Balls Brothers bought out of administration by Novus

Wine bar chain Balls Brothers has been saved from collapse by Novus Leisure which has acquired 17 of its 19 bars.

Kofi Annan leads the way at Climate Change and Wine conference in April

Former United Nations secretary-general, Kofi Annan, will be the keynote speaker at the third Climate Change and Wine Congress to be held in Marbella on Apri 13-14.

Rate of pub closures slows to 25 a week

The rate of pub closures has fallen from 40 per week down to 25, according to figures released by the British Beer & Pub Association.

USA now world's biggest wine consumer

The USA has overtaken France as the biggest wine-drinking nation in the world, according to new research.

Cono Sur links up with 'grow-your-own'

Chilean winery Cono Sur is to promote its sustainable provenance through the grow-your-own movement at a series of horticultural shows around the UK.

Sterling falls due to Japan's nuclear crisis

Sterling fell across the board yesterday as fears of a nuclear crisis in Japan led investors to sell off holdings in 'riskier' currencies.

Wines in the press March 11-14

The Guardian
Fiona Beckett says St Patrick's Day provides even non-beer drinkers the excuse for a statutory glass of Guinness, but thinks stout deserves more respect than a once-a-year flutter.

Spain's Bodega Numanthia looks to widen distribution across specialist UK wine trade

Premium Spanish wine producer, Bodega Numanthia, is looking to widen its distribution of Toro region wines across the UK specialist wine trade.

Supermarket giants support health initiative

Seven of the UK's supermarket giants have joined the Government's controversial responsibility deal.

Champagne Bureau (CIB) announces jump in UK demand

Champagne producers will attend today's Champagne Bureau (CIB) annual tasting in a celebratory mood, after it was announced volumes in the UK jumped last year in spite of the recession.

Sterling regains ground due to secure UK credit rating

Sterling regained ground after falling to a four month low yesterday of €1.1506/£1 against the euro.

Bushmills launches 'Make it 2 Bushmills' competition

Bushmills master distiller ,Colum Egan, has launched a global competition - 'Make it 2 Bushmills' - that will see him take the distillery on tour.

Pub and restaurants outperform retail sector

Pubs and restaurants are outperforming the retail sector, as February sales showed a 3.1% increase, against a backdrop of a 0.4% drop in overall retail sales.

JD Wetherspoon extends contract with Retail Eyes

JD Wetherspoon has renewed its contract with the customer experience improvement specialist, Retail Eyes for a further two years.

Sterling hits six week low against euro

Sterling hit a six week low against the euro and a three week low against the US dollar on Friday as markets began to push back expectations over interest rate hikes in the UK.

NZ producers feeling optimistic as 2011 vintage begins

The 2011 New Zealand grape harvest is underway with producers feeling buoyed by a stronger than expected sales performance, however profitability remains an on-going concern.

Health lobby slams government's drinks responsibility deal

Oddbins issues holding statement from managing director Simon Baile

Oddbins has released a holding statement whilst it continues its restructuring plans:

Complaints for irresponsible drinks marketing hits record low

Complaints about irresponsible alcohol marketing have dropped to a record low, as the trade seeks advice in advance, according to the Portman Group.

Harveys set out to revitalise sherry

Maxxium UK is hoping to encourage consumers to re-evaluate sherry with a new marketing push for Harveys.