Sales of beer, wine and spirits have risen slightly as inflation slows and shoppers gear up for Christmas, according to the latest figures from NIQ. The NIQ Total Till sales report for the past four weeks ending November 4 2023 noted a modest 2.3% growth in BWS compared to the same time period last year. Overall sales across all categories in UK supermarkets…

Marks & Spencer has added eight new spirits and liqueurs to its shelves as part of its premium Collection range, with a focus on the gifting market. Available exclusively to M&S, the spirits were created in collaboration with producers including Warner’s, Glenfarclas and West Indies Rum Distillery.  Six spirits were produced in total, including a vodka made from Jersey Royal potatoes, a…

The CEO of Naked Wines has left the company with immediate effect, as the online wine subscription service lowers sales guidance. In a trading update today, Naked said Nick Devlin would step down as CEO, with Rowan Gormley becoming executive chairman while the company looks for a successor. Gormley, who founded Naked, returned as chairman earlier this year.  As part of the…

The Good Wine Shop has opened its fifth store, taking over the former Oddbins site in St Margarets, Twickenham. The shop, which is open seven days a week, stocks around 750 wines as well as beers and spirits. While the site is open now, it will undergo a refurbishment in the new year, and it will also play host to tasting events and a wine…

Tesco has started to roll out new livery for its Finest range, as it looks to use labels to tell the story of the wines. Examples of changes include the Tesco Finest Blanquette de Limoux, which now features a “handwritten label emphasising the tradition behind one of the oldest sparkling wines in the world, the fact that it is hand-harvested and the craft that goes…

Following a trading update issued in July, Virgin Wines has released results for the year to June 30. In line with the update and group expectations, revenues came in at £59 million, compared to £69.2 million in FY22. Pre-pandemic sales, in FY19, were £42.3 million. Adjusted profit before tax was £0.6 million, down from £5.2 million a year prior. Looking to the…

Brighton’s only dedicated low/no-alcohol shop and bar, Tørstigbar, opened in November 2022. As the hybrid retailer approaches its one year anniversary, owners Emmi Edwards and Luke Cousins discuss adaptogenic drinks, educating consumers and a new opening We get a real mix of people coming into Tørstigbar. I’d say around 70-75% of our customer base don’t drink, but then the remainder are people who are…