In the spotlight: Fairtrade issues in South Africa

South Africa's agricultural sector came under fire in the past few years over infringing the human rights of farm workers, some of whom helped build the country's wine trade. Erin Smith takes a look at two initiatives aimed at combating such problems, namely the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Agreement and Fairtrade.

Ruinart: 2013 was good year in Champagne

Ruinart's cellar master says despite bad news elsewhere in France, 2013 was a good year in Champagne, and the house will make a 2013 vintage.

Jason Atherton to open restaurant in London's Tower 42

Matthew Clark to distribute Catalan wine Herencia Altés

On-trade wholesaler Matthew Clark has added Catalan wine Herencia Altés, previously distributed by Liberty Wines, to its portfolio.

González Byass sees rapid growth in on-trade

González Byass is growing rapidly in the UK on-trade since taking on distribution for Champagne Deutz five months ago.

Moet Hennessey launches sparkling Argentinian wine in UK

Moet Hennessey is hoping to persuade UK consumers to trade up from standard and premium sparkling wine, and down from entry level champagne with the forthcoming launch of its premium sparkling wine brand, Chandon.

The Co-operative looks to convert mainstream wine brands to Fairtrade

The Co-operative is looking to recruit more mainstream wine brands into Fairtrade as it prepares to relaunch its range.

Independents to receive expert advice on online retailing at PLB Manchester roadshow

Expert advice on the do's and dont's of online retailing will be part of tomorrow's PLB roadshow tasting for independent retailers taking place in Manchester.

Scotch whisky verification scheme at risk if independence goes ahead

A British government scheme set up in January to help consumers identify genuine UK-made products could be at risk should Scotland vote for independence.

Virgin Wines to sell fine wines from New World

Avery's falls into red as demand for en primeur declines

Avery's of Bristol has slid into the red as demand for en primeur plummeted in the year to June 29, 2013.

Alliance Wine boosts sales team

Alliance Wine has boosted its Scottish sales team and added Portuguese wine Delaforce to its portfolio.

Memorial service for Michael Cox to be held on April 10 at Southwark Cathedral

The memorial service for Michael Cox, the former head of Wines of Chile in the UK and Europe, who died from cancer at the end of last month, is to be held on April 10 at Southwark Cathedral in London.

Oyster Bay owner Delegat's sees European sales fall 14%

Delegat's, the New Zealand owner of Oyster Bay, has seen its UK, Ireland and European sales drop by 14% by volume in the six months to December 31, 2013.

PLB to distribute Australia's Capel Vale

PLB is the new UK agent for Western Australian winery Capel Vale, which will be distributed to the independent, specialist and on-trade sectors.

Loch Lomond Distillery Company acquired by private equity

Australian Vintage sees UK bulk wine sales fall but remains optimistic

Eduardo Chadwick and Patrick McGrath pay their tributes to Michael Cox

Eduardo Chadwick, president of leading Chilean winery, Errazuriz, and Patrick McGrath, managing director, of its UK partner and importer, Hatch Mansfield, have both paid tributes to Michael Cox, the former head of Wines of Chile, who died last week.

UK buyers help pick ambassador wines to promote Vin de France

Up to nearly 90 wines thought to represent the very best of what Vin de France can offer have been picked by a trade panel to help promote Vin de France in key export markets like the UK.

Gerard Basset leads line up for Discover the Origin masterclasses around the UK

The UK on-trade is for the last time going to have the chance to literally Discover the Origin of some of the most iconic drink and food products produced in the European Union with a series of masterclasses featuring some of the trade's most well known figures including Gerard Basset MW, MS.