Brexit survey: Who's afraid of the big bad B word?

In the lead-up to next month’s scheduled EU summit, Jo Gilbert sets out to discover what the trade really thinks of Brexit, how it has impacted business so far and what is yet to come

Pernod hails dynamic UK growth

Pernod Ricard has revealed “strong results” for the most recent financial year, while chalking up 6% growth in the UK.

Australian bulk prices rise as short harvest meets Chinese thirst

The 2018 crush Down Under will fall short of meeting current demand for Australian wine, driving prices upward.

Wine set to help global alcohol consumption to reach £830bn by 2022

A relatively sunny outlook is being forecast for the global alcohol industry over the next five years, with the wine set to see the largest portion of growth.

Beer and pink gin help fuel rise in Diageo GB Sales

Diageo has seen its annual GB sales rise by 8% helped by its core gin and beer offering and ‘innovative’ NPD including pink gin.

Fever-Tree puts the UK at the forefront of premium and healthy drinking trends

Fever-Tree continues to gain ground in the UK and the US as the trend for premiumisation and healthy long drinks continues worldwide.

UK and EU step up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has voiced frustration over the plodding pace of Brexit negotiations as the EU published a paper on what businesses should do to prepare for a "no deal" or “hard Brexit” outcome.

“Frictionless trade”: What the white paper tells us

The government’s new white paper on economic arrangements post-Brexit is the roadmap that many have been waiting for, outlining how the EU’s future relationship with the UK could work after March 19.

William Grant & Sons report highlights impact of social influencers as spirits value growth overtakes wine and beer

A new “Active-ist” consumer mindset is on the rise, one which is more aware of its collective power to demand personalised experiences, shape brands and hold them to account.

Flexibility and confidence key for advancing women in wine

Offering flexibility and encouragement, and supporting women-owned business were key to advancing women in the wine industry, the Women of the Vine & Spirits’ inaugural London symposium revealed.

An extra £500m investment in product and service innovation could put Waitrose ahead of the game

Store closures and profit warnings have become death knells for retailers on struggling high streets, and there was concern last week when Waitrose announced it is shutting five of its 353 stores.

Cutty Sark set for sale as owner Edrington reports 7% growth

Famous Grouse, Macallan and Highland Park owner Edrington has reported a 7% uplift in sales despite ongoing challenges in the blended Scotch market.

Majestic declares itself fighting fit for tough market ahead

Majestic Wine’s full year results to 2 April 2018 reported group sales up 2.3%, driven by underlying sales growth of 11% at Naked Wines, in line with the company’s forecasts.

Industry leaders plan for multiple scenarios as uncertainty continues to Brexit D-Day

With Brexit D-Day less than a year away, this year’s Wine and Spirit Trade Association-hosted briefing at the London Wine Fair (LWF) promised a glimpse at how the trade is preparing for life after Brexit.

Jerry Lockspeiser: The rise of the empowered consumer

“Business leaders can no longer assume that consumers make rational decisions about which products to buy and use. Today’s empowered customers no longer purchase products; they buy experiences. They engage with brands that deliver what they need, when they need it, regardless of the delivery mechanism or channel.

LWF: Uncertainty continues to cloud Brexit debate to 2020 and beyond

With 312 days to go until the UK officially leaves the EU, the effect of economic uncertainty and how the trade is placed to take advantage of opportunities offered by Brexit formed the crux of discussions at one of the opening debates of the London Wine Fair this morning.

Siglo to receive a "new lease of life" following Pernod sale

One of the original Rioja brands to make a splash in the UK is changing hands and is due to be revitalised with a whole new look.

UK sales of Aperol and Campari drive group growth

Campari’s stable of brands continue to drive “sustainable growth” for the group, including Aperol and Campari, where sales rose in the UK during the first three months of the year.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Are we in the wine business or the business of wine?

Barely 50% of UK start-ups make it to their third birthday (ONS figures). 20% of American businesses fail before they are one year old, around half make it to five years, and just 30% are still going after a decade (USA Today).

Looking ahead after Conviviality's fall