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The era of economic moderation is here, as inflation finally bites

Published:  07 December, 2022

Premiumisation was an ongoing trend in wines and spirits during the first half of 2022 as consumers leaned into little luxuries, new data has revealed. However, as we teeter on the brink of global recession, it is increasingly clear that consumers are holding back on their drinks purchases – a trend that could be particularly acute in the UK, where both intensifying economic gloom and rising inflation is threatening to ‘derail premiumisation’.

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Hallgarten Wines embarks on search for third ‘HeadStart’ Apprentice

Published:  07 December, 2022

Specialist wine importer, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, is once again on the hunt for a ‘HeadStart’ Apprentice. 

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Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Owen Morgan, 44 Group

Published:  07 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Owen Morgan, director of 44 Group, which includes Cardiff’s seminal Bar 44, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead. 

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Bibendum predicts its top 10 drinks trends for 2023

Published:  07 December, 2022

Based on research conducted by Proof Insight, Bibendum has compiled its list of top 10 trends to look out for in 2023.

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Viña Concha y Toro begins planting 'Grapevines 2.0'

Published:  06 December, 2022

Eight years since the launch of Viña Concha y Toro's Centre for Research and Innovation, the first of its climate change ‘resistant’ vines have been planted

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Restaurant owners forced to borrow 12% more than last year

Published:  05 December, 2022

The amount restaurant owners are borrowing to keep their own businesses afloat has increased 12% in the past year, from £377 million in 2020/21, to over £424 million in 2021/22, says Mazars, the audit, tax and advisory firm.

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Fine Wines Direct UK announces two new appointments

Published:  05 December, 2022

A regular finalist in Harpers best UK wholesaler, Fine Wines Direct UK has added two high-profile names to its sales team.

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First South African crop estimate indicates smaller 2023 harvest

Published:  05 December, 2022

South African viticulturists and producer cellars are predicting a smaller 2023 wine grape crop following a “healthy, yet dry season.”

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Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Sam Thackeray, Enotria & Coe

Published:  05 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Sam Thackeray, MD of Enotria & Coe, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead

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Consumer spending in pubs, restaurants and takeaways down since start of pandemic

Published:  02 December, 2022

The average amount consumers spend each month in restaurants, takeaways and pubs has fallen since the start of the pandemic, with restaurants the hardest hit, new research has found. 
 
An independent survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Peckwater Brands, claims rising inflation and energy costs have reduced consumer spending, leaving hospitality businesses at risk. 
 
Restaurants have seen the highest drop-off in consumer spending since the start of 2020, down 16% from £58.90 per person per month to £49.30. Spending in pubs fell 14.6% from £47.90 to £40.90, while spending on takeaways saw the lowest reduction, falling just 10% from £47.70 to £42.30.
 
While the cost-of-living crisis continues to loom large, the majority (63%) of UK adults surveyed said they still consider takeaways a treat they look forward to, with 34% intending to continually get them regularly (at least once per month) with 33% budgeting for this expense. 

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New limits on Etna to control invasive investment

Published:  02 December, 2022

New moves to limit Etna DOC (PDO) wine production volumes have been designed to maintain and control average grape prices, as a way of preserving the Sicilian mountain’s wine economy, its environment and viticultural heritage, the Etna DOC wine board has said.

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Four in five bars plan to increase range of no and low alcohol drinks

Published:  01 December, 2022

Research by CGA by NielsenIQ and non-alcoholic spirits brand CROSSIP suggests that 67% of bar professionals have increased their range of no/low alcohol drinks over the past year, and 82% will do so over the next 12 months, demonstrating the growing importance of the category to consumer choice.

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ecoSPIRITS and Rémy Cointreau to Launch reusable Distribution packaging in UK

Published:  01 December, 2022

ecoSPIRITS has announced a partnership with Rémy Cointreau, one of the world’s biggest producers of spirits and liqueurs, to help reduce distribution waste.

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Top beverage trends for 2023 reveals 'mindful' focus

Published:  01 December, 2022

With a focus on the low&no market Finlays, the B2B supplier of tea, coffee and botanical solutions has revealed its annual beverage trends report for 2023, highlighting the more 'mindful' approach consumers are taking to the drinks industry.

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Taking stock: UK beverage businesses are in midst of ‘inventory crisis’

Published:  30 November, 2022

UK beverage manufacturers are now holding more than double the amount of stock compared to pre-pandemic levels, as delays and shortages take an increasing toll on the global supply chain. 

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Corney & Barrow gains exclusivity of Domaine Dugat-Py

Published:  30 November, 2022

Corney & Barrow (C&B) has announced its appointment as the exclusive UK agent for Domaine Dugat-Py – a family owned historic estate located in the heart of Gevrey-Chambertin.

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Wines of Spain announces dates for 2023 Annual Tastings

Published:  30 November, 2022

Wines from Spain has revealed dates and locations for its Annual Tastings next year. The first will be held in London on 28 February, with a northern event also taking place in Leeds, Yorkshire, on 13 March.

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Drink brands still going strong despite rise of discounters

Published:  29 November, 2022

According to Kantar, food price inflation jumped to a record high of 14.7% in October, and these rising costs have coincided with a surge in sales for discount retailers like Aldi and Lidl.

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St Austell Brewery agrees investment with Harbour Brewing Co

Published:  28 November, 2022

Cornwalls’ St Austell Brewery has taken a minority share in Harbour Brewing Co, a multi-award-winning Cornish brewery. 

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2022 harvest puts Sogevinus ‘to the test’

Published:  28 November, 2022

Leading Port and still wine producer Sogevinus is celebrating making its way through a "very difficult and challenging harvest", which was able to overcome significant viticultural challenges, including heat intensity and the lack of rainfall, particularly when it came to lower altitude vines.

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