Analysis: Spirits brands set to make the most of Christmas trading period

With the 12 weeks leading up to Christmas the most crucial for all in the drinks trade, Erin Smith looks at how the spirits sector fares at this time of year.

On-trade: The rising popularity of pop-ups

From wine car boot sales to pop-up shops and mobile wine vans, Jo Bruce looks at how operators' fresh formats are uncorking wine sales

The Smith Report: A consumer-centric Christmas

As we head into November and the throes of the busiest trading period of the year, many retailers are changing strategies in an effort to pull in more consumers during the final weeks of 2015.

Guy Woodward: Why aren't restaurants offering more wines by the glass?

Along, it seemed, with half the UK's wine press, I was at the launch of Les 110 de Taillevent in London's Cavendish Square last week. My verdict? Go - and be sure to order the crab ravioli. What was most notable about the night, though, was not the guest list or the menu, but that here was a major restaurant being launched off the back of its wine offering.

Industry cautious on government proposals for revised Pubs Code

Government plans announced today to redraw the relationship between tied pub tenants and their landlords have received a cautious welcome from the industry.

Barwell & Jones beefs up London on-trade sales with new hire

Exxes-based wine agency Barwell & Jones has strengthened its sales team with the recruitment of Tim Gray.

Armit launches #LoveLeVolte Week

Fine-wine merchant Armit Wines is launching its inaugural "Love Le Volte" promotion next week.

Wines of Chile reveals annual Sommelier Challenge winners

The winners of the annual Wines of Chile Sommelier Challenge have been announced.

Pinkster partners with Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre

Pinkster Gin has partnered with Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre for its 50th Anniversary season.

D&D expands into winemaking with its own range of wines

The D&D London restaurant group is launching its own range of wines to offer its customers.

M brand expands with new central London wine shop

The M restaurant group is to launch a specialist wine shop in Victoria, London.

Bacardi reveals UK finalists for Legacy Cocktail Competition

Bacardi has announced the UK finalists for its 2015 Legacy Cocktail Competition.

Troy Christensen: The future strategy of Enotria

From wine's commercial coalface to the premium on-trade, Enotria's boss Troy Christensen is proving to be a dynamic player keen to shake up the status quo. He talks about why premium remains his mantr

On-trade: Gastropubs that drive sales with a stong wine offer

Fuller's to hand pub staff national living wage ahead of schedule

Fuller's is to bring in the national living wage rate of £7.20 an hour in for key pub staff six months ahead of it being made a national requirement.

Pilsner Urquell's tank beer concept hits the north

Pilsner Urquell Czech lager has rolled out its tank beer concept to northern England.

Interview: Inside the Conviviality supergroup with chief Diana Hunter

Head of Conviviality Diana Hunter talks about the company's reverse takeover of Matthew Clark and what it could mean for the trade.

Conviviality completes Matthew Clark acquisition and confirms change of name

Bargain Booze and Wine Rack owner Conviviality Retail has completed its £200 million acquisition of Matthew Clark.

Liberty's tip for a successful on-trade Christmas: traditional wines but more expensive bottles

On-trade operators should look to help consumers trade up in classic wine styles to drive sales growth in the pre-Christmas period, according to a report from agency supplier Liberty Wines.

Matthew Clark beefs up premium Italian and Spanish wine ranges as top-end sales surge

Matthew Clark has added 35 premium wines from Italy and Spain to its portfolio in response to a surge in demand from the top-end on-trade.