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

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

Conviviality on track to open 20 more stores by April

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

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

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.

Kent vineyard Chapel Down signs deal on new land

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.

The Benevolent offers magic, music and dancing at its March Ball

The Benevolent is encouraging the drinks trade to reward well performing staff with a night out at the industry charity's ball at London's Dorchester hotel on March 12.

Encirc Beverages appoints new general manager John Hawkins

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.

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

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

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

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.

Accolade Wines finalises Grant Burge deal

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

Peter Shakeshaft: what impact a weaker euro will have on the fine wine investment market

Markets are adjusting to the commencement of a large programme of quantitive easing from the European Central Bank announced on January 22 January, and assimilating the impact of a sweeping left wing victory in Greek elections and the potential for the long discussed "Grexit" from the euro.

Wine agency suppliers to be hardest hit in Tesco range cull

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.

Regional recovery in dining out market strengthens

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.

Drinks trade saves £51m on glass recycling

The wine and spirits trade has saved an estimated £51 million in glass recycling fees per year in the last year, after a WSTA-led campaign sought to bring spiralling costs down.

Wine is now the UK's most popular alcohol drink with 30 million regular drinkers

Wine is now the most popular alcohol drink with 60% of adults, according to a new poll commissioned by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Jacob's Creek turns to its winemakers and growers for new TV campaign

Herefordshire English winery looking for UK distributor

One of the oldest farming families in Herefordshire, which converted from cattle to vines 10 years ago, is looking for a UK distributor for its wine.

WSTA sets out its own general election manifesto to the main political parties

What the drinks industry wants from the next government is laid out today in the Wine and Spirit Trade Association's general election manifesto.

IWC claims retailers can raise millions of pounds in extra sales by using medal stickers

Using award winning wine stickers on bottles can boost total wine sales by up to 15% in retail outlets, equating to millions of pounds in extra sales, according to research released today by the International Wine Challenge.

WSET honours top performing Diploma students at London ceremony

The brightest and most successful students who have taken part in the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma programme were honoured at a special ceremony this week at London's Guildhall.

D&D celebrates Valentine's with wine and film events across its restaurants

London's innovative restaurant group, D&D, has come up with an imaginative way to help celebrate wine in its outlets in the build up to Valentine's Day with a special Love Wine and Film promotion.