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The week that was

Top Stories: ‘Disruption’ is a term often used enthusiastically by the trade to refer to a product or line of products which are about to break apart the tired mores of a particular wine or spirits category and introduce something bold, revolutionary and new.

As part of new research released by Wine Intelligence and covered by Harpers this week however, it took on a very different association, referring to the political and economic turmoil of the 21^st century and the havoc is has wreaked on consumer drinking habits.

But although wine consumption is down, feeling the effects of moderation trends and consumers moving across to spirits and craft beers, consumers are also largely the same in their reasons for drinking and buying alcohol. 

In this week’s most persistently read story, findings from Wine Intelligence showed that no matter where they are across the world, consumers are looking to key drinking occasions which centre around opportunities to reward themselves and relax – and this is something that the wine trade is well placed to offer with its talent and passion, especially in these troubled and changing times.

Discover more from around the trade this week with our top stories below. 

• Global decline in per capita alcohol consumption as change sweeps the wine world
• Bibendum adds 113 new wines
• Masters of Wine institute reveals four new MWs
• Boutinot unveils Rioja trio with 'unexpected’ design
• Italy tops wine educators’ list of great value wines foe 2018
• Profile: Friarwood's new groove

Business growth: Against a backdrop of intense competition and uncertainty, it is always encouraging to see companies grow and re-assert the importance of the UK market to their business.

Among those making waves this week is Jeremy Rockett, former Marblehead MD and marketing director for González Byass UK, who has joined forces with a trio of drinks experts to launch a new distribution agency.

Alongside a number of deals being struck, Maxxium UK also paused to take stock of its place with the UK market with a comprehensive rebrand.

• Industry stalwart Jeremy Rockett co-founds distribution venture
• Wine Net joins Merchant Vintners
• Top US organic producer Bonterra joins Enotria&Coe
• Vindependents adds Mountford Estate to its portfolio
• Berkmann signs distribution deal for Ferraton Père & Fils
• Conviviality brings Leefield Station to the UK
• Maxxium UK reinvents itself as Edrington-Beam Suntory UK

Analysis and Insights: Harpers caught up with boutique London merchant Friarwood, now in its 51st year, which is being given a new lease of life under its young leadership team.

And we also looked at the rash of exciting new wine bar openings popping up across the country which are a far cry from the aloof haunts of old.

• Why the wine bar is back with a bang
• Profile: Friarwood's new groove

People and Opinion: For his latest column, Tim Atkin MW tackled patriotism, division and the new WineGB logo – a subject which many people have formed their own opinions about this week.

We also caught up with Andrew Ingham on the new changes he has implemented since taking the helm at Greene King and heard from Flint Wines buyer and co-founder Jason Haynes in our Meet the Buyers series.

Last but not least, Jerry Lockspeiser asked whether plan or passion is the key to running a successful business.