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Jeroboams ‘neighbourhood’ family of stores to hit 10 with Chelsea opening

Published:  22 May, 2023

Jeroboams, which bills itself as ‘London’s local wine merchant’, is to hit the milestone of 10 stores this June as part of what the company describes as its “ambitious growth plans”.

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Independents encouraged to sign up for summer Beaujolais promotion

Published:  09 May, 2023

In association with Harpers’ publisher Agile Media, independents are invited to sign up for the Share the Spirit of Beaujolais promotion, to help elevate the profile of the region and drive an uplift in sales.

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Indies focus: Manchester's bright northern lights

Published:  12 April, 2023

Jo Gilbert struck out for Manchester to discover what makes the city tick post-Covid.

Leave it to Marc Hough, owner of Manchester hybrid Cork of the North, to give a comprehensive summary of the city in which he lives and works in the space of 30 seconds.

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Cambridge gears up for 30th anniversary celebrations

Published:  13 March, 2023

Cambridge Wine Merchants is celebrating reaching three decades in the trade in 2023, with a roster of events lined up to mark the major milestone.

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Indies: Weighing up the options

Published:  24 February, 2023

With merchants facing unprecedented upward price pressures, Andrew Catchpole assesses what can be done.

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SITT announces strongest lineup of exhibitors yet

Published:  02 February, 2023

The Specialist Importers’ Trade Tasting (SITT) returns this spring, with a dedicated focus on the independent sector.

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50 Best Indies 2023: The full rundown

Published:  13 January, 2023

Having moved on from the pandemic but now with economic upheaval to contend with, the UK’s independent merchant sector is nonetheless in vibrant health, if this year’s crop of worthy winners are anything to go by. Innovation, backed by enthusiasm, knowledge and great communication, with ever greater emphasis on sustainability, were much in evidence across the readership-nominated long list this year.

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New Golden Vines scholarship aims for wider BAME representation

Published:  09 January, 2023

The Gérard Basset Foundation, in collaboration with Wine Owners, Lay & Wheeler and IG Wines, has unveiled a new Golden Vines Scholarship for members of the BAME/BIPOC community who wish to break into the wine trade.

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50 Best Indies 2023: Tune in for the results

Published:  06 January, 2023

Once again the results of our popular 50 Best Indies list are ready to be announced, with tranches of 10 being revealed each day next week (9-13 January) at 11am.

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OWC hails biggest ever Christmas

Published:  04 January, 2023

The year 2022 certainly had its challenges, with businesses struggling to make ends meet amid a soaring cost-of-living – and trading – crisis. However, one business is celebrating a bumper festive period, with last month offering up the best December in the company’s 30-year history.

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Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Phil Innes, Loki Wines

Published:  12 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Phil Innes, founder and MD of Loki Wines, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

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Indies: Is it grim up North?

Published:  07 December, 2022

Christine Austin gives us the Yorkshire view, looking at how businesses have fared during Covid and beyond.

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Q&A: Hal Wilson MD, Cambridge Wine Merchants

Published:  09 November, 2022

With the cost-of-living crisis and import challenges ratcheting up, Andrew Catchpole catches up with our 50 Best Indies list topper Hal Wilson to discuss the path ahead.

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Berry Bros. & Rudd strengthens its hand in FY22

Published:  07 November, 2022

Fine wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd has uncorked its financial results for FY22, reporting 3.7% sales growth and a 107% rise in EBITDA – growth the business attributes to an ever-growing consumer appetite for fine wine collecting.

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50 Best Indies gears up for 2023 list

Published:  03 November, 2022

Harpers popular 50 Best Indies listing is delighted to confirm that Walker & Wodehouse will be joining Cambridge Distillery as a sponsor for its forthcoming 2023 edition.

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Louis Jadot offers training and support package for indie merchants

Published:  25 October, 2022

As part of a Drinks Trust initiative, Louis Jadot will sponsor 20 places for independent merchants on WSET Level 1 courses, it has been revealed. 

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Bristol indie bucks belt tightening trend

Published:  17 October, 2022

Despite the cost-of-living crisis affecting consumer up and down the country, at least one independent has reported booming sales of its fine wines.

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Theatre of Wine celebrates hitting 20

Published:  28 September, 2022

London’s Theatre of Wine has turned 20, marking two decades since founder Daniel Illsley founded the merchant in Greenwich following the new wave of wine interest created by Oddbins and Majestic.

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The Wine Yard, Surrey’s newest drink-in/take-home bolthole

Published:  30 August, 2022

Just over 40 miles from London, Farnham’s new watering hole, The Wine Yard, has become part of the regeneration that is taking place in the UK’s satellite towns. During Covid, many places felt the wrath of the virus and its various mitigation measures, with lockdowns leaving shop and restaurant fronts empty along what were once the more bustling parts of the nation’s high streets. 

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Wines for the Times independent merchant survey

Published:  22 June, 2022

Despite inflation galloping away and the cost-of-living crisis biting – not to mention shipping issues and related costs – recent pandemic-boosted trends suggest that consumers have become more adventurous and premium in their wine-buying habits. 

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