Proof of age scheme PASS launches new identity card

Proof of Age scheme PASS is launching a new-look card on June 10 which will standardise designs and make recognition easier for retailers.

Treasury Wine Estates UK off-trade sales soar 17%

Treasury Wine Estates is committing itself to a multimillion pound spend across the UK off-trade this summer as it announces a 17% increase in its own off-trade sales to £193 million in 2013-2014 (Nielsen MAT March 29, 2014)  .

Bottle Green poaches national account manager from Australian Vintage

Wine importer and distributor Bottle Green as appointed Russell Smith to senior national account manager, with responsibility for two national off-trade customers.

Conviviality Retail acquires 26 Rhythm & Booze Stores for £1.7m

Conviviality Retail, which owns Bargain Booze and Wine Rack, has bought 26 Rhythm & Booze off-licences in Yorkshire and the north east from Bibby Retail Services for £1.7 milllion.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Wines from Rioja is launching 'Shop Rioja' retailer promotion

Wines from Rioja is going to be holding a retailer promotion competition for the whole of October, called 'Shop Rioja', aiming to promote the region to consumers and offering independent and online retailers an opportunity to win £1000 towards new Rioja listings.news

UK bulk wine bottling set to increase

Four out of 10 bottles of wine in the UK are shipped in bulk and packaged here - but industry insiders say that figure is rising.

Supermarket moves to sell wines by glass not a "slam dunk"

Moving more into hospitality with wine by the glass sales and casual dining is not a "slam dunk" route to success for the supermarkets.

Riesling producers from around the world head to London for Great Riesling Tasting

Over 50 Riesling producers from around the world will be in London for the Great Riesling Tasting next month which takes place on May 12.

Nick Mantella steps down as UK managing director of Codorniu

Nick Mantella has stepped down as managing director of sparkling wine company Codorniu UK after 12 years at the firm.

Laithwaite's appoints former Carphone Warehouse boss as managing director

Scotland's minimum price plan referred to European Court

The Scottish government's plan to introduce a minimum price for alcohol has been referred to the European Court of Justice.

Michelin star chef Jason Atherton opens City Social in Tower 42

Award winning chef, Jason Atherton, has opened his new City Social restaurant situated in the Tower 42 skyscraper that dominates the skyline of the City of London.

Stevens Garnier to distribute Finca Flichman through Molson Coors

Stevens Garnier has appointed Molson Coors to distribute its Argentinian brand Finca Flichman in the on-trade.

Emporia halts imports of Russian Legend of Kremlin vodka as Ukraine tensions escalate

Drinks distributor Emporia Brands has called a halt to imports of the Russian Parliament's official vodka Legend of Kremlin as the dispute between the European Union and Russian Federation continues.

Michel Rolland defends his ability to manage wines on up to 200 wineries around the world

Michel Rolland has defended his role as an international wine consultant capable of managing the quality of wine on up to 200 wine estates around the world.

Farr Vintners to double fund raising efforts of Benevolent's Chris Porter

Farr Vintners has announced it will match whatever sum of money is raised by Benevolent  chairman, Chris Porter, as he embarks on his 'Around the Grounds in 14 Days' challenge to visit all  the 91 football league  grounds between May 12 and May 25.

Organic wine firm Vintage Roots returns to growth

Organic wines supplier Vintage Roots has seen sales surge by 12% in the past nine months.

Wine shipments through US ports in jeopardy as strike action 'unavoidable'

Industrial action at western US ports now looks "unavoidable" say opposing sides in the dispute - putting wine shipments in jeopardy.

Tesco's credit rating downgraded to 'negative' by Standard & Poor

The UK's largest retailer Tesco has had its credit rating downgraded by Standard & Poor following a "greater than anticipated" decline in like-for-like sales and lower profitability.