Celebrating International Women’s Day – With Wine March 9, 2022 This week was International Women’s Day and it is fitting for me to celebrate this through wine. When drinking, women choose wine nearly twice as often as men but the industry itself is still largely a man’s game. Speaking to some women who have worked in wine for up to 40 years, it is clear [...]
Zara and Burberry shut shops in Russia while John Lewis looks to ‘mitigate exposure’ to country March 6, 2022 Fashion powerhouses have halted trading in Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, citing “operational challenges”. Luxury goods maker Burberry has temporarily shuttered its three stores in Russia, The Times reported. According to the newspaper, the designer brand’s spokesperson said Burberry would continue to monitor developments and declined to address the invasion directly. It comes after [...]
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is in short supply – here’s what to do February 25, 2022 The New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is a stalwart of the London wine list. Even the most wine-wary have probably tried a glass with its distinctive notes of gooseberry and passionfruit. A globally popular choice there is world-wide demand, which is why the current shortage is causing a stir. “The 2021 harvest, while of exceptional quality, [...]
John Lewis turns around losses after Christmas boost February 14, 2022 John Lewis is trading in the green following strong Christmas sales which helped the group recover from heavy losses.
Little Moons set to fetch £100m in private equity bidding war February 10, 2022 An ice cream business that boomed in popularity via TikTok is the focus of a private equity bidding war that could value it at above £100m. Little Moons, which creates Japanese mochi ice cream balls, has surged in popularity thanks to a viral TikTok video and now has five private equity firms readying a bid, [...]
How Vivino democratised wine January 26, 2022 For wine drinkers Vivino has been a disruptive and democratising force. I have often seen supermarket shoppers whip out their phones to check the rating and flavour profile of a wine before making a purchase. Two heads are better than one so they say, so just think what a community of 54m can do. The [...]
Wincanton continues to reap rewards of pandemic-era eCommerce boom January 20, 2022 Supply chain partner Wincanton has continued to reaped the rewards of the pandemic-era eCommerce boom, after revenue from the eFulfilment sector has soared over 50 per cent. Total revenue for the group rose by 15 per cent, in comparison with the same quarter last year, Wincanton confirmed in its third quarter trading update today. The [...]
Dining Diary: A tasting in Sky Garden showcased Great British wine January 12, 2022 I always recommend the Sky Garden to anyone visiting London. It has 360 degree views across our glorious city, with three bars, two restaurants and plenty of space to meander through the indoor garden or on the outside balcony. Fenchurch is the fancier of the restaurants, sporting its own wide terrace where I sipped Simpsons [...]
Asda forgoes British beef pledge for cheaper Irish imports January 7, 2022 Asda has ditched its 100 per cent British beef pledge in favour of cheaper, Irish exports, prompting backlash from farmers. The pledge was just three months old before the supermarket chain reeled back on the ambition after prices rose in the UK. “Whilst we continue to work hard to keep prices as low as possible [...]
Shoppers opted for premium products this Christmas as grocery inflation hit 3.5 per cent January 5, 2022 Grocery sales hit £11.7bn over the Christmas period, as shoppers were keen to make the most of the festive period after Covid restrictions hampered celebrations last year. Shoppers spent record amounts on supermarkets’ premium own brand products, with £627m spent on pricier items over the four weeks to 26 December. This was an increase of [...]