Analysis: Gloom lifts off the on-trade

Property agent Christies sees conditions improving for restaurants and pubs, whether they're staying in business or selling up.

Blue Nun to relaunch in UK

Blue Nun wines is reaching out to 35-55 year-old women with its UK relaunch ? it aims to position the wines as "unpretentious".

Wine drinkers trust merchants over bloggers

Independent bloggers are one of the least trusted sources for wine information in the UK, USA and France, according to research published by the Wine Intelligence.

Hillebrand signs import contract with Waitrose

JF Hillebrand has signed a three-year contract to manage all wine imports for Waitrose.

FindWine launches fine wine portfolio

Online merchant FindWine has launched a 50-strong fine wine portfolio following the success of its Australian Wendouree tasting.

Sterling gains against US dollar after Bank comments

Sterling gained against the US dollar yesterday as the currency continued to gain support following Wednesday's Bank of England minutes, hitting a daily high of $1.5991/£1.

Jameson celebrates St Patrick's Day

Jameson Irish whiskey is launching a limited-edition bottle conceived by designer Paul Daly to capitalise on St Patrick's Day.

Heidsieck under starter's orders with Jockey Club

Piper-Heidsieck has been named as the official Champagne partner to Jockey Club racecourses.

Alcohol deaths fall, official figures show

There were 8,664 alcohol-related deaths in 2009, 367 fewer than recorded in 2008, according to the Office for National Statistics. But the number of deaths is still up 26% on a decade ago.

Trade bodies step up fight to protect smaller shops

Diageo to buy stake in Vietnamese distiller

Diageo is to buy a 23.6% stake in Hanoi Liqour, the Vietnamese branded spirits producer.

Restaurants 'don't maximise web opportunity'

Restaurants have been urged to do more to promote their restaurants online, and to use the web to allow bookings.

WSET holds fourth annual Awards & Graduation Ceremony

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust held its fourth annual Awards & Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the success of the top performing 2009/10 WSET students and diploma graduates.

Tiger Tiger operator 'to buy Balls Brothers'

Tiger Tiger operator Novus Leisure has been linked with a bid for Balls Bros, the London wine bar chain which went into administration last year.

Sterling plummets on back of poor GDP figures

The rate of sterling plummeted earlier today, dropping by 1.3% against the US dollar and 1.1% against the euro, as the market reacted to worse than expected GDP figures, writes Nick Ryder of Smart Currency Exchange.

Sterling falls back after a bumper week

Sterling fell against the US dollar and euro yesterday as investors took profits following last week's highs.

Bibendum launches Market Insights division

Bibendum has launched a new Market Insights division that aims to work closely with customers to deliver greater profits for the its category.

Le Bouchon Breton best in Harpers Drinking Out Excellence Awards

Le Bouchon Breton in London's Spitalfields market has been named the best place for a drink whilst out dining in the 2011 Harpers Wine & Spirit Drinking Out Excellence Awards.

Creation Wines appoints Ellis of Richmond

Creation Wines of South Africa has named Ellis of Richmond as its UK distributor.

Emporia Brands rolls out spirits school

Emporia Brands is rolling out a series of spirits training days for specialist wines and spirits merchants.