The English & Welsh Wine of the Year Awards were judged on Monday and Tuesday last week (22nd and 23rd June) by a team of eight Masters of Wine. Seven of the 11 gold medals awarded were won by sparkling wines.More on this story
Threshers are understood to be increasingly concerned over poor availability of stock. It is thought availability has taken a major hit over the past two months, affecting major brands including Bacardi and New Zealand wine Montana. Some stores are believed to have been receiving as little as 55% to 60% of stock. The supply problems represent the latest blow to parent company First Quench Retailing, which operates 1,400 Threshers, The Local and Wine Rack fascias. Earlier this month First Quench reported a pre-tax loss of £30m for the period 16 May 2007 to 28 June 2008 and also issued a 'going concern' warning.
Marston's, the brewer and pub group, remains confident of securing shareholder backing for its £176m share rights issue, despite reports of criticism from some investors.
Cosentino Signature Wines has asked for trading in its ordinary shares on the AIM market be suspended.
A government minister, Lord Carter of Barnes, has said he has "every confidence" in the ability of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to review the beer tie in an "open-minded" fashion. In its report on pubco power last month, the Business and Enterprise Committee (BEC) called for the tie to be investigated by the Competition Commission. This was prompted by fears the OFT would be keen on "defending its earlier position" - having examined the model on previous occasions.
Women are forsaking alcohol to maintain their appearance, results of a recent survey have revealed. According to a poll carried out by research organisation YouGov, 73% of women between the ages of 25 and 34 claim to drink less than the recommended limit of 14 units. Meanwhile, 75% of 35- to 44-year-olds and, more surprisingly, 18- to 24-year-olds have made the same claim. Being “constantly aware” of their appearance and behaviour were the reasons cited by 75% for backing away from the bottle. Not only is this a good decision, as far as swerving beer goggles is concerned, but it will help skin to avoid bearing the aesthetic brunt of continuous nights on the tiles.
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