Waitrose profits hit by investment and deflation

Waitrose saw operating profits fall 23.4%, on the back of increased investment in operations and amid a deflationary market.

Oakley Wine Agencies grows sales by 20% in face of reduced listings in major multiples

Family run Oakley Wine Agencies, which specialises in Portuguese wines, posted 20% growth over the last 12 months despite facing a challenging trading market with supermarkets.

Aldi launches new 'super premium' range of £10 wines

Aldi is adding a new 'super' premium range of £10 'boutique' wines as it seeks to capitalise on growth from middle class customers.

Morrisons' new boss faces a tough challenge say City analysts

Morrison's results were broadly in line with expectations, City analysts agreed - but incoming chief executive David Potts faces a tough year.

Morrisons posts losses of £792m as 23 convenience stores come into the firing line

Morrisons has posted an annual pre-tax loss of £792m, as total turnover fell 4.9% to £16,816m in the 52 weeks to 1 February 2015.

Independents winning battle against shop crime but alcohol still a major target for thieves

Investing in crime prevention measures like CCTV has seen the number of independent retailers that have been victims of shop theft fall from 91% in 2012 to 74% in 2014, but alcohol still remains one of the major problem areas, according to new figures.

Supermarkets lose £400m in sales as price deflation gives further savings to consumers

Supermarkets are missing out on £400 million in sales as price deflation continues to pick up pace offering further savings to consumers, according to latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel.

Ocado bucks retail trends with first quarter sales growth of nearly 20%

Ocado saw sales jump 19.2% to £271.1m in the 12 weeks ending on February 22, 2015 compared to the same period last year - despite the average basket size declining by 2.4%.

Villa Maria launches lighter alcohol wine range

New Zealand winery Villa Maria is set to launch a lower abv wine range into the UK off-trade.

Oddbins opens first standalone beer shop

2015 London Wine Fair will be the "most diverse" ever promises show organisers

This year's London Wine Fair will be the most diverse in its 35 year history, according to show director Ross Carter.

ProWein Preview: The Brits are coming!

Downtown Düsseldorf will be the place to be this March as ProWein opens its doors to hordes of international buyers - with the Brits increasingly first in the queue. Here is what you can expect for arguably the largest drinks tradeshow in the world.

Sherry to benefit from boost to marketing spend

Sherry is set to benefit from a boost, after the regulatory body successfully doubled its global marketing spend.

Lords committee calls for reform of EU tax laws

A House of Lords committee has called on the EU to reform the structure of alcohol tax so that variable taxes on wine and cider according to alcoholic strength can be introduced.

Diversifying in to cafes, bars and events are key for growth hears March for Indies conference

Independent merchants are seeing growth through expansion and diversification, moving from a purely traditional merchant and wholesale model to embrace new revenue streams, the March for the Independents conference heard.

To succeed online takes hard work, time and money independents are warned

Driving online sales may be a priority for independent wine merchants, but to do it successfully requires a lot of hard work, takes up a great deal of time and crucially costs a lot of money.

Dan Jago was "never suspended" from the business says Tesco

Tesco has confirmed to Harpers.co.uk that Dan Jago, who is returning to the business on March 9, was never actually suspended from the company, but asked to "step aside".

Shifting retail landscape likely to benefit independents, Wilson says

Shifts expected in the off-trade over the next 12 months are likely to create a "huge opportunity" for independent merchants, according to Tim Wilson of the Wilson Drinks Report.

Independents join forces and debate key issues at Harpers business conference

Independent wine merchants gathered in London yesterday at a conference organised by Harpers Wine & Spirit which put the spotlight firmly on the big issues facing the sector.

Wine Treasury to distribute US based Terlato Wines in the UK

Wine Treasury a London-based speciality wine importer has added Terlato Wine brands Rutherford Hill from Napa Valley and Grace Lane from Washington state to its portfolio.