Q&A: Virgin Wines' Jay Wright talks independence, technology and customer loyalty

Virgin Wines chief executive Jay Wright opens up on what's happened since it separated from Direct Wines last year, as well as plans around personalisation and customer loyalty.

Online debate: how different channels are changing the digital landscape of wine online

We all know the importance of communicating and retailing online, but how effective is it? Harpers hosted an "Online Debate" featuring retailers and online specialists at PLB's independent merchants' roadshow in Manchester last month and found supermarkets, independents and even drink apps are changing the digital landscape of wine online.

?Growth of private label wines overtakes brands in multiples

Growth of private label wines is outpacing branded wines, and now accounts for over one-third of wines on offer across the major retailers.

Naked Wines' bond-funded fine wine is ready

Pressure on wine shipments mounts as US ports still deadlocked over contracts

Strike threats at western US sea ports are ongoing, with wine logistics experts predicting major problems for those who have not planned ahead.

Have we made an (April) fool out of you?

Just in case you have not realised, but we thought it was only fair to own up and admit a couple of the stories on today's news feed are not quite what they seem.

Bargain Booze expands in south of England

Bargain Booze has opened its first Kent store as part of parent company Conviviality Retail's expansion strategy.

Adnams Cellar & Kitchen retail sales up 6%

Adnams Cellar & Kitchen retail business saw a 6% increase like-for-like sales for the year to December 2013.

Spanish wine storms into second place at Laithwaite's

Spain has become its second-biggest category for Laithwaite's wine in the UK market, after sales rocketed by 10% since July 2013.

Treasury Wine Estates looks to double the size of its travel retail business

Treasury Wine Estates wants to double the size of it travel retail business within five years as it steps its distribution with exclusive and premium wines to airports, cruise ships, ferries and other key travel wine sectors.

Industry leaders say reduced glass recycling costs have saved businesses

Senior figures in the wine trade say steps to cut exorbitant charges for glass recycling could save some companies from going out of business. 

Majestic's shares fall 20% on back of profits warning for financial year

Majestic Wine's shares have fallen by as much as 20% over the last two days after it issued a profit warning saying its overall profit before tax would be flat for the financial year.

Changes to packaging waste recycling costs could save wine and spirit sector £38m

The wine and spirits industry has welcomed news that the government intends to lower the costs involved in recycling packaging waste, following a huge increase in glass recycling costs, which could save the sector up to £38 million.

Spar launches its fifth annual nationwide wine festival

Spar is to run its annual Wine Festival between March 20 and May 7 which will look to showcase its range of award-winning wines that start from just £4.

Wine price comparison site to predict when low prices are coming

Wine price comparison website Bring a Bottle is aiming to make predictions on when individual products will hit their lowest prices as the next phase in its development.

UK on verge of an "almighty price war" warns PLB's John Osborne

The UK retail industry is on the verge of an "almighty price war" amongst the major multiples as the rise of the hard discounters continues to dictate the dynamics of the UK grocery market, according to John Osborne the new managing director of wine distributor PLB.

UK sales of organic wine fall

Sales of organic produce have risen for the first time in four years in the UK, but the increase has not been felt across beers wines and spirits sales at supermarkets, where they tumbled 7.6%.

Bargain Booze franchisees set for bonus payment

Bargain Booze franchisees are getting their share of a £180,000 bonus pot this month from owners Conviviality Retail, following the launch of a reward scheme.

Best buyers understand and work with their suppliers, hears Wine Buyers Forum

The best wine buyers are the ones that do their homework on their suppliers, know their market, understand their customers and choose wines that match their own business agenda, according to two former supermarket heads of wine speaking at this week's inaugural Wine Buyers Forum i n Windsor.

The Co-op revamps wine range to focus on own brand

The Co-operative is introducing 56 new wines to its range, which will have greater focus on own brand wines - especially its Fairtrade and Truly Irresistible wines.