Pinnacle to distribute SSG brands in the UK

Vin de France has "come of age"

Vin de France has "come of age" this year, after 60% more wines were picked by a team of international judges to respresent the category.

Expert independent seminar at London SITT tasting

Anyone visiting the London SITT tasting on Wednesday, February 29 are reminded the Blueprint for Success seminar with expert first hand advice on running an independent business by leading merchants and on-trade wine consultants will take place at 2pm and not 11am as advertised.

Alan Lodge: a tribute

Everyone at Harpers Wine & Spirit would like to pass on their personal condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of Alan Lodge, news editor for The Drinks Business and deputy editor for The Spirits Business, who has so sadly died of a brain haemorrhage at the age of 29.

Guala buys Australian screwcap maker

Guala Closures is continuing its buying spree - which has seen it acquire five firms within the last 18 months - with the purchase of Australian screwcap manufacturer ASA.

Bibendum launches on-trade spirits training

Bibendum's on-trade training programmes will now include spirits for the first time.

MMD takes on agency for Tommasi Vitacoltori

Maisons Marques et Domaines has taken on a new Italian Valpolicella and Amarone producer, Tommasi Viticoltori.

Programme on Britain's Hidden Alcoholics turns spotlight on wine drinkers

A programme focusing on middle class professionals "for whom one glass of wine is never enough" is the subject of a BBC Panorama episode to be screened tonight.

Trade bodies slam "doomsday" predictions on alcohol deaths

Trade bodies have slammed projections from leading UK doctors that up to 210,000 people will die from avoidable alcohol-related diseases in the next 20 years as "doomsday scenarios".

Consumer confidence boosted by falling inflation

Although 2012 may be a "rollercoaster ride" for shoppers, falling inflation is beginning to boost consumer confidence, according to grocery insights company, IGD ShopperVista.

Isabelle Legeron MW, launches natural wine fair, RAW

Isabelle Legeron MW, is launching an independent wine fair RAW, a two-day celebration featuring natural wines from around the world.

Treasury Wine reports solid half year growth

Despite falling volumes and a drop in sales revenue, Treasury Wine Estates has reported solid growth in earnings in its half year results.

Wemyss launches range of regional malts

Wemyss Malts has launched four single cask malt whiskies, as a celebration of the contrasting appeals of the different Scotch whisky regions.

Champagne House makes own English sparkling wine

The owner of an established Grand Cru Champagne House has ventured this side of the Channel to produce his own sparkling wine from English grapes.

Sterling strengthens against euro due to uncertainty over Greek bailout

Sterling strengthened against the euro, this week due to the uncertainty surrounding the Greek bailout package being approved before default day on March 20.

Digital Wine Communications Conference announces key speakers

The Digital Wine Communications Conference in Izmir (Turkey) has announced its three keynote speakers.

High profile experts gear up for Harpers' Champagne Summit

High profile panellists from the on and off-trade will join a host of suppliers and retailers at Harpers Wine and Spirit's 2012 Champagne Summit, taking place on February 28 at London's Chiswell street Dining Rooms.

Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar to open at London's County Hall

A specialist gin bar hosting 33 English gins, will be one of the attractions at Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar, when it opens at London's County Hall, at the end of March.

Strong first half results from South Africa's Distell

South African drinks firm Distell delivered strong first-half results, with revenue up 16% and operating profit up 22%.

Strong half year for Pernod Ricard, despite 'softness' in Europe

French drinks giant Pernod Ricard posted half year net profits up 20% to €800 million, thanks to strong growth from emerging markets and biggest selling brands.