An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.
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Following the July announcement from international trade fair organiser RX that BCB, a global bar and beverage trade show, will debut in London, organisers have confirmed the date and venue.
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The UK’s Autumn Budget, introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has announced significant changes to alcohol duties, drawing sharp criticism from the alcohol and hospitality industries.
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The hospitality sector is facing a substantial increase in operating costs as the Chancellor confirms a 6.7% rise in the National Living Wage, set to take effect in April 2025. The uplift will raise the hourly rate from £11.44 to £12.21, directly impacting more than 3 million workers and adding an estimated £1.9bn to the hospitality sector’s wage bill.
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Carte Blanche has welcomed wine industry professional Ruth Spivey to their team on a part-time basis to oversee sales across the south east and support marketing efforts.
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Wine merchant Justerini & Brooks marked 275 years in business last week via the launch of several exclusive products at its grand anniversary celebration at Burlington Arcade in Mayfair.
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Drinks education body WSET today announced that Asahi UK is the first national field sales and technical operations team to complete its new Level 1 Award in Beer qualification.
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Clitheroe-based The Heritage Wine Company has announced the acquisition of Winchester Wines Group, which includes Milton Sandford Wines and The Secret Cellar, as part of the former’s expansion drive.
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C&C Group has released its interim results for the six months ending 31 August 2024, highlighting mixed performance amid a challenging market landscape. Despite external pressures, the group has reported earnings that align with expectations and remains committed to its operational targets for the full financial year.
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A survey of pubs, breweries and hospitality businesses has revealed that jobs and investment plans would be threatened if business rates relief expires in April, causing bills to quadruple.
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The 2024 Golden Vines Awards, organised by Liquid Icons, celebrated standout names in fine wine and rare spirits at a gala in Madrid’s Palacio Cibeles.
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Specialist South American importer Condor Wines has expanded its premium portfolio with new listings from fourth generation family winery Falasco Wines.
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On Tuesday, 22 October 2024, the Experience le Sud Tasting made its UK debut in London, an event organised by the Bureau de la Région Occitanie à Londres. Created to increase visibility for Occitanie wines among UK trade professionals, the tasting focused on varietals and styles that are rapidly gaining traction in the market. The event attracted key figures from the UK wine trade, including sommeliers, importers, independent merchants and journalists, who were introduced to a wide range of wines that highlight the quality and unique identity of Occitanie.
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Long-time spirits industry commentator and MD of Mangrove Global, Nick Gillett, speaks out ahead of the new Labour government’s Autumn Statement, arguing that ‘the best hospitality can hope for is to be left well alone’.
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Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL) has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) decision to grant merger clearance for the combination of Accolade Wines with Pernod Ricard's Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses.
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Plans to overhaul the UK's alcohol duty system, discussed on BBC Radio 4 this week, have raised concerns among wine producers, merchants and retailers, who warn that the new regulations could increase costs, disrupt trade and limit the range of wines available to consumers.
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This mountainous former Soviet republic in the south Caucasus has long traditions of Christianity and hospitality, and an ancient wine culture that dates back Millenia. It also has outstanding territorial issues and has recently endured conflict and has a large neighbour with whom it has a history of bad relations. The country is modernising but also grappling with corruption, bureaucracy and cronyism. Its shrinking population is mitigated to some degree by returning former emigres, who are active in a revitalising a wine industry where traditions and indigenous grape varieties are being rediscovered, with winemakers aiming for wines that appeal to a modern palate rather than a typical Russian one.
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WineGB has released its first Sustainability Impact Report, coinciding with the International Day of Climate Action. The report highlights the rapid growth of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) scheme, which now covers 43% of the UK's vineyard hectarage. Launched four years ago, SWGB encourages sustainable practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions in vineyards and wineries.
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Small and mid-sized suppliers in the alcoholic drinks sector could tap into an extra £27,575 in repeat sales by enhancing customer loyalty, according to a recent report. The research, a joint effort by Oxford Brookes Business School and ProspectSoft, part of The Access Group, points to significant revenue potential for manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors. The study indicates that many SMEs are losing out on repeat business from customers who stop buying after their third purchase.
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The 2024 harvest season for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco has concluded, closing out a year marked by unpredictable weather that led to a slight decline in yields compared to 2023. The harvest, which began in mid-September and finished in early October, was about a week later than the usual schedule. In contrast, 2023 followed a more typical harvest timeline, with activities generally completed by late September.
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