As the year draws to a close and we prepare to take the leap into the second half of another decade, all of us at Drinks Retailing would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our readers for their continued support.

It’s been another testing, but inspiring, year for the drinks trade: 2025 was shaped by shifting consumer habits, rising costs and plenty of uncertainty; but also by resilience, creativity and no shortage of innovation. As ever, our aim has been to reflect the reality of trading on the ground, champion the best ideas in retailing and give the sector a platform to share insight, debate and inspiration.

We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has read, shared, commented on and contributed to our coverage as the team itself continues to evolve. There is plenty more to come in 2026 as we continue to update our coverage, refresh how we work and lay the foundations for the next chapter of the Drinks Retailing brand.

For now, we wish you a very happy Christmas and a successful, well-earned break, and thank you for being part of the Drinks Retailing community. From independent merchants and multiple retailers to suppliers, wholesalers and industry experts, your engagement is what keeps Drinks Retailing relevant, challenging and worth reading. We look forward to continuing the conversation in the new year.

The Drinks Retailing team