Pandemic is officially “Bad for beer, better for spirits and wine”

Beer and cider were hard-hit in the 2008/9 economic crisis, suffering from a combination of duty rises, an on-trade slump and increased at-home consumption, all of which tend to favour spirits and wine.

Alexei Rosin takes the top job at Moët Hennessy UK

Moët Hennessy UK has a new managing director for the UK and Ireland.

US number one hard seltzer brand sets it sights on UK domination

White Claw, the brand which has ignited a seltzer storm in the US, is now looking to replicate its success across the pond.

Napa Valley Vintners and The Drinks Trust lend support to fight Covid-19

A group of Napa Valley winemakers is offering its support to the Covid-19-hit UK hospitality industry via a new online course.

Friday Read: Chasing millennials – a moribund or redefined art?

For as long as I can remember, the wine industry has been coveting youth. Generic bodies have been at the forefront of this rush to connect with Gen Y. The CIVB, Inter Rhône and InterLoire have all invested significant resources into campaigns targeted at millennials.

Hospitality has the UK's highest number of business closures and (almost) the most furloughed staff

A new survey showing how UK business are coping financially with the coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the pressures being put on the out of home food and drink industry.

Concha y Toro brings harvest forward to tackle one of most challenging harvests yet

Living with Lockdown – Daniel Lambert Wines

Agent-importer Daniel Lambert talks to Andrew Catchpole about bypassing critics and trade with live access to winemakers, the dangers of having all eggs in one basket and why its boom time for indies.

Roberson talks supercharging online sales as UK e-commerce soars to 10 year high

Overnight, online sales have become the breadwinner for companies up and down the UK thanks to Covid-19 and its not-so-subtle ability to completely reshape shopping behaviours.

Still wine wins out as UK drinking occasions rise to new heights

The UK’s 28 million wine consumers have found new and more occasions to enjoy their favourite drink, according to new research from Wine Intelligence.

Justerini & Brooks expands on-trade portfolio with grower Champagne

Wine and spirits merchant Justerini & Brooks has added to a new grower Champagne to its list of on-trade exclusives with Pierre Paillard.

Diageo’s Learning for Life hospitality programme takes virtual turn

Diageo’s Learning for Life hospitality skills programme has created a Virtual Hospitality Academy, aimed at bar and restaurant staff seeking to develop their “key skills” in the sector during the pandemic.

Shift to home cooking poses further threat to the on-trade

More time to spend cooking and access to creative culinary content online could pose a major hurdle to a restaurant industry which is now preparing to get back on its feet.

WoSA launches ‘Spectacular South Africa’ campaign

As Cape wine exports pick up post the ban in April, Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is launching a new campaign on social media to promote “Spectacular South Africa”.

Furlough scheme extended to October

The government has announced it is extending the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) for an additional four months, while also adding in some provision to bring furloughed employees back to work on a part time basis.

Jeroboams ends “rollercoaster quarter” with early online re-launch

Jeroboams, London’s local wine merchant, has ploughed ahead with an earlier-than-planned revamp of its website. 

Hospitality industry sizes up ‘Independence Day’ on 4 July

With a liberation day on the horizon for the sleeping hospitality industry, the sector is now asking the big questions about what the end of lockdown will look like.

Great British Braai Off launched to support SA winemakers

Graft Wine Company is looking to bring the mouth-watering flavours of South African BBQ to the British bank holiday weekend with the launch of the first Great British Braai Off campaign to support South African winemakers.

Rathfinny’s 10th anniversary delivers Classic Cuvée launch and new ecommerce site

English wine estate Rathfinny marked its 10th anniversary with the launch of its inaugural 2016 Classic Cuvée on Monday, “completing” its line up of Sussex sparkling wines.

Armit keeps up on-trade momentum with Liber Pater listing

Armit Wines is forging ahead with its plans to strengthen its position in the on-trade with a new addition to its supplier portfolio.