The founder of Devon-based Hattiers rum has announced price increases for two products, which will come into force with tomorrow’s alcohol duty reform. Philip Everett-Lyons said Egremont Premium Reserve Rum would increase by £2, to £44, while Eminence Blended Aged White Rum would go up £1.50 to £39.  The producer’s Resolute Blended Aged Navy Strength will retain the price of £56. “We are sorry that…

Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, Coronation festivities led to a significant increase in wine sales, according to the latest data from Kantar and NIQ.  Noting the success of sparkling wine in particular, NIQ found that total UK grocery sales during the week of the Coronation exceeded the Platinum Jubilee week in 2022.  Looking at the week ending May 6, 2023,…

Sussex-based winery Bolney has announced plans to expand its retail and hospitality area to increase visitor capacity.  As the English wine industry continues to grow, Bolney owners have decided to invest in the winery’s consumer-facing offerings. Phase one of the developments, which is due to be complete later this year, will see the estate open a new, larger shop with Bolney’s full range…

Many conversations at this week’s Prowein turned to the latest UK duty announcement, as the wine trade braces for a double whammy of duty reform and inflation-related tax increases. As part of the latest budget, the government said that duty rates on alcohol will increase in line with the retail price index on August 1, coinciding with the introduction of a new…

There has been trade dismay at the news that duty rates on alcohol will increase in line with the retail price index on August 1, coinciding with the introduction of a new duty regime, which will see products taxed according to alcoholic strength rather than drink type. The Budget increase is a blow to industry campaigners who had hoped for a further freeze in…

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned of further tax increases on wine ahead of the spring budget announcement on March 15. With a new alcohol duty system – which will tax alcohol according to strength – due to come into action on August 1 2023, the WSTA predicts that around 90% of still wine will see a 9% duty rise.

Bolney Wine Estate has reported a “record year of turnover”, with 2022 seeing an increase in both UK and international sales.  In its newly-released January business update, the Sussex-based winery noted a 16% increase in turnover in 2022 compared to the previous year. Turnover from hospitality alone saw a 43% increase, while turnover from UK and international trade rose by 8%. James…