An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.
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The workplace is more age diverse than ever before, with four generations now working cheek by jowl worldwide. However, post-pandemic socialising now looks very different, and business leaders are being warned to make sure they have workplace alcohol policies in place in order to cater to the needs and preferences of a multigenerational workforce.
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The government is using public health arguments as a “thin veneer to maintain market distortions” Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, has said in a rebuttal of the claims made by Gareth Davies at the Westminster Hall debate earlier this month.
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The value of alcohol e-commerce is set to see slowed growth over the next five years as sales normalise following Covid. However, value is still forecast to increase by a hefty $7.5bn as online growth continues to outstrip traditional sales.
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Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has quelled fears of a second duty rise this year in this afternoon’s Autumn Budget, by announcing a freeze until August next year.
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Bordeaux winemaker and British expat Gavin Quinney says UK duty is ‘even crazier’ than we first thought.
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Harpers wants to hear from indie retailers as to how the 1 August duty rises – and associated costs – are impacting business.
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A new report has said the global beverage industry could achieve its emissions reduction goals by 2028 if a clear plan is put in place. However, it is not currently on course to meet either its 2030 or 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) targets.
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Economic depression tends to lead consumers to splash out on little luxuries. This is the idea behind the ‘lipstick effect’, coined by Estée Lauder’s Leonard Lauder to describe the rocketing rise of lipsticks in 2008, post the 9/11 attacks in New York and while global markets teetered on the brink of financial meltdown. By extension – and with the cost of living and wage stagnation pushing prices higher – alcohol still seems to fall within a comparatively ‘affordable luxury’ bracket.
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So, the deadline has come and gone – and despite an avalanche of criticism, including a letter sent by Hennings Wine owner Matt Hennings to his local MP in June, begging the government to wake up and smell the bonfire, the trade is now facing increases to the tune of 20% or 44p per 75cl bottle.
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A majority of Britons believe companies are using inflation to mask price gouging. But despite price rises, loyalty to alcohol brands remains high, according to new findings by consumer research platform Attest.
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Luvians manager Archie McDiarmid fears for the future of the alcohol industry in Scotland if government proposals go ahead
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Premiumisation was an ongoing trend in wines and spirits during the first half of 2022 as consumers leaned into little luxuries, new data has revealed. However, as we teeter on the brink of global recession, it is increasingly clear that consumers are holding back on their drinks purchases – a trend that could be particularly acute in the UK, where both intensifying economic gloom and rising inflation is threatening to ‘derail premiumisation’.
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Nick Gillett, MD of Mangrove UK, on the uphill battle smaller brands face with ever more powerful players dominating the industry.
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The restaurant sector is showing some strong recovery after running the gauntlet for the past couple of years. However, alcohol’s future looks more tenuous, with the role of drinks – and the share of more expensive, premium products – becoming increasingly squeezed by ever-ratcheting living costs.
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It’s likely that alcohol will play little to no role in the celebrations in the Sunak household this evening, as the UK prepares for a new – and perhaps its first ever teetotal Prime Minster – in Number 10.
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A new report issued by the IWSR is full of encouraging news for the international beverage industry. According to the organisation's Drinks Market Analysis, the value of global alcohol sales grew 12% last year to reach US$1.17 trillion, while volume rose by a more modest 3% in 2021.
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Brits drink less alcohol than they did during the past two Jubilee celebrations – a trend which is likely to carry over this weekend as party planners fill shelves and ice boxes. However, wine and spirits have a greater share of that pie, as the two categories steal a march from the once all-powerful beer category.
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Inflation and price squeezes have impacted sales of FMCG products in the multiples over the past 12 weeks, including alcohol. However, in actual terms, alcohol is still a more profitable sector than pre-pandemic.
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The Portman Group has launched a new online training programme on responsible marketing specifically for smaller producers and start-ups.
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