 2015

Contract bottling firm Encirc Beverages has appointed John Hawkins as its new general manager to oversee operations and develop customer relations at its Elton plant in Cheshire.

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Middle and upper classes flock to Aldi and Lidl for drinks bargains

Published:  03 February, 2015

The British notion of class is no longer holding back shoppers from snapping up drinks bargains at discounters Aldi and Lidl.

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Opportunities ripe for consolidation in independent wine sector, predicts Broderson

Published:  03 February, 2015

The time is right for many independent operators across the wine and spirits sector to seriously consider consolidation in order to strengthen businesses, says drinks mergers and acquisition specialists Broderson & Co.

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Rioja wines plan to boost premium sales as value soars 10% in UK

Published:  03 February, 2015

Rioja wines soared 10% by value in the UK in 2014, and the region now plans to boost its premium position with campaigns targeting the on-trade and independent sector.

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Accolade Wines finalises Grant Burge deal

Published:  03 February, 2015

Accolade Wines has completed its deal to acquire the Barossa Valley's Grant Burge Wines, which includes its brand, business and Krondorf winery.

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AG Barr buys cocktail mixer firm Funkin

Published:  03 February, 2015

Scottish soft drinks group AG Barr, the maker of Irn Bru, has bought cocktail mixer firm Funkin for up to £21 million.

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Wine agency suppliers to be hardest hit in Tesco range cull

Published:  02 February, 2015

Tesco's pledge to cut ranges by 30% as part of a massive overhaul of its entire product base will hit wine and spirits suppliers, especially those on the agency side, and is likely to be followed by the other major supermarket chains, industry experts have warned.

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Regional recovery in dining out market strengthens

Published:  02 February, 2015

Consumers in Wales and the north and east of England ate out more frequently than Londoners over Christmas, strengthening views that a regional recovery is happening.

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