Graham Holter
RankingsBritain's 100 Biggest Alcohol Brands 2011
Some say the ailing economy has merely heightened the already conservative stance of the alcoholic drinks industry. Is this fair?
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Are indie off-licences doomed?
With the VAT hike on the horizon and the supermarkets using cut-price deals to snap up a growing share of off-trade booze sales, Graham Holter wonders if the writing is on the wall for indie booze sellers
NewsFocus On Spirits: Fashion victims
Spirits is proving a fickle category, with the latest trends in cocktails driving sales of gins and liqueurs but leaving old-fashioned drinks out in the cold, says Graham Holter
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What a lot of bottle?
It might be a struggle selling beer through the taps, but brewers have been pumping millions into bottling facilities to cash in on a retail ale bonanza. Graham Holter considers if they’ve been brave or foolhardy
NewsFocus On Beer & Cider: Why is cider rosy but beer flat?
Cider is enjoying strong growth, but beer has had it tough – thanks to heavy promotions and duty hikes. Does the success of premium lines offer a solution, asks Graham Holter
- Rankings
Britain's 100 Biggest Alcohol Brands 2010
Consolidation, recession and restructuring have resulted in significant changes to the shape of the alcoholic drinks industry in Britain. Have the acquisitions and disposals paid off? Graham Holter reportsDrinks marketers like to talk about brand loyalty among consumers, but there is precious little among suppliers.Consolidation has resulted in dozens of ...
NewsWhy a below-cost booze ban will be harder than it sounds
With the relevant parties still unable to agree on exactly what ‘below cost’ means, a ban is likely to prove unenforceable. Graham Holter reports
NewsWhy a below-cost booze ban will be harder than it sounds
With the relevant parties still unable to agree on exactly what ‘below cost’ means, a ban is likely to prove unenforceable. Graham Holter reports
NewsFocus On Wine & Champagne: Putting the fizz back into wine
Price hikes and currency woes have boosted sales figures but the time seems ripe to add some real value to the market and encourage trading up, reports Graham Holter
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Where now for French wine as UK shoppers turn away?
As South Africa edges ahead of France in UK wine volumes, Graham Holter asks where it’s all gone wrong for the world’s most famous wine producer
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South African wine takes top table ahead of French
South African wine volumes have overtaken French for the first time, according to latest Nielsen UK off-trade figures.In January, volumes of Cape wines stood at 12.3 million cases, which was just enough to push France into fifth place by...
NewsParty spirit tempered as flat beer sales hit festive trading
Christmas 2009 brought a little joy to an otherwise gloomy year for alcohol. But it wasn't quite the party some were hoping for. Graham Holter reports
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The Thresher chest
First Quench Retailing may have gone, but its customers haven't. What should c-stores be doing to take advantage? Graham Holter reports
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As multiple offies struggle, are indies getting it right?
First Unwins, then Wine Cellar, now First Quench. But while the chains crumble, independent off-licences are doing rather well. Graham Holter reports
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What role will supermarkets play in Brown’s eco-towns?
The supermarkets have so far failed to convince government they have a role to play in eco-towns. Graham Holter asks how they can turn round the situation
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‘Unreasonable’ banks are driving wine suppliers under
One wine supplier after another has collapsed or been bought as the banks turn the screw - but not everyone's struggling, finds Graham Holter
NewsFirst Quench, now drench, as the shine comes off Majestic
Although Majestic's profits have been hit, the real worry in the drinks off-trade is the future of First Quench Retailing. Graham Holter reports
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Hardys and Stowells hit by hikes in price of wine
Supermarket sales of top wine brands have plummeted due to retail price rises in the past year.Among the worst hit is Hardys, the bestselling brand in the multiple grocery market, which saw volumes collapse by 22% and sales value by 18%...
NewsIn the depths of a recession, who's drinking posh spirits?
Consumers are scrimping and saving, yet premium spirits with hefty price tags are springing up left, right and centre. Graham Holter asks what's going on
NewsWine volumes fall as doctors call for minimum pricing
While the Government faces fresh calls from health campaigners for minimum alcohol prices, Nielsen data seen by The Grocer this week shows off-trade wine sales are already falling. According to figures for the 12 months to 21 March 2009,...