The government’s biggest revamp of the alcohol duty system in 150 years will see drinks taxed by alcohol volume (abv) going forward, with some wines and spirits facing eye-watering increases while drinks under 3.5% abv are set to benefit from relief.

Showcasing the finest wines produced in East Anglia, the Wine GB East Awards will take place on 19th August at Burnt House Vineyard, Little Finborough, Stowmarket.

The berry industry has for the first time taken the unprecedented step of calling out retailers who don’t support British berries amidst huge concerns over the viability of the industry with an 8% drop in crops forecast for 2024 as retailers squeeze growers on price.

Kubota has introduced new M5-002N-series narrow tractors with updated features which are certain to increase appeal for specialist fruit growing and vineyard applications. F&V machinery editor, David Williams, enjoyed an exclusive test-drive of the first of the new models to come to the UK.

TV presenter and celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson has warned that some of his Hawkstone cider bottles could explode and told customers to open affected bottles under water and pour the cider away.

NIAB is hosting a ‘Vine and Wine Discovery Day’ at its East Malling site in Kent, exclusively for UK grape growers and winemakers.

As we race towards flowering and fruit set, inflorescences (bunches) develop and become more visible. This provides an opportunity to make an assessment on the potential for this year’s harvest, explains VineWorks business director and head of vineyard services, Chris Buckley.

The British wine industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world with just under £480 million invested in vineyards and wineries over the past five years, as demand for English wine rises to unprecedented levels, a recent viticulture report has revealed.

RootWave has launched its first tractor-powered electrical weeding machine for orchards, vineyards and fruit. The machine kills weeds using electricity to give better weed control at a lower cost than chemical herbicides whilst protecting health and helping nature restore its soils, water and biodiversity.

Despite challenges in both the fruit and vine growing industries, the market for crafted ciders and English wine continues to grow. Fruit & Vine deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to consultant viticulturist, and wine and cider maker, Simon Day about industry trends, innovations and challenges.

Fruit and vegetable growers in Scotland have been given assurance of support over the next two years to help improve the quality, market value and sustainability of their produce. The Scottish Government has allocated up to £6 million over the next two years to extend the Fruit and Vegetable Aid scheme.  

Vinescapes, one of the world’s leading vineyard and winery consultancies, has launched the industry’s first ever Graduate Training Programme of its kind and is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Stott as the first graduate trainee.