Shipping wine to pack in the UK offers social, green and financial solutions to the issues of the day, argues Anne Krebiehl MW The energy and supply chain crises have put the advantages of bulk shipping wine into sharper focus, both financially and environmentally. Sustainability is almost exclusively discussed in ecological terms when it actually encompasses three aspects equally: ecological, economic and social sustainability.

Around 40% of Australian wine production is represented by the national trade body for sustainable winemaking, according to the latest figures from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. The organisation’s Impact Report for the 2021 – 22 financial year found that the programme represents 40% of total wine production in Australia – a 90% increase on the previous financial year. Additionally, the 2021 – 22 financial…

Around 50% of British consumers are planning on limiting their spending on alcohol as a result of financial pressures, new data has found.  According to research from British drinks brand Gunner Cocktails, the cost of living crisis is likely to be a “difficult period for many drinks brands in the UK as consumer confidence continues to reach historic lows”.  However, while around half…

It’s clear that next year will be another year of uncertainty for the off-trade. The recession seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future, putting financial pressure on manufacturers, retailers and consumers. But 2023 will also bring legislative changes that have an impact on businesses.  Scotland will see the implementation of a deposit return scheme to cover single-use plastic, steel, aluminium and glass containers.

As we find ourselves in one of the most challenging economic environments in recent history, there will be many trying to plan what the impact will be. In a world where the most common words in the media are ‘U-turn’ and ‘unprecedented’, it is no surprise that ‘uncertainty’ is inevitable. We know from the 2008/09 financial crisis that consumers will be choosing fewer occasions in…

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has raised concerns over store closures if local shops do not receive long-term financial support amid rising energy costs. While convenience stores will receive financial aid for six months under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the ACS has urged the government to extend the scheme until “at least April 2024” to reduce the likelihood of store closures.  The…