Magpie

the result of elevated shipments over the past two years due to pre-Brexit demand and Covid-induced changes in consumer preferences,” the report said.

The retailer estimates the move will save half a tonne of unnecessary packaging annually.

“The bottles look quite different as the neck appears naked, so it will be interesting to see how our customers react to us removing these familiar sleeves,” said sourcing manager Barry Dick MW. “I for one am looking forward to not having to wrestle with the packaging.”

Decanter, April 24

The value of exports to the UK fell by 20% to $359m, with volumes also down by 16% to 208m litres. The UK is Australia’s top market by volume, representing a third of its total exports, and its second largest market by value at 19% of shipments. The Drinks Business, April 27

Crushing blow for ‘Champagne’ beer

Belgian customs have crushed more than 2,000 cans of Miller High Life bearing the slogan “The Champagne of Beers”.

The Comité Champagne requested the destruction of the shipment of 2,352 cans on the grounds that the century-old motto used by the American brewery infringes the protected DO.

A spokesperson for Molson Coors Beverage Co said: “With its elegant, clearglass bottle and crisp taste, Miller High Life has proudly worn the nickname ‘The Champagne of Beers’ for almost 120 years.” CTV News, April 12

“Half a tonne” of packaging may be avoided

Australian wine exports dive in UK

The value of Australian wine exports fell by 7% in the last year to $1.9bn, and by 20% in the UK, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report.

“The UK is still experiencing the decline that we’ve previously reported, which is

• Six new Peruvian wine grape varieties have been identified by researchers in the desert province of Caravelí in the Arequipa region in the country’s south. DNA tests have confirmed the identity of six new grape varieties: Jaen, Cantarilla, Ceniza (also known locally as Mulata), Negra de Caravelí, Loca and Moscatel Negra Rubío. Each of these grape varieties is as yet unregistered with the Vitis International Variety Catalogue.