Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show a slight fall in the annual rate of inflation, from 10.7% in the year to November to 10.5% in December. The CPIH ­­­– the Consumer Prices Index including housing costs – showed a fall in alcohol and tobacco inflation from 4.2% in November to 3.8% in December. Average alcohol and tobacco prices actually fell in December,…

Cult Wines has announced the launch of its new Global Index to provide worldwide insights into the fine wine investment market. Created in partnership with Wine-Searcher, the Global Index will process around 200,000 global wine prices every month to offer a view of consumer and merchant behaviour while providing “accurate pricing in the marketplace”.  Tom Gearing, CEO and co-founder of Cult Wines, said: “Working…

Earlier this month, Lidl hosted its Christmas Wine Tour press tasting, and the chain’s wine consultant Richard Bampfield MW (pictured) was on hand to tell Lucy Britner more about it This year’s selection comprises around 25 wines and the company says the Wine Tour activation allows the BWS department to offer customers additionally selected wines alongside the core range. The collection is designed to be…

The drinks trade has urged the government to protect producers and retailers, as they brace for soaring energy prices.  Between February 2021 and August 2022, The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has estimated that bills have risen by 349% for electricity, Similarly, gas bills have risen approximately 424% during the same period.  Phil Innes, founder and director at Loki Wine, said he has seen energy…

Bordeaux Index has noted a 37% increase in revenue for the first half of the fiscal year, compared to the same time period in 2021. The wine merchant attributed the majority of the “record growth” to its online platform LiveTrade, which registered a 53% rise in sales compared to the six months to June 30, 2021. On average, fine wine market prices were up…

A Scottish wholesaler has warned the UK could see bottled beer stocks fall as glass prices continue to rise. Julie Dunn, operations director at Blantyre-based Dunns Food and Drinks, said a number of global suppliers are already dealing with glassware shortages, as prices have “jumped by 80% in the last twelve months due to rising energy costs”.  Dunn said: “It won’t be long before the glassware shortage…

Ahead of World Earth Day (22 April), FMCG data analysts Levercliff found the majority of consumers (71%) are prioritising value for money over sustainability when shopping for food and drink. As energy prices rise and interest rates increase, 36% of consumers said their shopping choices were driven by the need to budget.  However, 50% of consumers reported sustainable packaging as the main influencing…