Domaine Bousquet announces B Corp certification

Domaine Bousquet, Argentina’s largest producer and exporter of organic wines has become a certified B corporation.  

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Michael Saunders, Bibendum Wine

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Michael Saunders, head of partnerships at C&C Group, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Long read: Checking in with Czechia

Fresh from Moravia, David Furer finds a new wave of modernity delivering much promise in an old region.

ABS adds first English wine to Portfolio

Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies (ABS) is partnering with House Coren, to distribute their sparkling wine, Boco – the first English wine to join the ABS portfolio. 

Government extends alcohol duty-freeze for six months

The freeze on UK alcohol duty rates has been extended six months to 1 August 2023, the government announced yesterday (19 December 2022).

Chablis back on track after a challenging 2021

After a ‘complicated’ year in 2021, Chablis winegrowers are now in the mood to celebrate, with the Chablis Commission declaring an overall healthier and higher-yielding vintage in 2022.

Prosecco DOCG launches Green Academy and Wine Tourism lab

To mark its 60th anniversary, the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG has announced the launch of two new initiatives. The first is a research facility called, The Green Academy, which will enable producers to work more efficiently for the benefit of the region environmentally.

Armit strengthens Spanish portfolio in exclusive partnership with Familia Fernandez Rivera

Leading fine wine merchant Armit Wines has expanded its coverage of Spain with a new range from the Familia Fernández Rivera wineries, including the flagship Tinto Pesquera wines.

Nick Gillett: The big boozy, British brain drain

Viña Doña Paula appoints Mauricio Palacios as CEO

Argentine winery Viña Doña Paula has announced the appointment of Mauricio Palacios as CEO of the company, effective from January 1, 2023.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Jon Carson, Carson & Carnevale Wines

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Jon Carson, director at Carson & Carnevale Wines (pictured, right, with co-director Christopher Carson), reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Friday read: Savouring chocolate and wine

It’s always fascinating being taken out of one’s own world of intense focus – wine – and into another somewhat parallel, but also contrasting field of expertise. So when Cocoa Runners approached Team Harpers suggesting a wine and chocolate pairing session – also just ahead of Christmas – we jumped at the chance.

More late stage delay for Scottish DRS

A Gateway Review into the already pushed back Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Scotland has concluded that the scheme won’t be fit to launch by August 2023.

Low & no growth in the fast lane to 2026

Low & no drinks are set to accelerate over the coming years, the IWSR has revealed, with analysts predicting that consumption will increase by a third by 2026, exceeding earlier growth rates.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Inflation puts the boot in World Cup boost

The UK hospitality trade rode a wave of World Cup fever in November, when sales were above a still somewhat Covid-dampened environment at the end of 2021. However, with inflation biting hard and more disruption on the way over Christmas 2023, operators could be set for a challenging end-of-year run.

Florent Latour steps into top role at Maison Louis Latour

Maison Louis Latour, the family Burgundy-based wine negociant founded in 1797, has appointed Florent Latour as its new chairman – a role which will see him assume operational control of the company.

Drinks Trust and Vagabond launch ‘well-being day’ for hospitality

The Drinks Trust is teaming up with Vagabond Wines to launch Hospitality Covered, a new initiative beginning with a wellness day by and for drinks hospitality staff, this January.

85% of alcohol product complaints concern appeal to underage drinkers

A new alcohol report has found that 85% of formal complaints considered by the Portman Group's Independent Complaints Panel (ICP) were regarding whether alcohol packaging and marketing had particular appeal to under-18s.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Andrew Porton, Lanchester Group

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Andrew Porton, wine division managing director at Lanchester Group, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead