New Generation acquires Stokes Fine Wines

Scotch whisky producers say minimum price would "breach EU rules"

Scotch whisky producers believe proposals to introduce a minimum price on alcohol would breach EU and international trade rules and cause significant damage to its industry.

Currency update, September 2: sterling hits three week low against euro

Sterling hit a three week low against the euro yesterday after UK purchasing manager data came in sharply lower than was expected.

No more Champagne for Australian winemakers

Australian wine producers will have to stop labelling wines as Champagne or Prosecco under new European rules which come into effect today.

Vinoteca to open second site

London wine bar and merchant Vinoteca will open a second site in the capital at the end of October.

Home Affairs minister to speak at WSTA conference

Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire will be the guest speaker at this year's WSTA Conference on September 15.

One-day wine service course launched

Front of house staff can learn about customer service skills and how to become a sommelier at a new one-day wine service course on offer through WSET.

Ex-Wine Rack managers plan four London wine stores

A trio of ex-Wine Rack managers have opened their first London wine store ? and are planning a further three sites.

Scottish Labour calls for UK ban on below cost sales

The Scottish Alcohol Commission has called for a UK-wide ban on below-cost sales, restraints on alcohol advertising, and a social responsibility levy for retailers.

Harpers survey: have your say in proposals for trade reform

Harpers Wine & Spirit is calling on the trade to have its say in government proposals to reform alcohol pricing and safeguard health.

Consorzio Tuscania joins O2inWines

O2inWines, the international association of oxygen management in wines, has welcomed its 18th member.

Diageo calls for alcohol tax shake-up

Diageo has called for an alcohol tax shake-up which would hike the duty on beers, wine and cider to the same rate as spirits.

Currency update, August 31: sterling quarterly quotes revised upwards

Sterling's movement last week was dictated by risk sentiment as sterling suffered on increased risk aversion at the start of the week but benefitted towards the end of the week due to gains in global stock markets.

Durius opens first London restaurant

The Durius Café restaurant chain has opened its first branch in London, following the launch of four in Spain.

Hardys confirms multi-million pound campaign

Australian wine brand Hardys is planning a multi-million pound campaign around the extension of its Come Dine with Me sponsorship and an iPhone app.

Pernod Ricard ups investment by 30% for Christmas

Pernod Ricard has unveiled the firm's Christmas plans ? it has upped marketing investment by 30% for this year's focus on premium brands across TV ad campaigns, sponsorships and new packaging.

'Make it at Bushmills' competition winner announced

A 28-year-old lifeguard from Svishtov Bulgaria, has won the global Bushmills Irish Whiskey 'Make it at Bushmills' challenge.

Diageo warns it may shift head office overseas

Diageo issued a warning to the UK government that it would not hesitate to move its head office overseas should taxes become "onerous".

Currency update, August 27: sterling benefits from investor confidence

Sterling benefited from improved risk sentiment as gains in stock markets gave investors the confidence to seek higher returns elsewhere.

Plumpton launches course on 'The Wine Trade in Britain'

Plumpton College has launched a new course entitled, "The Wine Trade in Britain".