Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News reports that Ridgeview Wine Estate has been acquired by QBRidge Ltd, an investor consortium led by Quantum Beverage Co, with Gregg Ainsworth appointed CEO and Allan Beattie becoming CFO, while long time CEO Tamara Roberts steps down and head winemaker Simon Roberts stays on. Insider Media and FRP Advisory add that the Sussex producer, founded in 1995 and based in Ditchling, was sold out of administration after financial pressures, the sale completed on 11 February, all staff transferred, and the new owners have promised business as usual for customers and suppliers.
England
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Croxsons Unveils Sovereign, A British Made Sparkling Wine Bottle
Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News reports that Croxsons has launched “Sovereign”, a new sparkling wine bottle designed for English and Welsh producers, aiming to cut transport miles by replacing bottles typically sourced from factories in France, Germany and Italy. The bottle uses amber glass rather than the traditional green, is made with 77% recycled glass and weighs 835g, with Ridgeview Wine among the producers cited as welcoming a domestically manufactured packaging option that supports provenance and sustainability.
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UK Alcohol Duty Rise Triggers Fresh Wine Price Warnings
Sky News reports that a 3.66% alcohol duty increase due to take effect on Sunday 1 February is prompting industry warnings of knock-on price rises, including for wine, as producers and retailers pass costs through. The report highlights that while duty is paid by manufacturers, the sector expects a “trickle down” impact at the till, and it points to cumulative increases on wine duty over recent years as pressure builds. The duty rise was confirmed in the autumn budget by Rachel Reeves, with the article emphasising the change applies across beer, wine, and spirits.
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Chapel Down Lifts Outlook After Strong Christmas Trading
Investegate reports that Chapel Down expects FY2025 net sales revenue of about £19.4m, up 19%, with adjusted EBITDA forecast at £4.0m to £4.5m, ahead of prior guidance, helped by strong festive trading and an above-average harvest yield. It also says the company dispatched over one million bottles of traditional method sparkling wine for the first time, and ended the year with net debt of about £12.4m, reflecting investment in vines and maturing stock.