Scottish Indies: Rates review could aid in tough climate

Twenty-seven years of devolved powers for the Scottish Parliament have seen distinct laws arise – be that in health, policing or education. For the drinks trade, a decisive devolved power was that of alcohol licensing. This eventually saw the implementation of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. The landmark legislation came into effect in 2009 and saw a number of changes, including the limiting of alcohol off-sales to between 10am and 10pm, and the addition of the licensing objective of “protecting and improving public health”.

Côte launches French-only online wine shop

Côte Brassiere has launched Côte Uncorked, a French-only online wine shop to compliment the restaurant group's Gallic focus.

Overcoming the pitfalls of indie ecommerce

While some aspects of ecommerce may seem beyond the scope and pockets of many indies, there are ways of integrating it into a physical business, finds Oliver Catchpole.

Winning at ecommerce: The boost of strong website design

Virgin Wines eyes profit growth surge to £100m

Virgin Wines, one of the UK’s leading online wine retailers, has announced a new growth strategy which aims to increase the company’s yearly revenue to £100m within five years. This would represent a substantial increase as the retailer's revenue for the 2024 financial year stood at £59m.

Tech: Wine industry could do more to benefit from tech

Jo Gilbert reflects on a new Prowein business report and online discussion looking at digitalisation in the wine sector.

Analysis: Blurring boundaries

Crossover products are challenging the traditional roles of drinks, offering producers opportunities to attract new consumers. James Bayley reports.

Virgin Wines and Ocado announce exclusive partnership

Virgin Wines has agreed a strategic partnership with Ocado.com, which will give the online-only supermarket’s customers access to an exclusive selection of 50 wines from Virgin’s portfolio.

Ecommerce set to swell alcohol sales, even as growth slows

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.

Vivino switches up UK strategy

Vivino, the wine scoring and recommendations app, is switching up its ecommerce strategy in the UK, where it will no longer be pursuing direct sales and is instead leaning on its network of indie merchants.

Virgin recovers from end of year blip

Virgin Wines, one of the UK’s largest direct-to-consumer online wine retailers, has reported an end of year performance “in line with expectations”, following a “disappointing” downturn resulting from short term challenges at the end of 2022.

Alcohol brands launch 1-hour delivery service

Emerging UK alcohol brands NIO Cocktails, Au Vodka, Ace + Freak, and Duppy Share have launched a 1-hour eco-friendly delivery service

Friday read: Packaging up an eco ecommerce strategy

Santiago Navarro, CEO & founder of Packamama – the climate tech packaging provider spun from Garçon Wines – made his name in the creation and supply of eco-flat bottles which re-launched Accolade’s eco brand, Banrock Station, in the Co-op in 2020. Here, he dives into how wine brands and manufacturers can leverage packaging to capitalise on ecommerce, whilst responding to long-term changing consumer preferences, including sustainability.

Ecommerce to remain key driver as US online alcohol sales hit $6.1 billion

Ecommerce is becoming a major force in global retail, with online sales of BWS achieving a total value of $6.1 billion in the US market last year.

Online uplift to grow

Ecommerce is to remain a key driver of value growth in global alcoholic drinks markets, with wine to the fore. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Medium and smaller brands take lead over private label

Private label sales are down across almost all European countries, with mid-sized brands and smaller companies performing best.

Global online buying frenzy levelling out

The extraordinary upward curve in online wine and spirit sales appears to be flattening, suggests the latest data from Wine-Searcher.

Online BWS sales double during May

Online sales of beers, wines and spirits boomed during May, as the UK’s second month under lockdown drove a record numbers of thirsty consumers to embrace ecommerce.

Indie merchants look to nurture new trade ahead of economic slump

With lockdown easing and non-essential shops beginning to reopen from 15 June, the independent merchant sector is increasingly planning ways of achieving some semblance of ‘normal’ store opening, while balancing health considerations with marked changes in trading conditions.

‘Diversity and flexibility’ may replace specialism longer term

Such has been the upheaval wrought by the Covid pandemic that drinks businesses may have to remain agile in the longer term to meet a changed consumer landscape, with the days of specialism in one route or approach to market numbered.