WSTA recognises trade figures contributions to 'Call Time on Duty' campaign

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association has recognised a select group of MPs, Michael Saunders of the newly formed Bibendum PLB Group and Denis O'Flynn of Pernod Ricard UK for their outstanding contributions to the success of the 'Call Time On Duty' campaign.

Chief of the Week: Michael Saunders

There really can only be one stand out personality in the wine and spirits world this week. Yes, Michael Saunders the new chief of the combined Bibendum PLB group following the former's takeover of the latter earlier this week.

Trade reacts to the Bibendum PLB merger

Rival suppliers and potential customers of the new Bibendum PLB group have been unsurprised by the news of the merger, given tough market conditions, with most saying further consolidation in the supply chain is on the cards.

Majestic asks suppliers to 'support' new warehouse with discounts

Majestic has asked some of its suppliers to contribute a 4p per bottle retrospective payment to help fund its new warehouse in Hemel Hempstead, Harpers understands.

Armagnac Academies expands to China

French brandy Armagnac is setting its sights on China with the launch of its Armagnac Acadamies there later this month. 

TescoGate: Tesco and Serious Fraud Office confirm criminal investigation

The Serious Fraud Office has launched a criminal investigation into Tesco's accounting irregularities after the retailer confimed it had mis-stated profits by £263 million.

Beam Suntory names Rebecca Asseline as Courvoisier ambassador

Rebecca Asseline has been appointed the global brand ambassador for Courvoisier.

Gruppo Campari owned Glen Grant releases 50-year-old whisky

Glen Grant, the Scotch whisky brand owned by Gruppo Campari, is releasing an "exceptionally rare" 50-year-old expression in a tribute to craftsmanship.

Bibendum acquires PLB to create 'UK's most powerful independent' drinks supplier

Bibendum, one of the UK's largest wine and spirits distributors has acquired major rival, PLB, for an undisclosed sum and is merging both businesses, as of today, October 29, into the Bibendum PLB Group, Harpers.co.uk can reveal.

Analysis: The new Bibendum PLB supergroup

Bibendum's acquisition of UK drinks rival PLB and the merger of both businesses has created a supergroup, complete with five divisions, catering to the on and off-trades, independents, specialist beer and spirits and events sectors.

TWE focuses on travel retail's $1 billion growth opportunity in wine

Treasury Wine Estates has identified a $1 billion opportunity to grow wine sales in the global travel retail sector and has strengthened its travel retail sales team to capitalise on the potential growth.

Austria claims new sparkling wine standards rival Champagne

Austria has introduced new quality standards for its sparkling wines, which it claims puts it on a par with Champagne and Franciacorta.

Tia Maria liqueur teams up with beauty brand Babyliss

Tia Maria has teamed up with beauty brand Babyliss as part of its multi-million pound campaign to boost brand awareness.

Smaller wineries now selling more than half of wine direct to consumer

Smaller Australian, South African and New Zealand wineries are now selling more than half of their wines direct to consumer.

Diageo launches on-trade winter spirits campaign

Diageo is looking to help bartenders cash in on the 39% sales increase spirits enjoy in wintertime with a new campaign based on 'inspiring serves'.

English gin grows in western Europe, says Euromonitor

English gin consumption has been dominated primarily by the US, Spain and the UK, but Euromonitor is beginning to see signs of change as the product becomes more popular in Western Europe.

Tesco lists beer created by army veterans to support Help for Heroes

Tesco has listed a Help for Heroes beer, created by injured veterans with the help of brewer and pub operator Marstons, to help raise funds for wounded servicemen.

International Wine Challenge's first tranche entries close in two days

The International Wine Challenge 2015 first tranche online submission window will be closing in two days on October 30, 2014.

Chile's Casillero del Diablo enters UK's Top 10 wine brands for first time

Chilean wine giant Concha y Toro's Casillero del Diablo has entered the UK's Top 10 wine brand for the first time as sales have grown 35% year on year.

Treasury and Mast- Jägermeister join Portman Group