Scotland stands firm on minimum pricing as drinking falls

Scotland's government has again defended plans for minimum pricing, after drinks industry leaders argued that falling alcohol consumption makes the policy obsolete.

Retailers sign up for National Calvados Week

Matthew Clark to offer digital drinks list app

Drinks wholesaler Matthew Clark has partnered with iRiS Software Systems to offer customers digital wine and drinks lists.

Australian Vintage chief calls for lower-alcohol tax breaks

Australian Vintage chief executive Neil McGuigan wants the UK government to introduce a new tax band to encourage the production of wines naturally lower in alcohol.

Manchester ups its fine-dining focus

Manchester is to add to its developing fine-dining ethos with a new venture from celebrity chef James Martin and an announcement from Allied London that the Spinningfields area is to become a bespoke high-end dining, leisure and cultural destination.

Pernod Ricard adds Graffigna Malbec to portfolio

Pernod Ricard UK is to add Argentinian wine Graffigna Centenario Malbec to its portfolio to capitalise on the growing popularity of wines from Argentina.

EWGA announces warehouse expansion plans

Lancashire-based independent retailer EWGA has announced expansion plans to extend its bonded warehouse facility in order to satisfy growing demand.

Whisky Show 2013 looks to extreme food pairings

Extreme food pairings and sonic tastings are on the cards for this year's Whisky Exchange Whisky Show.

Croatia looks to build presence in UK

Vina Croatia has said it plans to harness its country's entry into the European Union to build a stronger presence in the UK.

Diageo launches Smirnoff Gold vodka with £4.5m campaign

Diageo is adding a bit of affordable bling to the UK vodka category with the launch of Smirnoff Gold, backed by a £4.5-million marketing campaign.

Corks Out innovates with launch of Taste wine bar

Cheshire-based independent retailer Corks Out has launched a new-concept wine bar, Taste at Corks Out, in a bid to innovate on the back of crippling rent and rates on high street stores.

Nyetimber to release single vineyard sparkling wine

English wine producer Nyetimber has announced the release of a single vineyard sparkling wine.

Bottle Green appointed agent for Casa Silva's Doña Dominga

Chilean wine producer Casa Silva has appointed Bottle Green as the new agent for its wine brand Doña Dominga in the UK.

Trade speaks out on lower-alcohol wines

The trade has hit back at the government's renewed efforts to encourage producers to manufacture lower-alcohol alternatives in a bid to reduce alcohol abuse among the middle-classes.

Pernod Ricard launches Jameson City Editions

Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers is targeting international jet setters with a new-look range of Jameson whiskey.

Consumers more brand loyal in recession, finds report

Retailers and leading grocery and drinks brands are ideally placed to win consumer loyalty, according to advertising agency JWT's latest Austerity Index report.

LIVE NEWS BLOG: Trade split over government's low-alcohol plans

3.30pm, Friday, August 16 The wine and spirits trade is split over the government's renewed efforts to encourage producers to manufacture lower-alcohol alternatives in a bid to reduce alcohol abuse among the middle-classes.

Stephen Moss appointed chairman of Bibendum

Stephen Moss CBE is to replace Peter Espenhahn as chairman of Bibendum.

Trade must move with the times, says Cochrane

Traditional wine intermediaries and distributors risk going out of business if they do not adapt and move with the changing face of the industry, according to Richard Cochrane, head of Spanish producer, Félix Solís, in the UK.

Affluent parts of UK put fizz back into Champagne sales

Champagne corks are beginning to pop again in more affluent pockets of the UK, while sparkling wine continues to be "a runaway success" across the board, according to recent trade figures.