The UK’s love affair with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is well documented – as is the news that the 2021 vintage was hit by bad weather. The question is, what do suppliers and retailers have lined up for SB-loving consumers?  From a quality perspective, 2021 in New Zealand was one of our best harvests ever,” says Matt Deller MW, chief global sales &…

Christmas might be full of surprises, but for an independent wine merchant, surprises are the last thing you want in the run up to December 25. Most indies approach Christmas with a military demeanour that is at odds with the spirit of the season. From marshalling our staff and suppliers to planning offers and merchandise months in advance, it is not a season for…

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association is turning its focus on pushing for a broader definition of hospitality, to help suppliers to the on-trade to access the same levels of support. Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, said: “The reason for this is that we think it is unfair that on-trade suppliers don’t have access to the same support that the hospitality sector has.

Majestic Wine has announced it is closing its doors to walk-in customers “until further notice”. In a statement to its customers today it said: “As per government guidelines, we will continue to offer home delivery. “We would like to thank our amazing staff, our customers and our suppliers for their continued support and understanding during this time.  “We feel this…

Campbell’s of Leyburn has served as a grocery retailer for the area for 150 years. It is a member of Costcutter but is independently owned and run by the Campbell family. The current proprietor is a Campbell, and her brother-in-law, Richard Walker, who has worked for the business for 30 years, is now the retail manager. He is also responsible for wine and spirits buying.

Drinks retailers are feeling bullish about their chances of thriving during the upcoming Christmas trading period, according to our reader survey. We polled hundreds of retailers and suppliers and found that 22% expect trading to be better than Christmas 2017, 61% think it will be the same and just 17% anticipate worse results.  Last Christmas BWS was the fastest growing FMCG…

Corks Out founder Ruth Yates will step down from her role as chief executive at the Cheshire-based retail chain in September. She plans to concentrate on charity work and consultancy projects while the business embarks on a “restructuring phase with new investment in the business”. Yates said she will retain her shareholding in Corks Out and continue to be a director of…