Supermarket grocery sales were up 1.5% in the four weeks ending June 18, according to the latest figures from NielsenIQ, thanks to a boost from the Platinum Jubilee weekend. The Jubilee, which took place during the week ending June 4, boosted sales by 3.7%, NielsenIQ said, with Champagne up 47% and sparkling wine up 40%. Recent warmer weather also caused a slight uptick in sales.

As key selling occasions go, Father’s Day is up there with the big ones. Here, Rachel Badham outlines what we can expect from the drinks industry. Sunday June 19 is the UK’s annual Father’s Day; one of the biggest dates on the calendar for the off-trade.  “It is definitely one of the busiest times of year for Master of Malt”, says the online…

Britvic’s mixer brand, The London Essence Co, has rolled out a new marketing campaign as it looks to capitalise on summer drinking trends. The ad, which features the tagline ‘Exquisite mixers blended with distilled botanicals’, will run across TV on Demand and social media platforms throughout June and July. As part of the campaign, the brand has highlighted a number of simple cocktail recipes that…

London Wine Fair has shared its Wine Writers Edit ahead of its 40th live show on June 7 – 9.  The Wine Writers Edit took place for the first time last year, when the London Wine Fair was 100% digital. As the fair returns to London Olympia in 2022, this is the first year where visitors will be able…

Moet Hennessy’s namesake Cognac brand is to open a luxury store inside Harrods. The Hennessy Boutique, which will open in early June, will be a standalone space on the lower ground floor.   “The entire rare Hennessy collection will be displayed, highlighting Hennessy Paradis, a cognac blended from eaux-de-vie carefully selected for its character and immense potential,” the company said. Hennessy will also release an…

The owners of Lambrini perry have announced a new campaign in partnership with actor and presenter Denise Van Outen, marking the brand’s first big activation since it was acquired by Accolade Wines in June 2021.  The ‘Bring the Brini’ campaign will see a series of images and videos shared on the brand’s social media platforms. With the aim to help Lambrini “reach new consumers…

London Wine Fair has announced that a selection of new and returning exhibitors are due to attend the live event on June 7 – 9 in London Olympia, followed by the digital event on June 20 – 21. Around 400 exhibitors will be at The Fair, including winemakers and importers. A handful of industry sessions and masterclasses…