Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) is encouraging the trade to get behind the newly-launched and adapted format of English Wine Week, which will take place June 20 to 28, 2020. Due to the current Covid-10 restrictions, the majority of the activity will take place online. Retailers can download digital assets to use online or in store, together with a toolkit of ideas, and are being encouraged…

Taste Champagne London 2020 has been postponed to March 2021 due to the uncertainty caused by coronavirus. The event, which will now be held on March 10 next year, was originally due to be held in March this year and was later postponed until June 24. The organiser said: “The impact of coronavirus on Champagne is particularly acute as a luxury and celebratory product, making…

A number of drinks industry tycoons have dropped down the Sunday Times Rich list this year due to a fall in their fortunes over the past 12 months, accelerated more recently by the challenges posed by Covid-19.  Many of Britain’s wealthiest people have lost billions due to coronavirus, and this includes those made rich from a number drinks businesses. Tycoons that have dropped down the…

South Africa is no longer allowing the export of wine while in Covid-19 lockdown, a move which is reported to be due to the fear of alcohol piracy.  At a press conference the country’s traditional affairs minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said: “The only alcohol that is allowed to be transported is the one that is used for commercial purposes, for our sanitiser and…

Naked Wines has said revenues for the full-year 2020 will be in excess of £200 million due to increased demand from both new and repeat customers.  In a statement Naked Wines said it had seen “higher levels of demand from both new and repeat customers” in all of its markets, since social distancing measures were put in place.  The online…

Tesco has reported its sales are up 30% due to pre-lockdown stockpiling.  The UK’s biggest supermarket said it is unable to predict the full impact of the pandemic this year, although it highlighted a number of significant costs – including extra payroll, distribution and store expenses – which could add between £650 million and £925 million to costs.

The London Wine Fair 2020 joins the list of events being postponed due to coronavirus.  A statement today reads: “It is with a heavy heart that Hemming Group Ltd is postponing London Wine Fair 2020. It remains inconclusive as to when, or for how long the Government might place restrictions on mass gatherings in the UK. Nonetheless the London Wine Fair team has taken…