The Famous Grouse sale to billionaire’s empire on the rocks January 29, 2025 A deal which saw whisky giant The Famous Grouse sold to one of the UK’s richest men is to be investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Drinks business Edrington sold the brand, which been owned by its 1887 Company, to William Grant & Sons in September last year for an undisclosed sum. William Grant & [...]
Virgin Wines: ‘A decent Christmas was needed and delivered’ January 29, 2025 Virgin Wines delivered a strong Christmas trading performance and outperformed the wider market, although revenue remained flat year on year. Revenue increased by 6.7 per cent year-on year during the six weeks to 27 December, 2024, the company told markets this morning. Sales rose nine per cent in December 2024 versus December 2023, reaching the highest level since the Covid-19 lockdowns, [...]
Naked Wines: Losses shrink but wine seller still has a way to go January 29, 2025 Naked Wines has begun to stem its losses after a tough few years for the wine merchant, although the firm’s sales continues to shrink. The company told the London Stock Exchange this morning that its revenue fell by 10.2 per cent year on year in the 13 weeks ended 30 December, or 8.9 per cent [...]
British wine industry calls on Eurostar to bring back Kent services January 22, 2025 Britain’s wine industry has called for Eurostar to restart services from two Kent stations to boost the South East of England’s vineyards. The high-speed operator suspended operations from Ashford International and Ebbsfleet in the early stages of the pandemic. But it has faced mounting pressure to bring back the popular routes over the last year [...]
Naked Wines CEO: How to choose the right bottle of wine January 14, 2025 Meet the chief executive "fighting" to turn around Naked Wines, which enjoyed huge success during the pandemic but has been struggling since.
Bacardi: Martini maker shaken as UK drinkers move away from spirits January 7, 2025 UK drinkers ditching spirits in favour of wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks has hit the sales of Bacardi, it has been revealed. The division of the Bermuda-headquartered drinks giant has said its performance has also been impacted by “a combination of post-Covid challenges, ongoing global conflicts and a tough economic environment marked by rising living [...]
Renais: Gin brand co-founded by Harry Potter star Emma Watson raises £5m January 6, 2025 The luxury gin brand co-founded by Harry Potter star Emma Watson and her brother has raised almost £5m. Renais Gin, which was launched in May 2023, has secured £4.95m on the back of expanding into the US last year. The spirit is now sold in 11 countries while the company has distribution deals agreed with [...]
Budget could destroy seventh-generation pub giant, warns boss November 18, 2024 The changes announced in the Budget represent an ‘existential threat’ to the future of a seventh-generation pub and brewing giant, its owner has warned. William Lees-Jones, who owns and runs Manchester-based JW Lees, which has produced real ale since 1828, has warned he is now “facing the very real prospect that we will never be able to [...]
Brewdog: James Watt ‘frustrated’ as brewer loses almost £60m October 16, 2024 Brewdog remains in the red despite a sharp uplift in its sales during its latest financial year, founder James Watt has revealed. In a post on social media, the former CEO said the Aberdeenshire-based business increased its revenue by 14 per cent to £366m in 2023. He added that it cut its operating loss to [...]
Sipsmith: Sales at gin maker fall for fifth year in a row October 14, 2024 Sales at gin maker Sipsmith have fallen for a fifth year in a row as it continues in the red. The London-based brand has reported a turnover of £14.2m for 2023 and a pre-tax loss of £17.2m, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The new totals come after Sipsmith posted a turnover of £18.2m [...]