The Smith Report: A year of change for the trade

Looking back, 2015 has been a year of change and consolidation, but those business adapting are more prepared to pounce on the opportunities in 2016

Analysis: Harper's survey reveals what trends may lay ahead in 2016

Looking back, 2015 was not a bad year for the trade, but it was a challenging one. But what does the future hold? We conducted a survey to find out the general feeling throughout the trade as we approach a new year. 

Cotswold Distillery announces Angel's Share crowdfunding round

The award-winning Cotswold Distillery has announced its first equity crowdfunding round, which it has named the Angel's Share.

Tim Atkin MW: The battle over inheritance in Burgundy

Tim Atkin MW weighs in on the battle over inheritance in Burgundy and how it is tough for families where some want to sell and others want to carry on the family tradition.

Insights: Better exchange rate, high enough quality means buying opportunities for 2014 Burgundy

Panos Kakaviatos reports on the Hospices de Beaune auction and the opportunities he found for Burgundy's 2014 vintage. He found 2015 may raise more headlines, but 2014 may offer better price/quality ratios.

Majestic H1 results: profits drop 50% as company launches turnaround plan

Majestic plc's first-half results show that profits dropped by 50% for the 26 weeks to September 28, 2015, with profits before tax sliding to £4.3m, down from £8.5m for the same period the year before.

Diageo sells Argentinean wine business to Grupo Peñaflor

Diageo has sold its Argentinean wine business to Grupo Peñaflor, the global drinks group announced yesterday.

The Smith Report: A consumer-centric Christmas

As we head into November and the throes of the busiest trading period of the year, many retailers are changing strategies in an effort to pull in more consumers during the final weeks of 2015.

Majestic Wine to eliminate six-bottle minimum

Majestic Wine is implementing a new pricing strategy beginning tomorrow, which includes eliminating the six-bottle minimum that the store has had in place since 2009.

Treasury shutters two wineries in major cost-cutting move

Treasury Wine Estates has announced it is to close of its two wineries.

Strong sales figures from Pernod Ricard add to pressure on Diageo

Pernod Ricard is reporting solid growth for the three months to September 30, 2015, according to figures released today.

The Smith Report: Hiring qualified candidates is tough out there

With the employment rate in the UK higher than it has been in decades, hiring and retaining good employees has never been tougher.

US beer business is the shiniest star for Constellation as it posts 21% increase in earnings

Improved AB-Inbev bid not enough to tempt SAB Miller board

SAB Miller seems certain to reject an improved offer for the company from AB-Inbev.

Conviviality completes Matthew Clark acquisition and confirms change of name

Bargain Booze and Wine Rack owner Conviviality Retail has completed its £200 million acquisition of Matthew Clark.

Tesco boss claims 'sustained improvement' but first-half profits fall by 54%

Tesco saw group operating profit before exceptional items fall by 54.6% to £354 million in the 26 weeks to August 29.

Diageo strategy to release non-core assets brings sale of Red Stripe lager stake to Heineken

Diageo has handed over control of Red Stripe lager to Heineken by selling its stake in the Jamaican brand owner Desnoes & Geddes.

Mikells takes Xerox executive to become its chief financial officer

Diageo has appointed Kathryn Mikells as chief financial officer with effect from November 9, replacing Deirdre Mahlan.

Sainsbury's edges back into growth in second quarter

Sales at Sainsbury's nudged into growth in the second quarter of its current financial year.

Ocado records quarterly sales rise of 15.3% and 27,000 more orders per week

Online grocery operation Ocado has reported a 15.3% rise in its own retail sales in the 12 weeks to August 9, to £252 million.