London-based wine retailer Bottle Apostle is set to significantly ramp up its online business; meanwhile the company has confirmed it is not seeking out any new sites.   The founder of the five-strong chain, Andrew Eakin, told OLN he now viewed the website as its sixth store. “We are developing our website and it will go live by the end of…

Bargain Booze owner Conviviality Retail has confirmed it is in talks to buy several Rhythm & Booze off-licences from rival Bibby Retail Services. Since floating last year Conviviality has already taken over Wine Rack for £1.6 million and is now interested in snapping up around 20 Rhythm and Booze stores. “Conviviality notes recent media speculation in the trade press in relation to the acquisition of…

Prowein organiser Messe Dusseldorf has revealed that 8% of the 26,000 international visitors to the 2013 show came from the UK. In 2012, 5% of the 14,000 international visitors it attracted were Brits, meaning the number of UK buyers rose 196% in between 2012 and 2013. Executive director Michael Degen told OLN that he believes the diversity Prowein offers could see it attract even more…