Appleton Estate Jamaica rum has introduced a complete brand relaunch alongside the release of a new minimum-age blend, as part of its strategy of becoming “the global leader in premium aged rum”. Crafted by Master Blender Joy Spence to commemorate the Estate’s 250th Anniversary, the new minimum age Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve will join the brand’s Jamaican rum portfolio, including Appleton Estate Signature and Appleton…

The founders of the sustainably-focused Calvados brand Avallen have launched a Seedrs crowdfunding campaign to raise £175,001 to expand the business. Stephanie Jordan and Tim Etherington-Judge are offering just over 8% of the equity in their business, valuing it at a little short of £2 million. The minimum investment is £11.90 for a single share. The brand was launched just over year ago with a…

High-strength cider and perry has experienced the biggest decreases in stocking by retailers in Scotland since the introduction of minimum unit pricing two years ago. A study of small stores commissioned by Public Health Scotland and carried out by the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing & Health found widespread destocking of products that had seen the biggest price increases under MUP. It concluded…

The contactless payment limit in shops is increasing to £45 from today as part of measures to stem the spread of coronavirus, while rises to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage also come into force today.  Shoppers can now make contactless card payments of up to £45 per transaction, a substantial increase from the previous £30 limit, which has been…

Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) has come into force in Wales. As of today, retailers and any outlets serving alcohol must charge at least 50p per unit. As a result of this, a bottle of wine cannot be priced at less than £4.69.   A similar system was introduced in Scotland in May 2018 and the results of this are still being assessed. Under the Public…

A campaign is being launched to remind shoppers and retailers about the start of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol in Wales. MUP will start in Wales on March 2, after which retailers will have to charge at least 50p per unit. The Welsh Government will be launching advertising via social media, radio and online from next week to remind retailers of the March start…

The Labour Party has pledged to review the evidence on minimum unit pricing if it secures a majority in the upcoming general election. It delivered its manifesto today and promised to address alcohol-related health problems, while ramping up addiction support services. “Alcoholic drinks will be labelled with clear health warnings,” it said. “We will review the evidence on minimum pricing.” Scotland introduced MUP last year…