It seems there is a certification for pretty much everything these days, from B Corp and Organic to Fairtrade and Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC), but which resonate the most with consumers and why? Jaq Bayles asks retailers and producers to give us their takes on the subject Barry Dick – bulk sourcing manager, BWS, Waitrose Trading“B Corp has been quite a big thing…

After a year of running North Norfolk Cellars online, Top 100 inductee Bert Blaize opened a bricks-and-mortar site in June. Blaize talks about the locals, the wines and foraging for a Martini. We’re in a beautiful old, wonky, listed building in Wells-next-the-Sea. It has been a lot of different things, including a pub in, I think, 1805. Our customers are a mix of…

Originally planning to pursue a career in aviation, Cara Lee Dely fell into the world of wine after visiting a wine estate on holiday. She joined Bolney in 2021. Here, she discusses the rise of English wine, potential for still, and sustainability in the winery. What is driving growth in English wine?There is a lot of consumer demand coming through – we…

As the EU makes nutritional information on wine labels mandatory, Nigel Huddleston examines what UK messaging looks like – and how it might evolve The alcoholic drinks label is a complicated place. As well as the basics of abv and pack size, it can variously be home to health warnings, information about vegan or vegetarian-friendliness, clues to gluten content or other allergens and…

Mad Dog Brewery Co has suspended its direct-to-consumer sales to focus on opening a new taproom in Brighton.   Owner and CEO of the Cardiff based brewery, Tim Waters, said: “We had a financial decision to make. Do we continue for another two years supplying the trade? Or do we suspend the off-trade and open another taproom where we can make revenue and…

The Federation of Independant Retailers (the Fed) has praised the new government for reintroducing proposed legislation that will protect shop owners and staff from attacks and theft.   The change comes after campaigning from the Fed and complaints from drinks retailers about the increasing prevalence of retail crime.   The amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill are…

Tech-driven spirits creator Degen Distillery has announced the launch of its debut product – 721 Vodka – after an initial delay to the drink’s release.   The distillery, which refers to itself as a “lifestyle spirits brand powered by next-gen technology” is releasing the drink direct-to-consumer (DTC) at the end of this month.  Backed by Brewdog and Google, the choice to release…