WSTA joins forces to fight new EU labelling

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has been working with the Comit Europen des Enterprises Vins (CEEV) on a submission to the European Commission, to respond to the suggestion that allergen warnings on wine labels would have to be written in each EU member state's language.

Chapel Down upgraded

After an ambitious refurbishment project lasting five months and representing an investment of 500,000, the new look Chapel Down winery and Fine Food store was re-opened to the public in time for the St George's Day weekend.

Burge moves to Hatch

UK distributor Hatch Mansfield has taken on its first new producer in seven years, Barossa premium winemaker Grant Burge.

Andrew Firth, Managing director, Playford Ros, North Yorkshire

Brown Brothers honours Patricia

A new range from Australian wine producer Brown Brothers has been named in honour of the company's matriarch'.

Primeur Penfolds

Penfolds is offering two special-release 2004 vintage wines en primeur': a Penfolds Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon and Bin 60A, a homage to the legendary Bin 60A.

New MD at Goedhuis

After 24 years as managing director of Goedhuis & Company, Johnny Goedhuis is stepping down.

Record numbers at LIWSF

LIWSF organiser Brintex is claiming its most successful event to date with a gross visitor attendance of 19,024.

Bruichladdich posts profit

Bruichladdich, the single malt whisky producer formed in 2001, has announced an inaugural profit of 200,000 in 2004 . The profits were based on an export-led sales increase of 38%.

Southern French generics pull together

A new strategy from the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL) and Oc Wines sees the generic activity for the UK market linked by a joint export campaign: South of France Wines.

Foster's secures Southcorp UPDATE

Four months after first tableing a bid, the Foster's Group is now just a week away from assuming total control of Southcorp, having announced this week that it has acquired 92% of its Australian rival's shares.

Playing the yield

If you think that in 2004 Champagne produced a maximum of 12,000kg/ha, or even 14,000kg/ha if the blocage is included (as it will be one day when, hey presto, it becomes AOC Champagne), then think again, because it was 23,000kg/ha (146.6hl/ha) according to press-house records.

Constellation's Emu

Constellation Europe is launching a new brand from South Australia on the UK market, Four Emus.

First MW of 2005 as Institute moves

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has named the first new MW of the year and has also announced that it has secured a new home.

Threshers vindicated by Harpers debate research

Thresher Group's decision to concentrate on three-for-two discounts was vindicated last week after research produced for the Harpers debate at the LIWSF showed it is consumers' preferred discount mechanic.

Midori on TV

Midori melon liqueur is running a TV advertising campaign for the first time in 15 years.

Clarion Wines formed

A trio of John Armit employees has joined forces to set up a new independent wine merchant, Clarion Wines, selling to private, corporate and institutional buyers.

Closure giants come face to face

The cork versus screwcap debate intensified at the LIWSF during
a Skalli & Rein-organised industry briefing titled New packaging opportunities for the wine industry'.

Vinum bags Ferrari

Vinum, the Italian specialist, has taken the exclusive agency of Ferrari, Italy's most prestigious producer of metodo classico sparkling wine'.

Bonnie boom

With a population of just 5 million, Scotland has at least two million fewer potential wine drinkers than the bustling streets of Greater London, and 45 million less than England as a whole. But despite the relatively small consumer base, its wine industry is thriving.