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The week that was

Published:  18 May, 2018

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.


Top Stories:
 This week there was news from new Bibendum and Matthew Clark owner C&C Group, which announced that former Bibendum head honcho, Michael Saunders, has re-joined the business as chief executive.

The news was met with optimism by many, who recalled the integral role Saunders played in growing the company to become a market leader in the UK wine industry throughout the 1900s and 2000s.

This was dampened slightly however two days later when C&C Group announced a drop in full-year net revenue and profit with sales hit by severe weather in the second half.

Despite annual revenue dipping 4.9% to €548.2 million, the company said its Tennents, Magners and premium and wholesale businesses in the UK had “performed strongly”.

Elsewhere, restaurant operators blasted rent and rate increases in London as “unmanageable” for their businesses, while Halewood announced the company is exploring potential sale options.

CEO Stewart Hainsworth revealed the business is looking to replicate the success of its gin brand Whitley Neill abroad with a newly re-focused portfolio of artisanal spirits craft beers.



Analysis and Insights
: With UK wines and spirits taking the spotlight at the London Wine Fair next week, Jo Gilbert looked at how home-grown products are promoting a quality and evolving industry amid continued political and economic uncertainty.

And we also picked out the key points made at the panel debate at Harpers’ recent Think Gin event, with insights from leaders in the category on how to continue gin’s still growing momentum.

 

People and Opinion: A year into the job, Accolade UK’s big chief, Ade McKeon, spoke to Andrew Catchpole about the new acquisition by Carlyle Group, and how it is likely to change things for the global Aussie wine business.

We also continued our latest Meet the Buyers series with wine manager Andrew Harris, who oversees the evolving and quality wine portfolio at regional brewer, Harvey’s.