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1 day ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
With global wine consumption in decline and trade tensions flaring elsewhere, the EU wine industry is pressing Brussels to act decisively. The long-stalled EU-Mercosur agreement could be a lifeline for producers seeking stable export growth in Latin America. The Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV), the central body representing European wine producers, has issued a stark call to action: the European Commission must immediately adopt and ratify the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
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3 days ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
Meininger’s International has closed. The German publisher Meininger Verlag confirmed on Wednesday that the English-language newsletter and website had been shuttered with immediate effect, bringing to an end nearly two decades of international coverage. In an official statement, the company said: “Meininger Verlag will be discontinuing the online and newsletter format Meininger’s International.
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4 days ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
Vagabond Wines is opening a flagship wine bar this August in the former First Dates restaurant space near St Paul’s. The move marks the beginning of a new chapter following the chain’s acquisition by Majestic earlier this year. When Vagabond Wines quietly slipped into administration early last year, the sudden collapse of a much-loved name in the capital’s wine bar scene raised eyebrows.
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1 week ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
As the Lionesses prepare for the Euros, a new generation of fans is driving record viewership and pub spending. But legacy beer brands risk being left behind by clinging to dated stereotypes. There’s no denying it: the rise of women’s sports is one of the most significant cultural shifts in recent sporting history. From packed stadiums to global headlines, this summer’s UEFA Women’s European Championship promises more than just football; it’s a cultural moment.
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2 weeks ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
Olmeca Altos, the 100% agave Tequila from Pernod Ricard UK, is ramping up its presence this summer with a six-figure campaign across digital, social and key London sites, as it looks to capitalise on the UK’s growing thirst for Tequila. Altos’ renewed campaign arrives at a time when UK interest in Tequila is showing no signs of slowing. While mezcal and celebrity-fronted launches have soaked up headlines, growth in 100% agave Tequila has been quietly accelerating, especially in retail.
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2 weeks ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
Key trade bodies say the UK Government’s latest spending review risks undermining a fragile recovery in the drinks and hospitality sectors. Industry leaders are calling for urgent tax reform, investment in transport and targeted support for independent venues and producers. Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, did not mince words following the Government’s latest Spending Review. “Our farmers and wine businesses are fed up,” she said, expressing deep concern at the anticipated cuts to Defra’s budget.
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2 weeks ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
A towering figure in the UK wine trade, John Clevely MW died peacefully at home on 20 May 2025, aged 97. His legacy includes decades of influence at the Institute of Masters of Wine, alongside senior roles at some of Europe’s most respected wine houses. Born in 1927, widely hailed as one of the greatest Port vintages, John Clevely entered the wine trade in the years immediately following the Second World War. His first role was at Bournemouth Wine Co., where he worked from 1948 to 1949.
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2 weeks ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
Twelve scholars, each already working in the UK wine trade, have been awarded places on the newly launched Laurent-Perrier Champagne Scholarships, designed to encourage greater inclusion and access in the industry. The initiative is the result of a new partnership between the Gérard Basset Foundation and Champagne Laurent-Perrier. Launched earlier this year, the scholarship aims to foster opportunity for those traditionally underrepresented in the trade.
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3 weeks ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
Beverage alcohol’s go-to data source IWSR has been acquired by consumer trend forecasting giant WGSN. IWSR, one of the world’s leading sources of alcohol consumption insights, has been acquired by consumer trend forecaster WGSN. The deal sees IWSR change hands from Bowmark Capital, the private equity firm that acquired the business in 2021, to WGSN, itself backed by funds advised by Apax Partners.
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3 weeks ago | 
thedrinksbusiness.com | James Bayley
Graham Norton will join forces with Ian Burrell to co-host the Drinks Trust Gala at Claridge’s this October, lending his signature charm and celebrated wine credentials to the evening. The black-tie affair promises fine wine, meaningful fundraising and the company of 240 drinks industry leaders. The Drinks Trust has announced that Graham Norton (pictured), broadcaster, author and winemaker of growing repute, will co-host its annual Gala on Monday 6 October 2025, at London’s Claridge’s Hotel.
