The UK’s long-awaited Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been given a new identity, with the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) unveiling ‘Exchange for Change’ as its official trading name and brand ahead of the scheme’s planned launch in October 2027. The rebrand is designed to simplify messaging around the scheme and make its purpose clearer to consumers: to improve the direct link…

New research from Vypr has found that most consumers are either drinking as normal or simply cutting back this January, in comparison to total abstinence.  13% of consumers said they plan to complete Dry January, 35% said they would drink as normal and 23% said they would drink less. The remaining percentage were non-drinkers.  Instead, Vypr explained, there is a general trend towards year-long…

While there’s been a spate of articles about business rates recently, it is the hospitality industry that has attracted most of the headlines. It is nonetheless true that the off-trade will be deeply affected by the business rates change scheduled for 6 April 2026. The removal of the UK Retail, Hospitality & Leisure (RHL) relief will undoubtedly have a significant impact…

Majestic has said that Christmas 2025 was the best trading performance in its 45-year history.  According to the retailer, sales rose for the 10th consecutive year during both Black Friday and December. Within this, 23 December was the biggest trading day in its history.  In the five weeks to 29 December, the store saw a 0.9% increase in total sales,…

We are thrilled to announce the supermarket shortlist for our Drinks Retailing Awards 2026 – the annual list of the most forward-thinking and resilient players in drinks-focused FMCG. Two months out from our annual gala dinner, we can now reveal the businesses which have risen to the top in our multiples category and are which now in the running to receive one of…

Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) has announced the weight goals for its Sparkling Bottle Weight Accord, following the 2023 Bottle Weight Accord (BWA) for still wines.  The SWR said a bottle can make up as much as 50% of a wine’s carbon footprint, making a weight reduction significant in reducing emissions.  As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) begins, which requires…

In its latest trading update, Naked Wines has reported positive results, with increases across the majority of its KPIs, excluding revenue. Since its previous trading update in September, the company’s performance has continued to be in line with its communicated FY26 guidance.  In addition to this, there were improvements in its adjusted EBITDA and margin, cash generation and delivery.  The…