Hospitality sector braces for 'ambitious employment reforms'

A number of significant changes to the UK's employment landscape, including proposals to get people back into work and training, has received a mixed response from key stakeholders in the hospitality industry.

Haut-Bailly celebrates Bordeaux first with blockchain sale

In a seminal move for the tradition-bound region, Château Haut-Bailly has become the first Bordeaux wine to be distributed on BlockBar, a global blockchain marketplace selling wines and spirits direct from producers to consumers.

South African government proposes 'drastic excise tax increases' on wine

The government of South Africa has published a policy review on the taxation of alcoholic beverages, with plans to increase excise tax in the forthcoming 2025 Budget.

New report suggests 12% of all UK restaurants face insolvency

Research undertaken by accountancy firm Price Bailey has found that more than one in 10 (12%) restaurants are at imminent risk of closure, a result of declining consumer confidence and ongoing inflation.

Ferrari Trento joins Liberty Wines

Liberty Wines has been appointed the exclusive importer in the UK and Ireland for Italian sparkling brand, Ferrari Trento.

Hospitality industry witnesses significant growth in Gen Z business directors

New data released by Companies House has revealed that the hospitality sector has the third-largest proportion of Gen Z business directors, with 1,630 registered entities now steered by the under 30 cohort.

Bar 44 expands no & low offer to meet rising demand

Award-winning Spanish restaurant group Bar 44 has significantly expanded its portfolio of no & low beverages, including new wines, beers and a 'Lilt Sangria' at 0% ABV.

Is soil over-hyped? Debunking myths with Ventisquero and Tim Atkin

‘Can you taste Chilean terroir?’ – or indeed any terroir? That was the question posed by Tim Atkin MW at a Ventisquero-led masterclass which put Chilean wines side by side with other entries from the Old and New Worlds.

Hallgarten’s 'strategic expansion' drive continues

Eighteen new employees have joined the team at Hallgarten & Novum Wines since July 2024, encompassing head office support functions, regional sales and a communications role.

Bodega Argento unveils new partnership with Fulham FC

Bodega Argento has become an Official Argentinian Wine Partner of the Premier League football club, in addition to supplying the new Fulham Pier venue.

International Alliance for Responsible Drinking exceeds safeguarding target

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a collective of some of the world’s biggest alcohol producers, has surpassed its 2024 goal of embedding rigorous digital safeguards across thousands of brands worldwide.

Golden Vines Report offers a bullish forecast for 2025

The Golden Vines 2024 Report, formerly known as The Gérard Basset Global Fine Wine Report, has been published by the charity set up by friends and colleagues of the late sommelier.

WineGB launches definitive guide to award-winning British wines

WineGB has collaborated with the Vineyard & Winery Show to create the Golden 50 Wines List – a database of award-winning British wines that have received gold medals across 10 national and international competitions in 2024.

Scottish businesses to pay 'up to 70% more in rates' versus across the border

New analysis released by UKHospitality Scotland has revealed that hospitality businesses will be significantly worse off than their English counterparts, unless the Scottish government takes decisive action to introduce business rates relief in its forthcoming Budget.

Harpers 30 Under 30 finalist invests in bricks and mortar

Entrepreneur, cheese enthusiast and media personality Jessica Summer has opened her first shop and bar in the London Borough of Harrow.

Gusbourne unveils hybrid distribution partnership with Enotria&Coe

Leading sparkling wine producer Gusbourne has joined forces with Enotria&Coe to expand the brand's presence in the UK on-trade.

Post-Budget fallout looms over UK insolvency reprieve

Loire Valley producers reeling from 'unprecedented climatic conditions' in 2024

Vintage 2024 in the Loire Valley has been described as "one of the most trying years in recent decades” for growers in north-western France.

Hospitality endures sluggish October growth despite licensed premises rise

The UK’s leading hospitality groups achieved overall year-on-year sales growth of just 0.6% in October 2024, despite an increase in new openings recorded last month.

Wales abandons UK-wide DRS in favour of glass inclusion

Wales will press ahead with its own Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) as the devolved government announced its intention to back out of a UK-wide framework which is looking to exclude glass.