Sterling falls due to lack of clarity over interest rates

Sterling fell against a stronger US dollar on Friday after investors sold sterling on a lack of clarity about interest rates from the Bank of England.

On-trade missing out on upselling wine

A quarter of restaurant, hotel and pub operators do not encourage their staff to upsell wines to customers, according to a report from ViVAS.

Tesco listing up for grabs in new drinks innovation competition

Champagne Awards finalists to be revealed at Harpers Champagne Summit

The finalists in Harpers Wine & Spirit's inaugural Champagne Awards have been announced with the winners revealed at the title's Champagne Summit at London's Soho Hotel on February 15.

Colour more important than price when choosing wine, says new Wilson report

Colour is the most important factor for up to nearly half (47%) of all British wine drinkers when deciding what type of wine to buy.

PLB appointed UK agent for Bodegas Navajas

Importer PLB has been appointed UK agent for Rioja winery Bodegas Navajas.

Glenmorangie unveils private edition at the new Savoy

The Glenmorangie Company has unveiled the European release of a century-old recipe at the newly-reopened Savoy Hotel.

Smirnoff sales down in 'challenging' British spirits market

Diageo has reported challenging trading conditions in Britain, where sales of its flagship spirit brand Smirnoff fell by 16% in the second half of last year.

V-KAT Schnapps campaign set to launch into student union bars

Inter Continental Brands ICB, is launching a advertising campaign for its new V-KAT Schnapps, in student union bars this month.

Project Merlin could help boost on-trade

The government's Project Merlin deal with the banks has the potential to stimulate activity in the pub, restaurant and hotel business, according to Christie Finance.

Interest rates not expected to rise at Bank of England meeting

The Bank of England meets today, with an expectation for more of the same; no interest rate increase and no increase in the quantitative easing programme.

Local shops stamp down on crime

Retailers are taking effective measures to tackle crime in their stores, according to the Association of Convenience Stores' annual Crime Survey.

Clink Wines to distribute ViniGalicia

Clink Wines has taken on the UK distribution of family-owned winery, ViniGalicia.

Wines of Chile launches Independent Wine Merchant Awards competition 2011

Wines of Chile has launched its Independent Wine Merchant Awards competition 2011, which is open to all independent wine merchants across the UK.

Wines of Germany to launch 3rd Sommelier Spring Class

Wines of Germany is inviting the UK's best sommeliers to attend its third Sommelier Spring Class trip to Germany.

Sterling remains steady, ahead of Bank of England meeting

Limited UK economic data led to a steady day for sterling against most other currencies.

A third of women opting for whisky, says Asda

Asda says the popularity of whisky is on the rise among women, with 35% choosing it over any other tipple, according to the supermarket's survey.

On-trade 'faces mounting pressure'

Forty-seven businesses in the pubs, clubs and bars sector went into administration in the final quarter of 2010, according to the Insolvency Service.

Hotel du Vin to open first London site

Hotel du Vin is opening its first London site ? Bistro du Vin will open in Clerkenwell in April.

Ehrmanns adds organic Ascella Pure Wines to portfolio

Ehrmanns has announced its appointment as UK agent for organic Australian producer Ascella Pure Wines.