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.

Richard Siddle blog: Final thoughts on LIWF 2011

Waking up after the last day of the London International Wine Fair is a little like the first day back after all the festive Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Richard Siddle, comment May 6: let's get behind National Wine Month

Whether you were front of the crowds on the Mall, happily taking part in a local street party or hiding away in a darkened room, you cannot deny the wonderful sense of celebration that passed over the country for last Friday's royal wedding.

Richard Siddle, comment April 27: we need to put climate change back on the agenda

Considering the amount of press coverage given to climate change in recent months you might be forgiven for thinking Jeremy Clarkson has taken over the news agenda of the UK media.

Richard Siddle on lessons learnt at the World Congress on Climate Change and Wine

If you thought the wonders of wine were all about tastings, great food matchings and the enjoyment of what is in the bottle then think again.

Richard Siddle comment April 8: Impact of Oddbins fall out on trust in the industry

One of the biggest consequences of Oddbins, oh, so public fall into administration this week is the large numbers of creditors, both very big and very small, that have been left high and dry by the collapse.

Geoffrey Dean: Ashes and wine blog reports on impact of rain to 2011 vintage

This has been a good week to be an Englishman in Australia following England's crushing victory in the second Test.

Geoffrey Dean: Ashes and wine blog reports on impact of rain to 2011 vintage

This has been a good week to be an Englishman in Australia following England's crushing victory in the second Test.

Jeremy Beadles has his say

Amidst the excitement and shifting polls generated by last week's first ever televised Party leaders' debate there is less focus than usual on alcohol in the current political debate.