Sterling strengthens against US dollar

Sterling had a mixed day yesterday, weakening off against the commodity backed currencies, but strengthening against the safe havens such as the US dollar as risk appetite returned.

Pernod Ricard launches second 'Responsib'ALL Day' campaign

Pernod Ricard UK, joined 18,000 employees from across the globe to encourage parents to talk to their children about responsible drinking, in its second 'Responsib'ALL Day' campaign.

Liberty Wines spends £4.5m on bespoke premises

Liberty Wines is spending £4.5 million on a bespoke office and warehouse in Clapham, following its best-ever year last year.

Supermarkets buoyant over Jubilee sparkling wine sales

The major multiples are jubilant over sparkling wine sales this bank holiday, with M&S reporting its biggest-ever week for bubbles, Waitrose seeing English wines sales soar 96% and Asda recording an 85% jump in Champagne.

Boost for English wine around Jubilee

UK wine producers benefited from the Jubilee celebrations and a high-profile media presence, by seeing a record average 80%-plus increase in sales.

Independents' Day fast approaches

The Queen's Jubilee celebrations may be over but local retailers are being encouraged to keep their bunting up with Independents' Day just around the corner.

Waitrose sees record sales for English Wines

UK wine trebled sales and outperformed all other countries in May, for retailer Waitrose.

On-trade benefits from Jubilee bank holiday

The Jubilee bank holiday weekend boosted bar and restaurant coffers as operators cashed in on the British theme and English sparkling wines soared. 

Welsh Wine Week gets under way

Vineyards across Wales will be opening their doors to consumers during Welsh Wine Week.

Independent wine retailers report major sales uplift over Jubilee

Independent wine retailers have reported a major sales uplift over the Jubilee weekend, with some merchants seeing a 70% boost.

WSET iPhone app notches up 3,000 downloads

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust Wine Game iPhone app, which launched on May 22 and tests players by placing wines in their respective countries, has passed the 3,000 download mark.

Wines in the press, May 31- June 4

The Financial Times

Accolade Wines acquires Geyser Peak

Accolade Wines has acquired Californian brand Geyser Peak, as well as stablemates Atlas Peak and XYZin, from Ascentia Wine Estates, with the aim of spearheading growth in the US.

Sterling weakens against euro

Sterling weakened against the majority of currencies last week and in particular against the euro as the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) came out worse than expected.

Bowmore's 'most delicate'

Bowmore has released a Small Batch Reserve (rrp £32.99) an expression, which is deemed to be its "most delicate" and "best balanced" to date.

British and International Distillers Association set up for craft distillers

Piccini launches Memoro Vino Bianco

The family owned vineyard Piccini has launched a white partner for its Piccini Memoro Rosso Vino d'Italia, which was launched last year.

Consumers reluctant to try lower-alcohol wines

The lower-alcohol wine category will reach a natural cap due to consumer reluctance to try lighter style products, new research has indicated.

Asda adds 60 IPL wines to range

Asda has added over 60 International Produce Limited (IPL) wines to its range.

Sterling ends week poorly against dollar and yen

Sterling had a fairly poor week weakening against the US dollar to a four month low and dropping against the Japanese yen to a 14 week low.