As the energy crisis persists, food and drink supply chain representatives have called on MPs to support the sector following news of potential blackouts to preserve gas supplies in winter.  Industry members were given the opportunity to address MPs during the Food and Drink Supply Chain APPG’s inquiry session on the impact of the energy crisis.  Gavin Partington, director general of the…

The government has revealed further details to support businesses facing rising energy bills this winter. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy said this morning that through its new Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers. The “supported wholesale price” is expected to be £211 per MWh for electricity and £75…

Cider producers are relentless in their pursuit of new flavours. There’s the seemingly endless stream of new fruits – think Strawberry, Mixed Fruit, Dark Fruit, Summer Fruit, Winter Fruit and so on – but also the various flavours offered by single varietals, for example. Cider flavours are ever-changing at every level of the category – from new fruit flavours to barrel ageing and co-ferments. Among the…

It’s that time of year when marketing messages take a wintry turn and brands look to entice festive drinkers. Here’s a round-up of the some of the latest winter campaigns Schweppes – TV campaign to provide a tonic Mixer brand Schweppes will be on TV screens during December with an update on its We’ve Got The Tonic, You’ve Got The Spirit campaign, featuring…

An unusually warm winter has caused the German ice wine harvest to fail for the first time in recorded history. Temperatures failed to drop to the -7C required for the frozen grapes to be picked, pressed and turned into the iconic wine. This was a common theme in every German wine-producing region. “Due to the mild winter, the minimum temperature of minus seven degrees Celsius required…

St-Rémy is introducing a festive “statement style piece” for its St-Rémy XO. The French brandy’s festive edition, which is exclusive to Waitrose, priced at £22, comprises the iconic XO bottles dressed with a cosy knit jumper. It will be available throughout the winter season. The producer is also encouraging consumers to serve its XO neat alongside cheeseboards this Christmas or alternatively, as an ingredient in…