Sterling climbs against dollar on the back of upward retail sales data

Harpers Design Awards 2011

Design is a key element for brand development and awareness. If you have
recently re-designed or launched your drinks brand or you are a design
agency representing a great product, enter the Harpers Wine & Spirit
Design Awards and gain the recognition you deserve.

WSTA expands to take on gin and vodka role

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association is expanding its role in the spirits sector following the decision to cease operations of the Gin and Vodka Association.

Richard Verney leaves buying post at Oddbins as Nichols returns

Oddbins has officially confirmed that head buyer, Richard Verney, left the business on December 1 to "pursue new challenges outside of the company".

Diageo invests a festive £1million for Gordon's gin

Diageo GB has invested £1million to keep the Gordon's gin brand top of mind with consumers during its key sales period.

Sterling drops against US dollar due to UK unemployment rate

Sterling fell to a 12 day low against the US dollar yesterday after UK jobs data came in much weaker than expected.

Diageo agrees final settlement with Intercontinental Brands

Diageo Great Britain has agreed a final settlement with Intercontinental Brands (ICB) over its dispute over ICB's Vodkat product.

Jameson Irish whisky hits case sales of three-million

The Pernod Ricard owned brand, Jameson Irish whiskey has announced global annual sales of three million cases, despite the economic downturn.

Dedianko scores Belvedere dream job

New York bartender Allison Dedianko has landed the role of global brand ambassador for Belvedere vodka after beating seven finalists from around the globe in the Dream Job competition.

On-trade boost for wine sales

Wine sales are growing more strongly in pubs and restaurants than they are in the off-trade, according to the latest quarterly report from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Sterling drops off from three week high against US dollar

Sterling dropped from three week highs against the US dollar yesterday after strong US figures helped boost the US dollar.

Harpers Drinking Out Excellence Awards shortlist announced

The shortlisted restaurant and bars in this year's Harpers Drinking Out Excellence Awards have been announced.

Currency analysis December 14: sterling on a three week high

Currency analysis for December 14: sterling on a three week high.
For free bespoke drinks trade currency advice go to www.smartwinespirits.com.

Online wine "too expensive" says YouGov poll

A quarter of consumers said they don't buy wine online because they think it's too expensive, and don't want to wait for a delivery, reported a YouGov poll.

Wines in the press - December 10-12

The Guardian
Cheese and red wine clash almost as often as they hit it off, says Fiona Beckett.

Sterling continues to hit high against dollar

Sterling hit a three week high against the US dollar yesterday; gaining nearly two cents from earlier lows after concerns hit the US economy that left investors selling the US dollar.

Bibendum launches The Wondering Wine Company

Bibendum has launched an outside wine service called The Wondering Wine Company that aims to revolutionise how wine is served at UK sporting, food and cultural events.

Asda launches interactive beer website

Asda has launched a microsite dedicated to educating customers about its range of international, British and local beers.

Currency analysis, December 10: sterling slips against US dollar

Currency analysis for December 10 from Smart Currency Exchange: sterling slips against US dollar. For bespoke currency advice for the drinks industry go to www.smartwinespirits.com

Portuguese winemakers urged to band together

Portuguese winemakers have been urged to work together to raise awareness of their country and their products.