WKD has launched two RTD cocktails in cans. The two 44cl price-marked cans of WKD Venom and WKD Anti Venom are 6.5% ABV and are pre-mixed versions inspired by the drinks of the same names in the on-trade. The two variants have a fruity flavour profile and both contain caffeine. WKD Venom is a blend of WKD Blue, bourbon and orange flavour; while WKD Anti…

Mangrove UK has appointed Nate Booker as brand development manager for two of the premium spirits importer’s bourbon brands. In this newly-created position, Bourbon specialist Booker will be working to drive awareness and positioning of Old Forester and Early Times Bourbon, with a focus on the launch of a ‘Buy the Barrel’ programme, offering customers an exclusive opportunity to purchase their own barrel of Old…

Sainsbury’s is in talks to buy convenience operator Nisa, a move which would significantly bolster its position against Tesco’s expected merger with Booker. Nisa is reportedly poised to sign an exclusivity agreement with Sainsbury’s, which would temporarily bar the corner shop group from courting other buyers. Nisa, which buys and distributes for more than 2,500 independently-owned stores in the UK, has been working on a…

Convenience store chain McColl’s hopes to purchase “hundreds of stores” that could be sold off to alleviate competition concerns when Tesco’s takeover of Booker goes through, according to reports. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has not yet launched an investigation into the Tesco-Booker deal, but the industry expects it to scrutinise Tesco as it did in 2003 when the grocery retailer acquired One Stop.

Tesco’s announcement that it intends to buy Booker could prove to be the food and drink retailing sector’s Brexit or Donald Trump moment. The high-ups in each business would have known it was coming, of course, but for the rest of us it was certainly something of a bolt from the blue – and for many in the mainstream drinks retailing arena it has the…

A charm offensive undertaken by Booker chief executive Charles Wilson appears to be winning over independents operating under the wholesaler chain’s retail fascias to the company’s proposed takeover by Tesco. Wilson has been touring the country to host meetings with retailers operating under the group’s Premier, Budgens, Londis and Family Shopper stores, to answer questions and persuade them of the benefits the company perceives for…

Tesco has agreed to buy the UK’s biggest food wholesaler, Booker Group, in a £3.7bn deal. The cash and carry operator Booker supplies groceries and alcohol to 700,000 convenience stores, grocers, pubs and restaurants. The Group also owns the Premier, Budgens and Londis convenience store brands. It is unclear at this stage whether the deal will face any challenge from competition authorities. Speaking to the…