Drinks brands invest in TV advertising

Despite a turbulent year financially for many drinks companies due to factors not limited to inflation, duty hikes and the cost-of-living crisis, some brands are purchasing primetime TV advertising slots in the lead-up to Christmas.

Duty coincides with drinking trends says Kingsland Drinks

As 2023 draws to a close, independent UK supplier, Kingsland Drinks, has revealed its insights on key areas to watch out for in 2024, looking at incoming drinks trends in wine, spirits and RTDs.

Friday read: Chile's female winemakers on a UK mission

Last Friday (17 November), the Women in Wine Expo organisation returned to London for a very special event, the Itata Valley wine mission.

WBWE 2023: Bulk and the path to Cop 28

As the global supply chain continues to operate in a state of flux, bulk shipping is becoming an increasingly attractive – and sustainable – proposition for wine businesses around the world… if only the required number of flexitanks and containers remain in operation.

LWC launches WSET training for its distribution teams

LWC Drinks, the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, is rolling out WSET Wine training for its warehouse and distribution teams to help employees better understand “the journey of each bottle,” in its range.

Wine Paris & Vinexpo 2024 announce massive expansion

The fifth Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is due to take place from 12 to 14 February 2024 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The Vinexposium group’s flagship exhibition has announced it will welcome 3,900 exhibitors (+15%) and 40,000 (+28%) trade visitors for its 2024 event. 

Alcohol duty frozen until 2024

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has quelled fears of a second duty rise this year in this afternoon’s Autumn Budget, by announcing a freeze until August next year.

Deliveries worth 15p per pound of restaurant spend

Delivery and takeaway sales at Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups rose 5% year-on-year in October 2023, according to CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker.

Amandla celebrates Matthew Clark partnership

Progressive new South African wine brand Amandla is launching in the UK on-trade market this month via a new partnership with leading drinks distributor Matthew Clark.

Californian producers predict 2023 vintage will be ‘finest in years’

Following a late harvest and thus extra ripening time, Californian producers are predicting the 2023 vintage will be one of the ‘finest in years’, according to the Wine Institute – the membership board representing Californian wineries.

Blackbook releases wine and vinyl bundle

London-based independent wine producer, Blackbook Winery, has teamed up with US musician Jack Tatum of Wild Nothing to create a limited edition wine and vinyl bundle.

OTC becomes ‘UK hub’ for Coravin sample bottles

Coravin and The Online Tasting Company (OTC), the UK’s leading wine sample manufacturer, have announced a new partnership with OTC becoming the first UK hub for Coravin’s Vinitas – a breakthrough in sample bottle preservation.

Government is failing hospitality businesses, public warns

The UK Spirits Alliance (UKSA), representing hundreds of small businesses across the UK, has called on the government to back hospitality and distilleries by freezing duty on spirits at the Autumn Statement.  

WSET launches new industry talk series

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), has launched a series of industry talks on its global Events Hub, hosted on YouTube. The series will explore key topics impacting the global drinks industry and bring together a diverse range of experts to share their knowledge. 

Spirits sales down 20% after August hikes

Wine and spirit businesses continue to urge the chancellor to freeze alcohol duty at the Autumn Statement.

Jeannie Cho Lee MW replaces Jasper Morris MW at Sotheby’s

The 163rd edition of the Hospices de Beaune wine sale will see Jeannie Cho Lee MW replace Jasper Morris MW as a consultant for the annual wine auction.

Justin Liddle appointed as Mentzendorff MD

Mentzendorff, the UK import and agency business of Group Bollinger, has today announced Justin Liddle as its new MD, effective immediately.

Alcohol Duty: ‘One tax rise in a year is alarming, two is unacceptable’

Ahead of the Autumn Statement on 22 November, senior figures in the wine industry are voicing their concerns amidst fears of a second alcohol duty rise in the space of four months.

Nick Gillett: Competitive socialising – novelty or here to stay?

Plumpton College Queen’s Anniversary Prize

Plumpton College has been awarded the highest National Honour in education, a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its work in wine education and wider impact on the English and Welsh wine sector.