The UK Deposit Return Scheme will launch in October 2027 with a 20p deposit on plastic bottles and cans, aiming to boost recycling of PET, steel and aluminium packaging.

Exchange for Change has set the level after wide consultation choosing a mid-range option citing sustainability and proportionality based on international schemes.

Glass is excluded from the scheme for now easing pressure on retailers, while industry groups welcomed the move and said the 20p deposit will encourage returns and reduce waste.

Retailers say preparations continue with grants and handling fees expected to support rollout across stores nationwide next year.
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France will uproot 28,000 hectares of vines under a €130m state-backed scheme to tackle falling demand, climate pressure and declining red wine sales, as thousands of growers seek support to reshape or exit the sector.

Around 5,800 vineyard owners have applied to remove vines, with most requests coming from south western regions and focused on red grape varieties. Of the approved areas, 37% will be cleared entirely, while 63% will see partial removals, allowing growers to adapt production to shifting demand.

The government will pay €4,000 per hectare, with work due by the end of 2026. The plan follows earlier support measures and wider EU reforms aimed at stabilising the wine sector.

Producers face mounting challenges, including changing drinking habits, weaker global sales and climate impacts. While some see the scheme as necessary, others warn it may be a short-term fix, as questions remain over land use and the long-term future of France’s wine industry.

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US wine sales are still declining, but the pace is slowing as shoppers tighten budgets. At the same time, tariffs are pushing up prices and adding fresh inflationary pressure, re-shaping both domestic demand and global wine trade.

The US wine market remains around 6% down on last year, yet the sharper monthly drops seen earlier have eased, suggesting a more stable baseline. Consumers are still buying wine, but with greater caution, prioritising value, promotions and trusted brands. For many drinkers, the price rises mean fewer purchases and more deliberate spending.

French wine exports to the US have fallen sharply, hit by tariffs that have made European bottles significantly more expensive. This has disrupted one of France’s most important markets and contributed to wider softness in international trade.

In Canada, the shift may be longer lasting. The removal of US wines from provincial shelves has accelerated a move towards domestic and alternative imports, with new buying habits becoming embedded.


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Casella Wines, owner of Yellow Tail, has slipped into a AU$5.5m loss as weaker US demand, tariffs and rising costs hit earnings, despite growth in other markets such as the UK, Europe and Asia.

Full-year results showed a AU$5.5 million loss, reversing profits of AU$18.6 million in 2024 and AU$26.5 million in 2023. US sales fell about 17 per cent, while higher raw material, energy and freight costs increased pressure across the group.

Casella also lifted debt by around AU$170 million and briefly breached a debt covenant before receiving a bank waiver, highlighting tighter financial conditions. Despite this, management says the business remains stable and is supported by sales growth in other regions.

The wider Australian wine sector continues to struggle with oversupply, falling consumption and restructuring, though producers are adapting through lower alcohol styles, premiumisation and export diversification.
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The collapse of Bordeaux-based barrel supplier H&A has sent shockwaves through France’s wine sector, raising fears for coopers and growers reliant on its rental model and leaving millions of euros in unpaid bills across the supply chain.

The company, founded by Richard Hardillier and Florent Arrouy, built rapid growth on leasing barrels to winemakers instead of selling them outright, easing upfront costs that can reach €1,500 per cask. Expanding across Europe and into California, H&A amassed around 2,000 clients and close to one million barrels at its peak.

However, mounting financial strain forced the firm into judicial liquidation earlier this month. It had already been unable to pay suppliers since early February, with unpaid invoices to coopers estimated at €10 million.

Growers now face uncertainty, with fears they could be pursued for payment despite leasing arrangements. Meanwhile, operational disruptions continue, and a court hearing on 28 April will consider potential buyers.

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The Trump administration has begun issuing refunds on tariffs ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court, offering potential relief for importers of wine, whisky and other spirits as a new claims system goes live.
US Customs and Border Protection has launched the Cape platform to process reimbursement requests on duties imposed in 2025 under emergency powers. The move follows a court order to return more than US$160 billion collected through the tariffs.

Approved claims are expected to be paid within 60 to 90 days, though it remains unclear whether consumers will benefit directly. For wine importers, the development is significant, easing pressure on margins after a challenging period marked by weaker demand and rising costs.


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