Heavy Losses in Italy's Main Markets

Sales of Italian wines in Germany, the US and the UK fell significantly in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period last year. According to NielsenIQ's surveys, volume in off-trade (food retail, discount, cash & carry, liquor shops) in the three countries fell by 10.6 % overall, with value down 8.1 % to €2.26bn.

Reading time: 1m 30s

Devil's Advocate - A New Appellation is Born and Britain gets its Own Napa Valley

The UK has its first wine PDO, with boundaries that reflect a county, rather than an area with specific vinous characteristics. Robert Joseph wonders how much this matters.

Reading time: 2m 50s

Quiet Return of London Wine Fair

Three decades ago, thousands of wine professionals made their way to London to attend the annual wine trade fair. Today, that event is a far more modest affair, as Robert Joseph reports.

Reading time: 3m 50s

Sauvignon Blanc – the Dark Horse of the Wine World

Even as recently as 25 years ago, the suggestion that Sauvignon Blanc would become the most popular grape variety – of either colour – in Britain, the most competitive wine market in the world, would have been dismissed as fanciful. Robert Joseph looks back at this unlikely success story.

Reading time: 5m 40s

Return of the London Wine Fair

Despite Brexit and the growth in the number and importance of other wine trade fairs, the one held in the UK capital since 1981 remains a favourite with the industry. Robert Joseph asked its organiser, Hannah Tovey to outline what the 2022 show, which opens on June 7th, has to offer – both to those who visit in person and online.

Reading time: 6m 35s

New UK Wine Taxes Will Lead to Higher Prices

British wine professionals have just over the weeks to dissuade their government from introducing new duty rates that will complicate the market and raise prices for consumers. Robert Joseph reports. 

UK wine business face additional new Brexit challenges in 2022

According to a recent report in the Financial Times, three quarters of Britain’s smaller importers are not prepared for new post-Brexit EU border regulations that come into force on January 1, 2022. These will, according to 2019 estimates by the UK government involve nearly 200m extra customs declarations.

UK wine drinkers face a different kind of Christmas 

Pandemic-linked supply chain issues affect most business across the globe, but Brexit has increased challenges for wine distributors and consumers in the UK. 

Cheaper Champagne, pricier Pinot Grigio and maybe a battle with the EU as UK revolutionises its wine tax regime

For the first time in 140 years, the British government is changing the way it taxes alcohol. This could have an impact beyond the shores of the United Kingdom. Robert Joseph reports.