Maison Sichel signs Amazon deal to boost off-trade sales

Maison Sichel has signed a deal with Amazon for five of its wines, with a special focus on flagship brand Sirius, in an effort to revitalise the brand after its UK off-trade distribution "ran out of steam".

Debate over role and relevance of wine bloggers continues as trade figures take sides

What role and relevance bloggers have on the wine trade has become a major debating issue on Harpers.co.uk and on social media following recent articles questioning their value from leading wine commentators.

Consumers to tighten purse strings on food and drink this Christmas

Consumers are planning to rein in Christmas spending on food, drink and gifts this year, according to a poll carried out by pub operator Greene King.

Autumn heat helps to secure a promising vintage for the Loire Valley

Following two tough years, the autumn heat is responsible for the success of this year's vintage for Loire Valley, according to Les Vins du Centre Loire, which released the region's vintage report this week.

TescoGate latest: UK shareholders poised to sue over "reckless" accounting errors

A UK law firm is preparing legal action on behalf of Tesco shareholders that will allege directors and senior managers "knew or were reckless" over the retailer's "untrue of misleading" accounts, which overstated profits by £263 million.

Morrisons rapped by ASA for "misleading" wine adverts after only two complaints

Morrisons has been forced by the Advertising Standards Authority to pull what it claims are "misleading" adverts offering special promotions after only two complaints.

Online festive shopping major opportunity for retailers, says Euromonitor

Online shopping will rise globally and within Europe as consumers look for better deals online in the run-up to Christmas, but firms should ensure their sites are easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and have attractive delivery options, says market research firm Euromonitor.

Buck's Fizz is UK's favourite festive tipple, says Waitrose survey

Buck's Fizz, Irish coffee and mulled wine top the list of Britons' favourite festive cocktails, according to a survey of 1,000 people for Waitrose Cellar.

Aldi goes head to head with Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason with premium wine offering

Aldi is not just taking on major grocery chains, but looking to compete directly with high-end retailers like Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason with a super premium wine and spirit offering in the run up to Christmas.

South Africa's Cape Wine 2015 to reach 'new levels'

Wines of South Africa says 2015's Cape Wine event will reach "an exciting new level", reflecting the industry's "dynamism".

Mitchells & Butlers profit down as revenues grow

Pub and bar operator Mitchells & Butlers, owner of the All Bar One and Browns venues, has seen revenues grow by 4% to £1.9 billion, while profits before tax fell by 13% to £123 million.

Wine industry should take initiative on calorie labelling, says WSTA chief

The wine industry needs to prepare itself for adding calorie labels to wine bottles, as the battle against obesity continues, warned Wine & Spirit Trade Association chief Miles Beale.

Cape Wine Auction hopes to raise thousands more for education in South Afrrica's winelands

Plans are in place for the second AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction which hopes to raise millions of rand to help fund education in the winelands of South Africa.

Spirits can become far bigger part of on-trade sales mix, says CGA

Bars and pubs can do more to boost spirits sales, says CGA Strategy, with restaurants proving particularly fertile ground.

Krug releases three Grande Cuvées in special limited edition ID case

Fans of Krug Champagne can splash out this Christmas on a limited edition special gift box set that includes three bottles of Krug Grande Cuvée each with a different story behind the blend.

Wine suppliers say scrapping beer tie will have limited effect on wine

Wine suppliers say the vote to break the beer tie will have a limited effect on wine sales - while it may open up the market, most leaseholders are already free to buy wine from a supplier of their choice.

Supermarket and supplier relations at a "crossroads" warns Pernod Ricard UK chief

Relationships between major supermakets and their suppliers are now at a "crossroads" according to Denis O'Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard UK, and we should expect tighter regulations to bring more control over the sector.

Buckingham Schenk MD Jon Pepper joins Enotria

Jon Pepper MW, managing director at Buckingham Schenk, is leaving the firm to become buying and retail director at Enotria.

Benromach launches two single malts aged in French wine casks

Reh Kendermann boss Nik Schritz to step down

Nikolaus Schritz has decided to "quit while ahead", leaving Black Tower brand owner Reh Kendermann at the end of the year with sales up over 20%.