Waitrose has lined up a partnership with Gordon’s gin owner Diageo to highlight low and no alcohol drinks. The activation includes dedicated low/no areas at 253 Waitrose stores across the UK, which will highlight the supermarket’s range of around 70 low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks. The retailer said sales of the category have increased 20% in the past year, with beer continuing to grow apace.

The Hatch Mansfield family across the world are mourning the loss of our great friend and work colleague, Philip Tuck MW. Philip was killed on Thursday morning in Burgundy whilst out cycling with his son Felix and their friend Tom. His early death, at the age of 59, is a tragedy. At this time, our thoughts are with his wife Kate, Felix and his family.

Hatch Mansfield wine director Philip Tuck MW has died, after an accident in France. He was 59 years old.  Hatch Mansfield CEO Patrick McGrath released the following statement late yesterday: “It is with great sadness that we report that Philip Tuck MW, wine director at Hatch Mansfield has passed away this morning. “Philip was involved in a cycling accident abroad and suffered a major injury…

Wine writer Tim Atkin MW has hailed a changing scene in Argentina, as part of his 11th report on the country’s wines. Atkin, who has been travelling to Argentina since 1992, said women are now “a force within the industry, especially among the younger generation”. He highlighted the Club de Mujeres Profesionales del Vino (a club for professional women in wine) in Mendoza, which now…

The trade organisation for the UK wine industry has said current CEO Simon Thorpe MW will leave his position at the end of May. WineGB said this morning that Thorpe, who joined the organisation in 2020, will “return to his roots” as an importer and distributor. Thorpe is to join importer Thomas Hunt as managing director in June. Thorpe said: “I am lucky enough to…

Aldi has reinstated its Wine Club, as it looks for wine enthusiasts to offer honest reviews of its range, in exchange for free wine. Thirty successful Aldi Wine Club applicants will receive three bottles from Aldi’s range, which will need to be tested, reviewed, and consumed over a six-week period. Reviews are then shared across club members’ social media with the hashtag #AldiWineClub. Aldi will…

Wine retailer Majestic has appointed Jane Masters MW to its buying team.  Masters, who became a Master of Wine in 1997, has joined Majestic as buying manager. She will work alongside Elizabeth Kelly MW, and under the leadership of trading director John Storm and COO Robert Cooke.  Masters will oversee the buying of Bordeaux, Loire, Spain and Portugal at Majestic, which the retailer described as…