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

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

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English wine producer Hambledon Vineyard announces expansion plans

Hambledon Vineyard has announced plans to to increase the estates's production facilities in response to growing demand of its award-winning English sparkling wine.

November leisure spend falls as Britons watch spending in lead up to Christmas

Last month the average British household spent £188.41 on out of home leisure, which is a decrease of £5 (2%) year-on-year and a £17 (8%) decrease compared to October according to the Greene King Leisure Spend Tracker.

Q&A: Nik Darlington, founder, Red Squirrel Wine

Q&A: Tim Heath, head winemaker, Cloudy Bay

Tim Heath, who has been with Cloudy Bay for 10 years, talks about continuing the legacy of one of New Zealand's most iconic brands as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Erin Smith: Change offers us hope for the future

Erin Smith looks back at 2015 and reflects on how change can offer opportunities in 2016

The Smith Report: A year of change for the trade

Looking back, 2015 has been a year of change and consolidation, but those business adapting are more prepared to pounce on the opportunities in 2016

Analysis: Harper's survey reveals what trends may lay ahead in 2016

Looking back, 2015 was not a bad year for the trade, but it was a challenging one. But what does the future hold? We conducted a survey to find out the general feeling throughout the trade as we approach a new year. 

Community Alcohol Partnerships reduce underage drinking-related crime

Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) schemes have decreased alcohol-related crime among young people in many participating communities across the UK, according to a new report published this week called Progress through Partnership: Creating Safer Communities.

Kantar Worldpanel: Aldi and Lidl's combined marketshare hits 10% for first time

Aldi and Lidl's combined UK marketshare have hit 10% for the the first time after attracting an additional one million shoppers according to Kantar Worldpanel figures for the 12 weeks ending 8 November 2015.

Majestic H1 results: profits drop 50% as company launches turnaround plan

Majestic plc's first-half results show that profits dropped by 50% for the 26 weeks to September 28, 2015, with profits before tax sliding to £4.3m, down from £8.5m for the same period the year before.

Iconic Artesian bar loses several key bar staff members

Is it the end of an era for the iconic Artesian bar, a four-time winner of the World's 50 Best Bars, which lost its two lead bartenders Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale and nine other staff members?

Q&A: Merchant Vintners' chairman James Tanner

James Tanner is the third chairman of the buying group which is celebrating 50 years of business and looking for new recruits.

Q&A: Andrés Lavados, Chile's Santa Rita Estates

Andrés Lavados has been heading up Chile's Santa Rita Estates for more than a year. He talks about his vision for the company and how he plans to crack the UK market.

Interview: Barbara Banke takes family-owned Jackson Family Wines global

Barbara Banke, the driving force behind Jackson Family Wines, on the challenges involved in guiding a family-owned business to global success.

Mark Harvey, new MD of wine at Chapel Down, wants to shake up the wine trade

Mark Harvey was recently appointed managing director of wine at Chapel Down. He talks to Erin Smith about his new role and what he sees for the future of the English sparkling wine brand.

Analysis: Spirits brands set to make the most of Christmas trading period

With the 12 weeks leading up to Christmas the most crucial for all in the drinks trade, Erin Smith looks at how the spirits sector fares at this time of year.

The Smith Report: A consumer-centric Christmas

As we head into November and the throes of the busiest trading period of the year, many retailers are changing strategies in an effort to pull in more consumers during the final weeks of 2015.