Think France is poised to become the ultimate one-stop shop for all French wine buyers bidding to maximise sales in this vital category. It expands upon our successful one-day spirits events – Think Gin, Think Rum and Think Whisky – in order to educate and inspire anyone putting together a French wine range. We have teamed up with sister title Harpers and Anne Burchett, a…

UK buyers see plenty of opportunities to boost sales of South African wine in spite of harvest pressures and the potential for rising prices. The country’s 2018 crop is around 15% down on the previous year, according to industry body Vinpro, and Bibendum’s Paul Meihuizen called it “the most challenging I have ever known”. But retail buyers are optimistic when it comes to South Africa.

More than half of Prosecco sales in the UK are generated by men, according to new research from the Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC. It claims that 56% of off-trade purchases of the popular Italian bubbly are made by men, contrary to widespread belief that is over-indexes among women. Stefano Zanette, president of the Consorzio, said: “Women are known to be the larger buyers of wine…

A retail analyst has delivered a scathing assessment of the failings that contributed to Conviviality’s impending descent into administration. The Bargain Booze and Wine Rack owner has crumbled over the past couple of weeks after a shocking string of financial mishaps and calamities. Shares that were trading at 426p a few months ago are now worth “little to nil” and buyers are being sought for…

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…

A new trade fair aimed at helping retail buyers source the best wines to sell at discount prices will make its debut in the autumn. The Cheap Wine Show will be held in early September to enable supermarket buyers and discounters to access last minute bargains that will test the limits of the government ban on selling alcohol below the cost of duty and VAT.

Vinexpo is targeting 10 leading UK buyers to be part of a 100-strong annual buying trip taking in some of the most unheralded but progressive regions. Vinexpo Explorer eschews the exhibitions and fairs that Vinexpo has made its name with and takes buyers into vineyards and cellars. The first chapter of Vinexpo Explorer takes place on September 11-12 this year in the vineyards of Austria.