Richard Siddle: comment, February 24, time for us all to stand up over responsible drinking

David Cameron's warning last week that his government is looking to introduce much tighter drinks legislation, including potentially a minimum price for alcohol, resulted in the industry taking another beating from the national media.
Yet other than the obligatory responses from our much called upon drinks trade associations, where was the reply from our major drinks companies?

Richard Siddle: comment, February 24, time for us all to stand up over responsible drinking

David Cameron's warning last week that his government is looking to introduce much tighter drinks legislation, including potentially a minimum price for alcohol, resulted in the industry taking another beating from the national media.
Yet other than the obligatory responses from our much called upon drinks trade associations, where was the reply from our major drinks companies?

Richard Siddle, comment: what sort of brand appeal do you have?

It says something of how far the power of brands are now so embedded in our lives that the adverts during this week's Super Bowl had more of an impact than the game itself.

Richard Siddle: comment, January 30, The gospel according to the Famous Five

As the industry takes a collective intake of breath for us all to plan our respective budgets for the financial year ahead, who better to guide us in our efforts than the collective thoughts of the BWS chiefs at each of our major supermarkets. The Famous Five if you like.

Anne Krebiehl: a review of the Thrilling Vintages from Germany tasting by The Wine Barn

"It is just important to give the trade the opportunity to taste, to show how good and versatile these wines are," said Iris Ellmann, MD of German specialist merchant The Wine Barn at yesterday's Annual Trade Tasting.

Richard Siddle: comment, December 16, Let's Get Engaged

If you did believe all you read in the papers then you would not get out of bed in the morning. If the economic predictions for the year ahead were not enough to get you reaching for a bottle of the strong stuff, we're now being told by a TV retail celebrity that if you did pop down to your local high street you would not be able to find a shop with a bottle to sell you.

Richard Siddle: my visions of China

When's the last time you had a Chinese takeaway? Last week? A fortnight ago? If the pundits are right we'll soon be asking the same question about the last Chinese wine you had.

Richard Siddle: memories of Wine Future 2011 Hong Kong

The old idiom a problem shared is a problem halved certainly came to mind whilst listening to, and taking part in, three days of Wine Future Hong Kong 2011 event last month. Near on 1,000 wine professionals from 45 different countries made the effort to fly to what has now been dubbed the wine capital of the world to hopefully take a few pearls of wisdom back to their home markets.

Richard Siddle: why we need to understand the new consumer

Let me introduce you to a friend of mine. They've not had a pay rise in two years, they're worried about their job, they live on a tight budget and are forever searching the internet to find voucher discount codes and only eat out if they can get a family deal. But they are also really into their food and will shop around to buy local or authentic products. They give money to charity and are actively walking away from businesses with big profits that don't do anything for the environment.

Richard Siddle: lobbyists give drinks industry clean bill of health at party conferences

When temperatures nudge past 80 degrees we are normally in the midst of what the national media refer to as the silly season. The months of July and August when the politicians disappear off to Tuscany and there is nothing to fill the papers than stories of ducks being stuck down chimneys or similar tales of animal derring do.

Richard Siddle: will a code bring better transparency for independents from suppliers?

I'm not sure how the other participants felt turning up at last week's inaugural Harpers independents and suppliers meeting but I was apprehensive how it might go. Chairing a debate when you know you have strongly opposing views on either side might make for good viewing, but would it actually achieve anything?

Richard Siddle: comment September 9, Lighten up about low alcohol wines

"Hi darling, I'm just popping out to get a bottle of wine. Anything you fancy?" "Ooh yes, could you get one of those 5.9% strong wines. I've got a big meeting tomorrow and need a clear head."

Richard Siddle: comment August 26, Let's all get behind South Africa

It is said there is no such thing as bad publicity, well try telling that to the South African wine industry this month sent reeling from allegations of human rights infringements of workers at some wineries.

Richard Siddle, comment: August 12, where do you stand on a supplier's charter?

Richard Siddle, comment, July 29: Top Merchants prepare for good times

It may be very tentative, but certain parts of the trade are beginning to dust themselves down from the long hibernation, otherwise known as the recession, and prepare themselves for when the rest of the economy wakes up.

Richard Siddle, comment, July 15: Get behind Responsibility OK

The news agenda has been dominated over the last fortnight by people who have been accused of not taking responsibility for their actions. Yes, on the face of it the trials and tribulations of Rebekah Wade, Rupert Murdoch and News International may appear a million miles away from the concerns of the drinks trade. But think again.

Richard Siddle: comment July 1 on why you should put your money on low alcohol wine

Whisper it gently but low alcohol might wines just be about to have their moment in the sun. The prospect may send many in the trade rushing for the nearest highly concentrated 15% plus Australian Shiraz, but at the other end of the spectrum low alcohol wines are very much on buyers' if not necessarily consumers lips - at least not yet.

Richard Siddle: life as we know it at Vinexpo

You know that feeling when you walk through passport control and in to the departures lounge of an airport and it is like stepping in to a parallel universe. A place where nothing seems normal and whatever you do or how much money you spend will have any bearing on life in the real world?

Richard Siddle: Quince with Silvena Rowe, restaurant review

If you're the kind of person who can never make up their mind what to eat in a restaurant, then you might want to give Quince with Silvena Rowe at the helm a wide berth.

Richard Siddle, comment, June 3: Why Bibendum has potentially trade changing ideas

When deciding which wine to order in a restaurant you would not expect the sommelier to ask what kind of coffee you like. Or if you add salt to your food. But that is how we could soon be choosing our Garnacha over our Grüner Vitliner if a radical new approach to wine ranging from Bibendum takes off.