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

Not too big to fail: Where it all went wrong for Conviviality

With annual sales of £1.6bn and shares flying high at 425p each on the stock market at the end of 2017, Conviviality seemed to be more than keeping its head above water in the choppy seas of today’s difficult trading environment.

C&C and AB InBev to acquire Matthew Clark and Bibendum PLB

Brewing company C&C in partnership with AB InBev are likely to save Matthew Clark and Bibendum PLB.

Conviviality to file for administration after failing to raise emergency funds

Conviviality has confirmed the board has resolved to file notice of intention to appoint administrators following discussions with its lending banks.

Conviviality breakup likely as £125m fundraiser fails

Conviviality Plc has failed to raise the £125 million needed to recapitalise the business following a tumultuous month which saw three profit warnings, its market value tumble, shares suspended and the departure of CEO Diana Hunter.

Cash strapped Conviviality looks to equity fundraise to meet £30m tax bill

Cash strapped wholesaling group Conviviality has announced it is in talks to begin equity fundraising in to plug a £30m tax shortfall which is due on March 29.

Fever-Tree continues to lead the premium pack by adapting to low-cal and dark spirit trends

Fever-Tree accounted for 91% of the value growth of all mixers on the UK’s retail shelves last year, as the UK-based company continues to lead the march of premium mixers.