Matsu gift boxes score listing in Majestic

Drinks distributor and agent Copestick Murray has secured listings for magnums and gift boxes in Majestic for its Matsu range.

ASA bans Hi-Spirits' Fireball blog

The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint against Hi-Spirits for its Fireball brand, sparking a warning to the trade about user-generated content. The company has suspended all social media activity for the brand.

Negociants UK to help widen distribution for Sam Neill's Two Paddocks wines in the UK

Negociants UK has taken on the widespread distribution for the premium Two Paddocks range of wines from Central Otago, New Zealand, produced by actor Sam Neill.

Blavod Wines & Spirits share placing raises £571,300

Blackwood's gin owner Blavod Wines & Spirits has raised £571,300 for marketing and brand launches, following a share placing.

International wine trade gathers for Digital Wine Communications Conference

The international wine communications community has congregated in Logrono, Rioja, this week to share the latest thinking on digital trends and social media.

Château Haut-Gléon to open its gates to tourists

Southern French wine co-operative Les Vignobles Foncalieu is opening its Château Haut-Gléon vineyards as a wine tourism destination.

Pernod Ricard and Diageo report mixed figures for first quarter performance

First quarter results issued this week have revealed mixed fortunes for the sector's major drinks companies with Pernod Ricard posting an organic net sales loss of 1%, whilst Diageo returned an organic net sales growth of 3.1%.

Q1 results: who were the winners and losers?

Q1 net sales results are coming in and while Pernod Ricard posted an organic net sales 1% loss, Diageo posted an organic net sales growth of 3.1%.

Invararity Morton sets sights on England in Forth Wines acquisition

Scotland's Invararity Morton has acquired Forth Wines for an undisclosed seven-figure sum and hopes to expand the business's reach south of the border.

French Wine Awards 2013 winners revealed

Waitrose, Les Caves de Pyrène, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Gerard Basset MS OBE and Andrew Jefford were some of the major winners in the first Harpers French Wine Awards announced yesterday at its inaugural France Summit in London.

French attitude to UK wine market improved, hears summit

There has been a marked improvement in recent years in the attitude of many French producers looking to work in the UK market, according to Anne Burchett, managing director of Sopexa UK. 

Fears France's latest vintage will put pressure on UK retailers

Whilst the French wine category is currently enjoying "unprecedented" sales in some UK retailers, there are real concerns about what impact this year's expected troubled vintage is going to have on the market in the year ahead.

Taylor's Port renews sponsorship deal with Jazz FM

Taylor's Port returned yesterday as the headline sponsor to Jazz FM's Dinner Jazz programme for 26 weeks after its successful run last year.

Waitrose aims to be contrary, Price tells 2013 IGD Convention

Gavin Quinney scoops Special Recognition accolade at French Wine Awards

Gavin Quinney, the English winemaker who owns and produces wine at Château Bauduc in Bordeaux, has won the Special Recognition Award at the first Harpers French Wine Awards.

Live report from the France Summit 2013

The darling of the UK market, France, is being celebrated today at St Ermin's Hotel in London, with players in all channels coming together to discuss the importance and future of the UK's favourite wine-producing country.

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck releases festive gift packs

Piper-Heidsieck has released a gift box range featuring three of its Champagnes, aimed at the Christmas market.

Spar Ireland pilots new Wine Wizard app to aid selection

Spar stores in Ireland are piloting a new wine app, available on iPhone and in-store iPad kiosks, designed to aid wine selection.

Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2013 finalists announced

The number of finalists competing for the Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2013 title has been increased from six to seven, due to the high calibre of the candidates.

Bon Coeur marks 20 years with portfolio expansion

North Yorkshire independent wholesaler Bon Coeur Fine Wines has launched its largest portfolio to date on the back of its 20-year trading anniversary.