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Insights: Is Scotch whisky fighting a possible hangover?

Increased competition from American bourbon and Irish whiskey producers are challenging the single malt Scotch whisky category, but could education and brand building initiatives help the category?

Jerry Lockspeiser: Is it time for the wine trade to face up to the health risks of drinking?

Jerry Lockspeiser weighs in on the new Chief Medical Officer guidelines of alcohol consumption and argues as a trade we have an 'obligation to pay attention'. Are we skeptical because we simply don't want to believe the argument is valid?

Analysis: Non-alcoholic drinks an upsell opportunity for the on-trade

With an increasing number of consumers cutting down on their drinking but not their socialising, Jo Bruce looks at the rise in demand in the on-trade for more exciting non-alcoholic drinks

Insights: Ayo Akintola's keys for success on social media following #WhatTheFox campaign

Ayo Akintola, the managing director of Oddbins, shared some of his recent learnings following the successful social media campaign the quirky retailer launched over the Christmas trading period. 

Insights: New Zealand wine no longer just about Sauvignon Blanc

With sales of Sauvignon Blanc dominating the New Zealand category, retailers are encouraging consumers to look at the country's wine offer with a fresh set of eyes.

Insights: Is it the end of the traditional wine shops?

As the competition hots up in independent retail with the introduction of more and more hybrid venues, could this spell the end for the traditional wine shop? Nigel Huddleston investigates 

Interview: Mike James is Aldi's ace in the pack

Mike James, wine buying director at Aldi UK, is driving a category which is driving a discounter at the forefront of the industry. Erin Smith reports on the changing face of its wine range 

Aldi to launch online offering

Mike James, wine buying director of Aldi, outlined his range strategy ahead of launching the discounter retailer's online wine offering, which is expected to launch in the first two months of the year.

Insights: Aldi UK launching online wine offer

After a sneak preview of some of the wines in Aldi UK's forthcoming online range, Angela Mount tells all and looks at the discounter's web strategy 

Insights: Retailers look back on the Christmas trading period

On the back of the Christmas and new year trading period, Harpers asks suppliers and merchants how Christmas was for them and what they expect looking ahead.

Drinks businesses flex their sharp social media skills

Social media has become a crucial tool in any brand manager's box of tricks and it will become increasingly important in 2016. Erin Smith reports 

Q&A: Paul Schaafsma, chief executive, Accolade Wines

The recently appointed head of Accolade Wines talks about life in the top job, Chilean wine brand Anakena launching in the UK and how he plans to make Accolade a global one-stop shop for New World wines

Insights: Is UK bottling the way forward for bulk wine?

As more and more top-selling wine brands in the UK move their bottling over here, Angela Mount looks at the benefits: does it make more sense to ship in bulk?

Christopher Cooper: Bartenders versus sommeliers - who brings the 'cool' to the drinks industry?

Perception is everything in the battle of the elite drinks purveyors, so it's about time we factored "cool" into wine's appeal, says Christopher Cooper

Andrew Catchpole: A promising year for the wine trade

Consumer confidence - and spend - is on the up, a stronger pound is easing the path for UK buyers, and time has seemingly been called by the multiples on an era of heavy discounting, with range cuts also playing into the hands of adventurous independents selling on the contrasting breadth of their portfolio.

Analysis: Trade optimism lifts following festive trading

Consumer confidence is generally on the up and early indications suggest that Christmas delivered a welcome boost to the trade.

Analysis: How Australian wine is changing consumer perceptions

It's high time consumers stop pigeonholing Australia and recognise its rich and diverse winegrowing regions, says Anne Krebiehl MW

The Smith Report: The Brexit effect

With the revelation that the historic referendum could take place this year, should the wine trade be worried? Erin Smith investigates

Guy Woodward: The many reasons to be thankful for our wine press

When my name first started appearing at the top of this page each month, I promised myself there was one topic that I would strenuously avoid. Eighteen months in, I'm about to break that promise...