Supermarkets set to cull wine suppliers, warns Accolade's Paul Schaafsma

The UK wine trade must brace itself for what could be large scale "supplier rationalisation" across the major multiples over the next 18 months, according to Paul Schaafsma, UK and Ireland head of Accolade Wines UK.

South Africa's Bruce Jack warns winemakers not to jump on "bandwagons"

One of the greatest challenges for a branded winemaker is not to jump on the latest "bandwagon" but remain true to your beliefs and make wines that are right for your company, according to Bruce Jack, leading winemaker at Accolade Wines.

South Africa replaces Spain to become fifth best selling country in UK, says Accolade

South Africa is enjoying widespread success in the UK, is bringing new consumers to wine, has seen an increase in both value and volume sales and has replaced Spain as the UK's fifth biggest wine selling country, according to figures released today by Accolade Wines UK.

Dedicated Wines and Murphy Wine to share business insights at France Summit

Richard Evans of Dedicated Wines, the UK wine agency that helped devise the Les Dauphins wine brand, and Daniel Murphy of bulk wine brokers, Murphy Wine Company, will both share their experiences of French wine at this October's Harpers France Summit.

Bruce Jack on the challenges and opportunities for South African wine

Bruce Jack is a key figure in the Accolade Wines South African winemaking team. His direct responsibilities cover the Kumala, Fishoek and Flagstone ranges, Tesco Finest, The Rustler, Stumble Vineyards, Breakers Point and Lost Ostrich, as well as strategic NPD. He talks to Gemma McKenna about how he is working with the Kumala winemaking team to help reposition the Kumala brand and ensure the quality of the wine shines through to customers.

De Bortoli Wines closes UK office

Australian wine estate De Bortoli Wines has closed its standalone UK distribution office - instead opting for an equity stake in newly-founded North South Wines distribution firm.

Three quarters of FMCG product launches fail, according to Nielsen research

Over three quarters of all new product launches across the FMCG sector in Europe fail in their first year, according to new Nielsen research.

Ex-Ehrmanns directors form new wine distribution company

Three high profile UK wine professionals, including two former Ehrmanns directors, have launched their own distribution company in partnership with three wineries, including De Bortoli wines, which is closing its UK office as a result.

William Grant toasts successful 2013 as sales and profits rise

William Grant & Sons boosted operating profits by 10% to £138 million in 2013 while turnover rose by 5.2% to £1.12 billion.

Planetbee wine brand launches cider

Bee-friendly wine brand Planetbee has extended its reach into another drinks category, with the launch of its own cider.

Hess Family moves Napa and Barossa wines from Hallgarten to Liberty

Hess Family Wine Estates has switched distribution of its Napa and Barossa wines from Hallgarten Druitt to Liberty Wines in the UK.

How Berlin Tastings Series put Chilean wine on the map

Eduardo Chadwick's pioneering Berlin Series Tastings have helped change global perception of Chilean wine in their 10-year run. Andrew Catchpole, who was at the seminal first event, assesses their impact

How Oddbins has defied its critics to bounce back to winning ways

In three years Oddbins has risen from death's door to win IWC High Street Retailer of the Year. Gemma McKenna meets Ayo Akintola, its Renaissance Man

Top Majestic buyers demand better service from suppliers

Leading Majestic wine buyers have defended the chain from taking share from independent merchants and demanded better service from major wine suppliers with "laughable" demands.

Majestic's leading wine buyers set out their strategy and needs from suppliers

In the second of her series of 'Buyer to Buyer' interviews, former Somerfield head wine buyer, Angela Mount, talks to Matt Pym and Chris Hardy of Majestic Wines about their buying strategy and what they are looking for from their suppliers.

Global leaders head to London for Wine Vision 2014

UK's top French wine experts lined up for October's France Summit

A line up of top speakers from across the UK wine trade, including Master Sommeliers, multiple buyers, restaurateurs and leading independents will all be taking part in the second Harpers France Summit taking place on October 21 at London's St Ermin's Hotel.

Paying suppliers late now seen as normal business practice says MasterCard study

Paying suppliers late is now seen as part of normal business practice by many international companies, according to a new study.

Advertising legend Sir John Hegarty to be star turn at WSTA conference

Advertising guru turned wine producer, St John Hegarty, is to give the keynote talk at this month's Wine & Spirit Trade Association annual conference.

Vinexpo strengthens management team ahead of 2015 Bordeaux show

Vinexpo has strengthened its management team ahead of next year's exhibition in Bordeaux with two new directors joining the team.