Gin sales almost double in two years

The UK bought a record breaking 73 million bottles of gin last year across the on and off-trade (Nielsen/CGA), with off-trade sales peaking in the run up to Mother's Day.

WSTA welcomes plan for temporary suspension on tariffs in event of 'no deal'

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed the plan to temporarily suspend tariffs on wine and spirits under a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario.

Facing a Brexit hangover

A no-deal Brexit will deliver import chaos and a significant added cost burden to the UK trade. Andrew Catchpole reports

WSTA and LWF reveal results of UK importers Brexit survey

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) has revealed the results of a survey carried out at its recent roundtable, held in partnership with the London Wine Fair (LWF), looking ahead to the potential effects of various Brexit outcomes on the trade.

Post-Brexit trade deals could pressure Government over duty rises

Major New World exporters to the UK could bring pressure to bear on the UK Government over duty rises on wine as part of negotiations over future free trade agreements.

Jerry Lockspeiser: How to win in uncertain times

If we have heard it once we have heard it a thousand times: Business needs clarity to plan.

Q&A: Dean Harper, owner of HarperWells shares his Norwich knowledge

James Lawrence talks Brexit, MUP, millennials and alternative formats with indie Dean Harper of HarperWells

Berkmann announces plan to protect prices as Brexit looms

Berkmann Wine Cellars has revealed its pricing strategy for 2019, which it says includes a “proactive plan to protect customers from potential Brexit fall out".

Deflecting the Brexit bomb

Counting Daphne’s, Scott’s, Sexy Fish, Caprice, the fast-growing Ivy Collection, J. Sheeky and Harry’s Bar among its swish restaurants and watering holes, Caprice Holdings can be seen as something of a barometer for trends sweeping through the premium on-trade. And the same can be said of the drinks offer, which morphs from cool cocktails to fine wines – and everything in between – across the various brands and estates.

WSTA calls for wine tariffs suspension to avoid ‘no deal’ price hikes

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has called on the government to temporarily suspend wine tariffs to prevent prices rocketing in the event of a ‘no deal' Brexit .

Sustainability key to future success, predicts The Change Group

Looking ahead: Andrew Lundy, MD, Vino

Once again we are catching up with the trade to find out how businesses made the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.

Looking ahead: Miles Beale, WSTA

Tumultuous political times are offering an interesting backdrop to our latest Looking Ahead series.

WSTA reiterates ‘duty rise’ and ‘no deal' Brexit concerns to government

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this week reiterated the “bleak picture” a ‘no deal Brexit’, combined with the pending duty rise, would paint for UK wine importers.

Looking ahead: Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia

Once again we are catching up with the trade over the next few weeks to find out how businesses are making the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.

WSTA returns to Tokyo to promote homegrown wine and gin

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this week travelled to Tokyo to showcase the quality of English wine and British gin in a bid to boost exports.

Brexit: WSTA launches #NoToNoDeal campaign

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned MPs ‘don’t bottle it’, while urging wine and spirit businesses to get behind a campaign that makes clear that a no deal Brexit would be unacceptable to the UK drinks industry.

Creating stronger bonds

At first glance, the day-to-day logistics of running a bonded warehouse is scarcely of any interest to the wider trade, let alone consumers. Regarded as a prosaic stepping stone in the overall supply chain, firms such as Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) have been managing these “holding bays” for decades, a regulated space where imported goods that are intended for export can be stored without actually entering the UK market. Duty and VAT payments are deferred until the wine is sold or removed from the bonded warehouse. It’s that simple.

Record sales at the Hospices de Beaune

The 158th Hospices de Beaune wine auction enjoyed a record sale of €14,18 million (£12.6 million), according to auction organiser Christie’s.

‘Ready to drink’ 2017 Burgundies could ease sky-high prices ahead of Brexit

The wines now emerging from Burgundy’s 2017 vintage could help to ease the pockets of restaurants and fine wine merchants, it has been suggested.