Tennent’s and Bibendum owner C&C Group has issued a trading statement, outlining financial performance for the 10 months to the end of December. The company said full-year 2024 operating profit is expected to be in line with current market expectations. C&C described Christmas trading as “resilient” despite some adverse weather. Branded net revenues are up 6%, while distribution net revenues are down 3%,…

Late last week, Freixenet Copestick announced a distribution partnership with South Australia’s Wakefield Wines (pictured). The move sees Clare Valley-based Wakefield switch from Louis Latour – and deepens Freixenet Copestick’s commitment to a new agency strategy. Speaking to Drinks Retailing, Freixenet Copestick managing director Robin Copestick said the deal follows others including New Zealand’s Wither Hills and South Africa’s Spier Wine Farm in 2022. “One…

Chapel Down and Balfour have reported “record breaking” harvests with yields at an all-time high for both producers. Following its harvest, from their vineyards in Kent, plus their estates in Essex and Sussex, Balfour winery is looking to produce around 870,000 bottles in 2023, compared to 375,000 in 2022. This also marks the highest year for production since Balfour was established 21 years ago.

The CEO of Naked Wines has left the company with immediate effect, as the online wine subscription service lowers sales guidance. In a trading update today, Naked said Nick Devlin would step down as CEO, with Rowan Gormley becoming executive chairman while the company looks for a successor. Gormley, who founded Naked, returned as chairman earlier this year.  As part of the…

The Good Wine Shop has opened its fifth store, taking over the former Oddbins site in St Margarets, Twickenham. The shop, which is open seven days a week, stocks around 750 wines as well as beers and spirits. While the site is open now, it will undergo a refurbishment in the new year, and it will also play host to tasting events and a wine…

Asahi UK has rolled out a new campaign for its Italian beer brand, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, as it looks to highlight year-round appeal. The advert, Live Every Moment, All Year round, is being supported by a “significant investment” in the UK, where it is currently airing in cinemas.   London will see a focused campaign in December, with a London bus takeover, the brewer said.

The managing director of glass manufacturer and bottler, Encirc, has decided to leave the business. Adrian Curry, who has been MD for 19 years and with the business for 27, will leave at the end of the year. Curry will be replaced by finance director Sean Murphy, who will assume the MD role on an interim basis. Murphy has worked for Encirc for 19 years,…