The organisers of Prowein have said they aim to attract 50,000 visitors to the Düsseldorf show this March. Last year, Prowein reported 38,000 visitors from 145 countries, owing to disruption from the pandemic. Pre-pandemic numbers saw a record 61,500 visitors to the show in 2019. Speaking to Drinks Retailing, Prowein director Michael Degen said the target for this year is 50,000, “and…

The days of heady growth for gin are over, forcing producers to take a more focused approach, says Felicity Carter Sales of gin have passed their peak and become more sluggish, according to some in the industry. But the more difficult trading environment is driving many to sharpen their focus on quality.  “Most medium-sized distillers are flat on last year, and struggling to stay…

Giving up alcohol is a lifestyle choice for an increasing number of people who are more conscious of their health and wellbeing. The quality and choice of low/no drinks has improved significantly for consumers looking to moderate their intake.  With awareness peaking as people make New Year’s resolutions, or sign up to Alcohol Change’s Dry January, promoting your range effectively will help you stand…

“Wider aisles, better conversations and more time.” These were among the positive comments from the side-lines at both this year’s Prowein and London Wine Fair. And it’s no surprise that after two years off, a Spring of Covid uncertainty and an initial clash over dates that visitor numbers weren’t up to pre-pandemic levels. Prowein reported 38,000 visitors from 145 countries at its…

Tim Atkin MW has highlighted the continued improvement of Argentina’s white wines, saying they “now rank among the New World’s very best”. As part of his latest report on Argentina, Atkin said there have been five major changes in the country over the past 30 years. One of those, he said, has been the transformation of the best white wines “from also-rans to thoroughbreds”. “White…

Trade organisations for the wine industry in South Africa have said the 2022 grape crop is down on the previous year. According to the annual South African Wine Harvest Report, the 2022 vintage will “wow consumers with exceptional quality wines, albeit from a somewhat smaller grape crop than in 2021”.   The 2022 wine grape crop is estimated at 1,378,737 tonnes, according to industry body…

Some in the trade consider English wines to be underwhelming and overpriced. I disagree; we are making world class wines. Quality is on the rise and customers are eager to support local winemakers. Its why English wines make up 25% of our list at Wickhams. I am fortunate to be able to visit many of the vineyards dotted throughout the coastal counties of southern England…