Vinitaly 2016: Vinitaly celebrates 50 years and change is in the air

While Vinitaly celebrates 50 years since its first fair was hosted in Verona, both exhibitors and organisers have focused on making changes in order to keep people returning year over year.

Vinitaly 2016: Abruzzo region invests in global markets in order to expand

At Vinitaly 2016, being held from 10-13 April in Verona, the Abruzzo regional body announced that it will continue to invest in the UK despite it being an increasingly competitive one as well as other international markets.

Vinitaly 2016: Lower ABV wine is a way to stand out for Italian producer La Contessa

Wine producer La Contessa is looking to stand out from other Italian producers by focusing on producing a high-quality, lower alcohol red wine and is looking to export to the UK market.

Vinitaly 2016: Sicilian producers focus on UK as a main export market

Sicilian producers are looking to develop a stronger regional identity in the UK for wines and other agricultural products such as olive oil, in an effort to further drive growth.

MMD adds Tommasi family Puglian estate to portfolio

Maisons Marques et Domaines has partnered with Italy's Masseria Surani Wines to become its sole importer and distributor in the UK.

Sicily takes control of its destiny

"Historically, the UK took Sicilian wine from northern bottlers in huge quantities," says Nick Bielak, director of Vinexus, whose agencies include the big Marsala-based co-op, Cantina Europa

How Italy's complexity can be its greatest draw

When it comes to supplying the off-trade with entry-level wines, Italy certainly punches above its weight

Hallgarten marks International Women's Day with Women With Bottle promotion

Leading UK distributor Hallgarten Druitt & Novum has launched a three-month promotion celebrating women winemakers to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8.

Flint Wines to showcase extensive new Italian portfolio at annual tasting

Hallgarten invests in sales and brand management with four new hires

Leading UK distributor Hallgarten Druitt & Novum has strengthened its sales and marketing teams with four new appointments.

UK launch for Canella Bellini aperitif at SITT

Prosecco winery Canella is to launch its bottled Bellini aperitif in the UK this month.

Wineteca 2016 to partner with Gambero Rosso

The Italian Chamber of Commerce is to partner with leading Italian food-and-drink publisher Gambero Rosso for its 2016 Wineteca tasting.

UK's sky high drinks tax helping Italy win fizz war

With England due to take on Italy in the Six Nations Rugby tournament on Sunday, the Wine & Spirits Trade Association is using the occasion to highlight the disparity in tax rates between the two nation's drinkers.

Wine world prepares for Vinisud 2016

Over 1,700 exhibitors will converge on Montpellier next week for Vinisud, the biennial International Mediterranean Wines and Spirits Exhibition.

Armit expands premium Italy list with Friuli partnership

Fine wine merchant Armit Wines has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Friuli winery Castello di Buttrio.

Giant of Italian wine, Giacomo Tachis, dies at 82

Italian wine legend Giacomo Tachis has died at the age of 82. He had been ill for some time.

Insights: How can Italy communicate its regional diversity to consumers?

After visiting last week's Borsa Vini Italiani tasting, Justin Keay asks how much the average wine enthusiast really knows about Italy?

Borsa Vini Italiani to showcase Southern Italy

The Borsa Vini Italiani tasting, which takes place in Manchester and London this week, will offer visitors the opportunity to discover wines from a range of less well-known Southern Italian wine regions, including Campania, Puglia, Calabria and Sicily.

New president for Franciacorta Consorzio

Franciacorta Consorzio, the governing body of the Franciacorta premium Italian sparkling wine region, has elected Vittorio Moretti, owner of Bellavista and Contadi Castaldi, as its president.

Italy Supplement: Baffling but never boring

For those who really 'get Italy', like plenty in the trade, that riotous mix of individual producers, regional styles and native grapes is a big part of what makes Italian wine so special. Italophiles would have it no other way - this is a land to get lost in and never escape from. But in high-tax Britain on the High Street that complexity is a bit of an issue.