LWF: UK trade’s ‘puritan approach’ to wine holds back profitability

A Harpers panel at London Wine Fair (LWF) charged with assessing how to build greater value back into the trade painted a picture of a wine world too immersed in its own product to clearly communicate any ‘added value’ that can encourage higher consumer spend.

LWF: London Wine Fair hails successful show

The London Wine Fair (LWF) has said visitor numbers exceeded expectations for its 39th show.

LWF: Private label wine grows market share to 40%

Private label wine continues to encroach on the market share of branded wine, it has been revealed - while private label for the entire grocery sector has already eclipsed branded FMCG products.

Moët Summer House to re-open in June

Moët & Chandon is bringing back its Summer House members club this summer, between 7 and 9 June.

Scotch sets out vision for the future

The Scotch Whisky industry plans to combine “future global growth” with “action to ensure the environmental sustainability” of the industry.

Brancott Estate launches organic wine

Brancott Estate has launched its first organic and vegan wine range after the organic wine market grew 11% year on year.

LWF: Visitor numbers tracking 2018 despite entry fee

The number of visitors to London Wine Fair (LWF) is tracking those of last year so far despite the entry fee introduced for the first time this year.

UK retains top five status as global market for still and sparkling imports

The UK remains the world’s second biggest importer of still and sparkling wine, analysts have confirmed - despite the era of high volume wine sales being “over for good”.

Accolade powers up with new wind turbine

Accolade Wines has installed a 2.5MW wind turbine to help run its Accolade Park DC.

Chucs launches first café and appoints former Jamie Oliver executive chef

UK drinkers reaching for Fairtrade bottles

Fairtrade wine is becoming increasingly popular, with 39% of Fairtrade shoppers seeking out the Fairtrade label on wines and spirits, up 10% on 2010.

Scottish DRS could put glass recycling in reverse and increase use of plastic

UK glass manufacturers have warned the Scottish deposit recycling scheme, which includes glass, will “prompt a switch to plastic packaging” and could result in “plant closures and job losses”.

Chapel Down launches its first sparkling Bacchus

Chapel Down has released its first sparkling Bacchus version.

Jamie’s Italian calls in administrators

Jamie Oliver’s restaurant empire is at the brink of collapse, with the group having called in the administrators putting up to 1,300 jobs at risk.

LWF: Consumers value experiences over value for money, says CGA

There has been a major shift in the way consumers decide which venues to visit, with the promise of entertainment and engagement now taking precedent over value for money.

LWF: Inter Rhône reveals “promising” first quarter UK export trends

Inter Rhône has revealed a “very promising” start to 2019 with preliminary data showing export sales to the UK near stagnant compared to the double-digit volume drop recorded in 2018.

Majestic hoping to toast £100m deal

Majestic wants £100 million for its bricks and mortar stores, according to a report from Sky News.

EU backs Bottega over protection claims

The Court of the European Union has backed the decision made by the EUIPO recognising the validity of the three-dimensional marks registered by Bottega to protect the distinctive features of its Bottega Gold and Bottega Rose Gold bottles.

Jascots reveals record sales

Jascots Wine Merchants has posted sales of £9.25 million - a record high - for the year ending 30 April 2019.

LWF: Inverarity continues the Scottish march south

Scottish-based Inverarity Morton is using its second ever outing at London Wine Fair (LWF) to advance its focus on supplying the English trade, with a round of new agencies in its portfolio.