Fine wine merchant Friarwood has expanded into spirits, as the company looks to satisfy changing consumer trends. Friarwood, which acts as an importer, distributor, wholesaler and retailer, has kicked off the spirits division with Tromba Tequila, Per Se Aperitivo, Sash & Fritz Vodka, and Ron Carúpano. The company said that it has seen a growing interest in spirits in recent years, among both on-trade clients…

The Specialist Importers Trade Tasting starts today (Monday) with the London event, at Battersea Arts Centre. The tasting, which is open to independent buyers and press, will feature wines from specialist importers. Following the London session, SITT Manchester will take place at Etc Venues on Wednesday. Both days will feature a live discussion with the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), as Drinks Retailing editor…

The chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has said the trade group is “hell-bent on trying as hard as we can” to ensure the temporary arrangement for wine duty becomes a permanent move. Speaking at the Specialist Importers Trade Tasting (SITT) in London, Miles Beale told an audience of independent retailers, producers and importers that the WSTA is working to ensure…

Birmingham-based retailer Loki Wine has announced a new wine subscription service, featuring bottles not yet available in the Loki stores. Customers can subscribe to receive either six or 12 bottles per month, which are selected by Loki Wine founder and managing director, Phil Innes, and the Loki team. Boxes will be delivered directly to customers with free shipping. As part of the…

Amathus Drinks has shared plans to open two new stores at the beginning of 2024 as the retailer and distributor looks to expand its bricks-and-mortar offering.  Speaking to Drinks Retailing at the 2023 Amathus portfolio trade tasting, commercial director Tom Miller said that despite the impact of Covid and nationwide financial pressures, there is still great potential in physical stores.  “Our retail…

Louise Hoste has announced her departure from convenience chain Spar after serving as managing director for four years. After first joining the business in 2019, Hoste saw Spar through the pandemic, and spearheaded the launch of its ‘Joy of Living Locally’ brand positioning. Elsewhere, Hoste has worked to revamp the company’s central office to improve the working environment for Spar’s team members. …

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has urged energy regulator Ofgem to act quickly to enact recommendations and ensure businesses avoid another winter energy crisis. Responding to Ofgem’s non-domestic market review consultation, the BBPA supported most measures put forward by the regulator, but stressed the need for urgency if brewers were to avoid the threat of “sky-high energy costs” again this coming winter. The…