Rick Stein’s style shines; even if he’s not in the house

Celebrity chefs put a lot of faith in their staff when they open multiple outposts.

The big-name pan handlers are invariably on site for the first few weeks, but then they have to trust the chefs and front of house staff they have hired to make sure standards are maintained.

That's particularly important when, like restaurateur, cookery book author and television presenter Rick Stein, you have a global reputation to uphold.

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach opened just before Christmas last year and is still pulling in the crowds. The 224-seat restaurant in the same building as The InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach hosts the signature restaurant, bar dining and courtyard terrace.

We've sampled Stein venues in Padstow in Cornwall before and when I checked in last week everything in Sydney was operating exactly as the English seafood chef, and honorary Australian, would have wished.

There was a full house for Friday lunch but everything was working with clockwork precision.

The vibe is beachfront casual - with design from Stein's Australian wife Sarah, and artworks by Australian artist Brigit Thomas adorning the walls and featuring on the front page of the menu, including a striking giant squid and a shimmering school of fish.

The staff are seasoned hospitality professionals. Giovanni and Zara, who looked after us, were hugely impressive - and the kitchen brigade delivered a very tasty repaste of trademark Stein flavours.

We selected sashimi of salmon, kingfish, tuna and scallops (above), served with wakame, pickled ginger, wasabi, sashimi dressing (freshness personified), and an absolutely superb twice-baked spanner crab soufflé with thermidor sauce (below) as our starters.

We followed up with two Padstow favourites: Rick’s fish and chips deep fried in dripping, served with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. The batter was crispy, the fish moist and flaky but I didn't enjoy the texture of the mushy peas. Picky. 

The Newlyn fish pie (below) was chock-a-block with salmon, ling, monkfish, prawns, mussels and mushrooms in a creamy seafood velouté, topped with breadcrumbs and parmesan.

We shared a dessert: a classic crème brûlée with almond biscotti. along with glasses of a deliciously zingy artisan mandarin-infused limoncello.

Our wine choice was the 2024 Rick Stein White Burgundy, a house wine selected by Rick Stein and his son Charlie and a perfect match for seafood dishes. But only after my wife had sampled the deliciously dry 2024 Graci Etna Rosato from Sicily.

There is an impressive wine list by both the glass and bottle with a nice balance between Australian wines and quality imports.

Well worth a visit whether or not Stein is in the house.  

Note: Rick Stein at Coogee Beach is a cashless venue, although I'm sure the staff prefer their tips as cash.

See https://www.ricksteinatcoogeebeach.com.au/

# The writer was hosted by Rick Stein at Coogee Beach

Australian wine exports show steep decline

Bad news all round for the struggling Australian wine industry.

Australian wine exports declined by 7% in value to $2.30 billion and 6% in volume to 598 million litres in the year ended June 2026, Wine Australia’s latest Export Report released today shows.

This is the first time that export volume has fallen below 600 million litres since 2004.

The decline mirrors a broader global trend of declining wine consumption over the past decade.

The total export figures reflect increasingly difficult trading conditions across many of Australia’s key export markets, driven by a historic downturn in global wine consumption.

Worldwide wine consumption has fallen to its lowest level since 1961, as consumers increasingly moderate alcohol intake, face cost-of-living pressures and shift towards alternative beverages.

Wine Australia manager for market insights Peter Bailey said the challenges facing Australian wine exporters were not unique, with other wine-producing nations facing the same conditions.

“Data from multiple sources suggests the decline in wine consumption globally is more than a short-term downturn - it's a reflection of changing consumer behaviour that is reshaping demand around the world.

"This reinforces the importance of understanding where demand exists and the products and occasions that are driving consumer decisions.

“While global trading conditions remain challenging, Australia wine continues to perform relatively well in many key markets where it generally maintained or grew its share of imported wine over the past year.”

The decline was driven primarily by weaker demand in Australia's three largest export markets: mainland China, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Mainland China remained Australia's largest export market by value, despite exports falling 15% to $756 million as the initial post-tariff recovery and restocking phase came to an end.

“While exports to mainland China declined over the past year, Australia remains the leading source of imported wine in the market,” Bailey said.

“The market is no longer being driven by the re-stocking of Australian wine, rather we’re seeing a more mature and demand-led phase, reflecting a smaller and slower-growing Chinese wine market than existed prior to the imposition of tariffs in late 2020.”

The United Kingdom remained Australia's largest market by volume and the United States second, although export volume to both markets fell to their lowest level in 25 years.

Canada was a standout performer, with export value increasing 20% to $188 million - its highest level in seven years - and volume rising 13%.

Fancy buying a bar in a former public toilet block?

The famous Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, with views of the Opera House and Circular Quay, is one of the several restaurants and bars in Australia that are re-purposed public toilet facilities.

If you'd like to own a bar that is a former lavatory there is one on offer right now in the slightly less glamorous setting of Rayleigh in Essex.

A small bar converted from a former public toilet is for sale for £45,000 - under $100,000.

The fully fitted venue offers a rare opportunity for a hospitality enthusiast at a relatively small price, news hub drinks business reports.

Situated just off the town’s high street, the venue is presented as a fully operational business requiring no further investment.

The premises, refurbished two years ago, include a bar area with seating for approximately 18 covers, alongside a small storage space and WC. A decked forecourt provides additional outdoor seating.

The business is described as specialising in craft beer, supported by established supplier relationships. It has built a regular customer base and holds a 4.7 rating on both Google and TripAdvisor, as per the listing on Rightmove.

Rayleigh is a market town between Chelmsford and Southend, 51km east of London.

Fake labels: Do you know what you are drinking?

Do wine drinkers know what they are consuming? 

Some British wine consumers may have been fooled. 

 
Around 90 pallets of counterfeit wine and Prosecco worth £500,000 were discovered in warehouses across Essex in south-east England in a police operation earlier this month. 

A man was arrested for conspiracy to defraud following the police seizure of 67,000 bottles of counterfeit wine and Prosecco across warehouses in Essex and North London. 

Several police forces and trading authorities were involved in the attempt to stop the fake bottles from reaching consumers, trade news hub drinks business reported.. 

“Seizing over 67,000 bottles of counterfeit product and making an arrest sends a strong message to those who seek to profit from deceiving consumers - we will take action,” said Andrew Quinn, head of the National Food Crime Unit, in an official statement.

“Food [drink] fraud is not a victimless crime. It undermines legitimate businesses and erodes consumer trust. In this case, the concern is one of authenticity and quality - consumers deserve to know that what they are buying is exactly what it claims to be.”

Quinn further revealed on LinkedIn that the investigation had required “close collaboration with our Italian counterparts”. 

A spokesperson for the UK’s Food Standards Agency told db that the equivalent Italian agency were helping to “establish the traceability of the wine seized”.

Shop swap: Wellness focus at new London hotel

Many new hotels in London are located in the East End, but Six Senses Hotels has gone west for its first UK property. 

Six Senses London has opened its doors within The Whiteley building, the former Whiteley's emporium and department store on Queensway in Bayswater. 

Close to Hyde Park and Notting Hill's colour, Six Senses London offers 109 rooms and suites, many with private terraces, alongside 14 branded residences. 

Crowning the hotel, the Whiteley Suite has a 125 square-metre roof terrace. 

“We wanted Six Senses London to feel like a hotel that embraces you from the moment you arrive," says GM Nick Yarnell. "Warm, genuine, and instinctive, yet delivered with exacting standards and quiet precision. 

"As part of The Whiteley, we honour the heritage of British craft and innovation while creating something that gives back to the neighbourhood and feels deeply connected to its community.”

The Whiteley's original Grade II listed façade has been maintained, along with its Art Deco heritage. 

At the centre of the hotel is the restored grand staircase, once the defining feature of the original department store. Deconstructed, lengthened, and rebuilt by hand, it now ascends through three floors up to the glass-domed ceiling.

Alongside London's first hotel magnesium pool, which supports muscular recovery and nervous system regulation, there is a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, a 325-square-metre fitness centre, and dedicated yoga and mindful movement studios along with a spa. 

Thirteen wellness spaces and six treatment rooms encompass cryotherapy, flotation, red-light therapies, a traditional hammam, and a sensory suite. 

Six Senses London offers "maverick British cuisine" at Whiteley's Kitchen, Bar and Café. 

Executive chef Eliano Crespi and head chef Jose Jara present vegetable-forward menus while at the bar, cocktails are constructed to work with or without alcohol. 

Above the lobby sits the world's first Six Senses Place - a social and wellness members' club. 

Reservations for Six Senses London are now open at sixsenses.com 

Anyone for a kebab marinated in Guinness?

With an apparent target market of well-off bogans, a Guinness kebab, marinated in the famous Irish black stout, is being launched this week for the start of the Six Nations rugby tournament.

The Guinness kebab will be available for six weeks during the tournament in Box bar locations across the UK, including London, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham, industry website drinks business reports.

Priced from £12.95 (that's a stonking $25.50 in Aussie money), the beef kofta is marinated in Guinness, "giving the meat the deep, rich flavour," before being wrapped in a hand-made flatbread, drizzled with a sticky homemade Guinness chipotle glaze and topped with fresh mint yoghurt.

The snack is designed to look like a pint of Guinness.

“Our new Guinness kebab is a playful nod to our Irish friends ahead of the Six Nations, whilst also tapping into our favourite night out food as Brits – the kebab," says Tom Mayer-Jones, brand and marketing manager at Box.

"We’ve brought these two things together in a way that feels true to Box - bold, social, and a meal designed to be enjoyed alongside big sporting moments.”

Prices may vary across locations with the kebab being priced at £14.95 in Box Piccadilly.

“We’re inviting everyone down to Box to watch the rugby and enjoy our new menu item,” Mayer-Jones added.

Those indulging in the Guinness kebab are being encouraged to share their pictures, videos and experiences via Instagram and TikTok and tagging in the @theboxbaruk handle.

OK. We get it. It's a publicity stunt. But it has got some traction. 

London Heathrow just gets busier and busier

If you dislike busy airports then London Heathrow might not be the destination for you.. 

Heathrow has just reported it had its best full year ever for passenger traffic volume. 

London's leading airport handled nearly 84.5 million passengers during 2025, it said. 

The airport set records in nine out of 12 months and also recorded its busiest ever single day on August 1, with more than 270,000 fliers, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Aircraft movements was also a record high with 477,883 during the year.

“December’s record-breaking performance shows the strength of demand for Heathrow and the benefit to passengers of the great service our colleagues are providing,” said Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye.

“Last year, there was no hub airport in Europe that was more punctual than Heathrow.”

London Stansted Airport also enjoyed its busiest ever year in 2025.

Passenger traffic numbers surpassed the 30 million milestone for the first time with a number of new route launches and seat capacity increases. 

The airport completed the record year with its busiest ever December, driven by strong demand festive season demand.

Discover walking tours designed with seniors in mind

A growing number of senior travellers are enjoying multi-day walks designed for the less mobile. 

Active travel company UTracks says it has developed a collection of itineraries for senior travellers, with an emphasis on manageable walking distances, optional rest days and comfortable, pre-booked accommodation. 

Daily luggage transfers mean walkers can explore without carrying unnecessary weight, allowing them to travel in a way that suits their energy levels and interests.

Detailed route notes, an easy to use navigation app and reliable on-ground support aim to take the stress out of day-to-day logistics, UTracks says. 

"This allows travellers to focus on the scenery, historic villages and local food. Options range from short highlight walks to complete route itineraries, self-guided journeys or guided small group tours."

Among the destinations on offer are Britain’s national trails, France’s alpine passes and the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage paths.

Popular UTracks senior-friendly walking tours include: 

Hadrian’s Wall Walk: 10 days
Follow in the footsteps of ancient Romans along one of the UK’s great trails, stretching 133km across open countryside, forest and moorland.  UTracks offers several different itineraries along the Hadrian's Wall path, including a 10-day Rambler from Whitley Bay and one from Carlisle.
https://www.utracks.com/United-Kingdom/Self-Guided-Walking/Hadrians-Wall-Walk-From-Whitley-Bay-10-Days

Mont Blanc Guided Rambler: 7 days
Enjoy the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Switzerland and Italy at a slower pace, with the added benefit of small-groups and support from an experienced guide.
https://www.utracks.com/France/Alpine-Hiking/Mont-Blanc-Rambler-Guided-Hike

Guided Camino Walking Tour for Senior Travellers: 12 days
A relaxed guided walk covering the final 115km of the Camino Francés. Daily distances range from 10–18km, with honey and cheese tastings and optional church visits. Comfortable hotels and guesthouses round out the experience.
https://www.utracks.com/Spain/Guided-Walking/Guided-Camino-Walk-for-Senior-Travellers

There are also a range of walking tour for seniors devoted to exploring local cuisine. 

For more info see www.utracks.com 

easyJet unveils new cheap flight options from the UK to Europe

One of the thrilling surprises for Australians visiting the UK is the ready availability of flights to exotic destinations for the cost a rail trip back home. 

There may be all sorts of restrictions; the extras can pile up and some of the flights leave from secondary airports. But there are some real bargains to be had if you have a sense of adventure. 

EasyJet - one of the leading budget airlines - has just unveiled two new routes for summer 2026 from the UK to Germany and Italy. 

Seats now on sale to Naples from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and to Munich from London Southend. 

The Naples flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays from August 3, while easyJet’s new flight to Munich will start on September 17, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays and starting ahead of Oktoberfest. 

EasyJet holidays has also launched packages to both cities with flights and accommodation included. 

“We are really pleased to be launching even more new routes and package holidays," said  Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager. 

"By continuing to grow our network, we are providing even greater choice and connectivity from across the UK.” 

As of today, easyJet serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 640 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond. 

The airline also recently announced new routes from across eight UK airports including new connections to Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Malta. 

Worth checking out. Just don't expect any frills. 

Hotel shame: Worst of the worst 12 years in a row

Imagine being named the worst hotel chain in Britain 12 years in a row.

That's what happened this week to Britannia Hotels.

Every year, consumer choice site Which? undertakes an audit of all of Britain’s major hotel providers.

It asks a panel of customer reviewers to rate each company on eight different criteria, ranging from cleanliness to quality of bathrooms to value for money, then adds in how likely people were to recommend the hotel to give each an overall score out of 100.

The best of the bunch? The Coaching Inn Group 81%; Hotel Indigo 79%, J D Wetherspoon Hotels 76%.

Britannia didn’t get more than two out of five stars in any category, achieving the loathed one-star rating for both cleanliness and bedrooms.

Overall, it had a 44% approval rating, making it the only company to have the majority of customers say they wouldn’t recommend it to a friend Cleanliness and reliability were the two most common complaints; Time Out London reported. 

One person claimed that they found chewing gum stuck in their carpet, and several people noted that their reservations were cancelled at the last minute.

Britannia Hotels is a British budget hotel group with 64 hotels across Great Britain. The company also owns Pontins Holiday Parks. A large cluster of the company's hotels are located in and around Manchester

You can find Which?’s study in full here. The serious message: Do your research before booking at any hotel you have not stayed in before.

Image: Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool 

Cruise line infuriates passengers

 

Imagine booking an adults only cruise holiday and then being told that no, actually kids are being allowed on board.

That's what happened to northern hemisphere customers booked on "adults only" P&O Cruises voyages that have now been opened up to families with children, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Some unhappy customers, sold a dud, are not impressed. There have been no offers of compensation.

The cruise line said this week that it would reverse its previous policy and allow children on some sailings during peak holiday periods and in time for Christmas next year on long-time "adults only" ships Aurora and Arcadia.

On social media loyal P&O passengers have expressed disbelief and anger. One passenger wrote: “If I wanted kids around, I’d book Iona.” Another said: “I chose P&O for adult-only cruises. I’m not sure I’ll bother now.” 

Menus for children will be available together with baby changing and bottle warming facilities and both ships will now offer entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy.

The cruise line said guests can apply for a full refund or reschedule their dates. Guests must notify the cruise line by December 1, 2025, if they wish to cancel or re-book.

Tone deaf Carnival UK & P&O Cruises associate vice president, sales and distribution Ruth Venn ignored the fact that those who booked for adult cruises will not be getting what they paid for.

“Recent CLIA data showed that multi-generational travel is a rising trend," she said. "Over 30% of families are now cruising with at least two generations onboard.

“In response to guest feedback and increasing demand we are excited to invite all ages to join Arcadia and Aurora on selected holidays, meaning the whole family can come together to experience these elegant ships."

I guess it is hard to defend the indefensible.

Arcadia and Aurora will continue to offer holidays exclusively for adults for the much of the year.

Heavy metal: Calls for airport to be named after Ozzy Osbourne

 

Birmingham International Airport (BHX) in the UK could soon be known as Ozzy Osbourne Airport.

There have been calls for the airport to be re-named to honour the Birmingham-born former Black Sabbath singer, who died this week.

Osbourne never lost his Brummie accent despite spending much of his life in the US and a movement is gaining steam to honour the larger-than-life rocker with a petition launched by fan Dan Hudson after his death.

“Naming our international airport after him would be a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career and contributions to the arts,” Hudson said.

“Together, we can celebrate the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and the incredible influence our city has had on the world stage, thanks to him.”

He cited examples of British airports named after celebrities including John Lennon Airport in Liverpool and George Best Airport in Belfast.

Australian hotel group to test UK market

Australian-based hotel group TFE Hotels is set to launch its first properties in the UK later this year, making its debut in the British Isles.

TFE is to open two Adina-branded apartment-hotels, The Hobson Cambridge by Adina and The Wellington Glasgow by Adina in Scotland.

Both properties are set to open in the northern hemisphere autumn, news portal Travel Mole reported.

TFE Hotels was established in 2013 as a joint venture between Australia’s Toga Group (1963), and Singapore’s Far East Hospitality Holdings.

Asli Kutlucan, CEO of TFE Hotels Europe, said: “Our arrival in Cambridge and Glasgow signals a confident step forward for TFE Hotels’ European strategy.

“These two properties align with our vision of offering flexible, design-led apartment-hotel experiences.”

TFE has grown its presence across Europe with existing Adina apartment-hotels in Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and Hungary.

Hobson Cambridge by Adina is housed in a former police station which retains heritage architecture. It will also feature a bar and restaurant.

The Wellington Glasgow by Adina is situated in central Glasgow within easy reach of the city’s conference hubs, shopping and nightlife.

Moritz Klein, head of operations EU & UK at TFE Hotels Europe, said: “Launching Adina Apartment Hotels in the UK is a significant operational milestone for TFE Hotels.

"Our teams have been working closely to ensure a seamless brand introduction.”

TFE Hotels brands include Adina Hotels, A by Adina, Vibe Hotels, Quincy Hotels, Travelodge and Rendezvous Hotels.

Image: The Hobson Cambridge by Adina

Vinarchy in SA: global wine giant has big plans for South African brands

The giant new Vinarchy wine business includes two South African brands known for producing affordable bottles.

Straight after taking over Pernod Ricard’s still wine portfolio in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, Vinarchy confirmed the new brand has big plans for Flagstone and Kumala brands, which were previously part of Accolade.

Accolade was bought out of effective bankruptcy two years ago by a consortium of international backers led by global investment house Bain & Co.

Kumala’s wines are produced in several key areas within the Western Cape, including Olifants River, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.

Flagstone, based at Somerset West, occupies the site of a former De Beers dynamite factory an sources fruit from vineyards that stretch from cool Walker Bay region to the warmer Darling district.

The South African labels - which offer the benefit of lower production costs - are part of a stable of brands including Jacob’s Creek, Hardys, St Hugo, Petaluma, St Hallett and Orlando from Australia; Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh, Church Road and Mud House from New Zealand; and Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus and Azpilicueta from Spain.

“South African wine is an important category for our retail customers, particularly in Europe and the UK,” said Ben Clarke, Vinarchy’s executive chair.

“Flagstone and Kumala cater to that market. Our brands will continue to have their own identities under Vinarchy, with the benefit of being part of a global network.

“Through our global distribution network, we are incredibly proud to share our wines in almost every corner of the world,” Clarke told drinksbusiness.

“Our portfolio has something to offer everyone and every hip pocket, from premium fine wine to some of the world’s most popular global brands.”

So expect to see more of the South African brands on the global stage - particular in supermarkets and at lower price points.

“Labour accounts for 60% of any vineyard’s operating costs, and in the South African context, we have sufficient labour,” says Dr Erna Blancquaert, a lecturer at Stellenbosch University.

Are you being dudded by your local pub?

Do you ever think that your local pub might be short-serving you when you order a glass of wine, or a shot of whisky?

Judging by a recent survey in England you might well have reason for concern.

More than half of alcoholic drinks served in Oxfordshire pubs were found to be undermeasured in a recent undercover operation by the Trading Standards Authority.

Despite mounting pressures on the hospitality industry, officials say customers are still being short-changed at many bars in the UK, the drinks business reported

The undercover operation, which assessed pubs and bars across the county set out to check whether alcoholic drinks were being served in legally required quantities.

More than half were found to be under the limit. Bbeer was discovered to be the alcoholic drink that was never underpoured by staff, perhaps because glasses are designed to be filled.

The news hits as hospitality businesses have navigated the year’s headwinds amid rising costs and nearly four in five of hospitality small business owners are feeling the effects of burnout.

Added to this, rising tax and business rate costs in the UK could force more than 70% of hospitality businesses to cut jobs, scale back investment, or reduce trading hours.

Despite these challenges, Trading Standards officers have still been cracking down and keeping a keen eye on drinks that don’t measure up.

The officials posed as members of the public and ordered alcoholic drinks at various establishments to check whether each was being served in the legally-required measures.

Of the drinks ordered, it was found that 12 out of 16 glasses of wine, or 75% of all drinks, were short pours. As well, one out of two shots of whisky were being served under the legal or advertised measure.

Image: Kapij Telwani, Scop.io

Champagne exports dip in key markets

Is Champagne in crisis?

Exports to several major markets, including the UK and Australia, dipped dramatically in 2024.

Imports of Champagne to the UK fell by almost three million bottles in 2024 – taking the market back to its size in 1997.

The total amount of Champagne sent to the UK in 2024 was 22.3 millon bottles, down 12.7% on the year before.

And in Australia, the number of bottles arriving fell to 7.29 million, a drop of 17.6%.

The only years when UK shipments to the UK have been lower than in 2024 were in 2000 – when the country was overstocked from an excessive amount of Champagne imported in advance of Millennium celebrations – and 2020, when the first wave of Covid-related lockdowns took their toll, trade media outlet the drinks business reported.

But the market performance of 2024 means that the UK retained its position as second-biggest export market for Champagne behind the US, while Australia ranks No.7.

The Comité Champagne has said that the political and economic climate that has led to a reduction in sales.

Shipments in 2024 - as opposed to consumption - were also negatively impacted by an excess of stock in the market at the start of last year, as sales over the festive period in 2023 were not as high as expected.

In 2024, Champagne shipped a global total - including the domestic market - of 271.4 million bottles, which was down 9.2% compared to the previous year.

While 80% of Champagne is sold in eight countries, new markets such as Canada, South Africa and South Korea are showing growth, the Comité Champagne says.

The top 10 markets are: 1. US, 2.UK, 3. Japan, 4. Germany, 5. Italy, 6. Belgium, 7. Australia, 8. Switzerland, 9. Spain, 10. UAE.

Image: Andrii Omelnytskyi, Scop.io

Good news - and bad news - for the Australian wine industry

There is good news - and bad news - for the Australian wine industry.

In the 12 months to December 2024, Australian wine exports increased by 34% in value to $2.55 billion and by 7% cent in volume to 649 million litres, Wine Australia’s Export Report released today shows.

That sounds great but the increase in value was a result of high levels of shipments to mainland China between April and December 2024, after tariffs on Australian bottled wine were removed at the end of March 2024.

In those nine months, 83 million litres of wine, worth $902 million, have been exported to mainland China.

The average value of exports to mainland China for the 12 months ended December 2024 was $10.79 per litre, contributing to a 24% increase in the average value of total packaged exports to $9.35 per litre – a record value.

But sales to key markets in the US and UK fell - with the threat of US tariffs looming.

“While there has been month-to-month volatility in the value of shipments to mainland China in the period since tariffs were removed, the performance is nonetheless very positive," said Peter Bailey, manager for market insights at Wine Australia said.

“Chinese wine consumption is much lower than it was before the import tariffs were imposed, however, so it will take more time before it becomes clear what the ‘new normal’ level of exports to mainland China will be, after this initial re-stocking period.

“Continued growth is not assured, and it is still important to focus on market diversification in a challenging global business environment.”

Outside of the unique circumstances relating to exports to mainland China, global alcohol consumption is facing numerous headwinds, and this is impacting the results to other markets.

In many established wine markets consumption is declining due to health and wellness concerns and the rising cost of living.

This has contributed to a global oversupply of wine and increased competition in already strained supply chains.

Australian wine exports to the rest of the world declined by 13% in value to $1.64 billion and 7% in volume to 565 million litres during the 12 months to December 2024.

The decline in value was largely driven by Hong Kong, after a large increase in shipments to this destination at the end of 2023 likely driven by some Australian exporters anticipating the removal of import tariffs in mainland China in early 2024.

A decline in unpackaged wine exports to the United States after a period of heightened exports further contributed to the volume decline.

Exports to North America declined by 5 per cent to $482 million, driven by the United States, with growth in exports to Canada offsetting some of the decline.

The top five destinations by value were: China (up $898 million to $907 million); UK (down $9 million to $352 million); US (down $38 million to $325 million); Hong Kong (down $125 million to $171 million) and Canada (up $13 million to $156 million).

For more information, see Wine Australia’s Export Report.

Image: Marco Simola, Scop.io  

A new way from the UK to Paris

So you are in the UK but fancy a few days in Paris?

If you don't want to travel from the busy London airports, or catch the train (my preference), easyJet has announced its eighth route from Southampton Airport (above), on the south coast.

New twice-weekly Paris flights will take off from Southampton from March 31, 2025, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The Paris Orly flights will run on Monday and Fridays with easyJet planning up to 21 weekly departures to various from Southampton during peak summer 2025.

This represents a 31% increase compared to summer 2024.

Paris Orly, the French capital's second airport, is 25 minutes by public transport to central Paris by train, or the Line 14 Metro.

Frequent daily shuttle buses connect Paris Orly directly to Euro Disney.

Tour operator easyJet Holidays is also offering Paris city break packages.

All easyJet holidays city breaks include flights and hotel. See https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/france/paris

Chris Tibbett, aviation firector at AGS Airports, said: “Paris is a well-loved destination for the central south region, and we’re thrilled to see easyJet launch this direct service to Paris Orly.”

Since easyJet expanded from its seasonal Geneva service 12 months ago, the airline has flown over 173,000 passengers to and from Southampton.

Budget airline adds new destinations from UK airports

Heading for the UK next northern summer? Fancy a cheap side trip to somewhere slightly more exotic?

Budget airline easyJet has announced it will launch six new routes from four UK airports this summer, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The airline is growing its UK fleet with an additional A320 aircraft at its Bristol base.

New services set to take off this summer include flights to Milan's second airport, Linate, from Manchester and Edinburgh, and two new routes from Birmingham to Gibraltar and Bordeaux.

The additional aircraft in Bristol will support the launch of new routes to Palermo in Italy and Almeria in Spain.

The new routes to Milan Linate have been enabled by the opening of a five-aircraft base at Linate next spring, following approval by the European Commission.

The airline will also open a three-aircraft base at Rome Fiumicino from March 30 next year, joining existing bases in Milan's main Malpensa airport, and Naples.

Flights to Linate from Manchester and Edinburgh will take off for the first time on March 30, with flights up to seven days a week throughout the year.

These complements existing easyJet services to Malpensa.

The airline will also increase frequencies from London Gatwick to Milan Linate from one to up to two daily departures.

From Birmingham, flights to Bordeaux will take off from May 1 and to Gibraltar from June 1.

New flights from Bristol to Almeria will launch on June 24 and operate twice a week. 

A new summer route to Sicily’s capital of Palermo will launch on June 26 with twice-weekly departures.

“Following another consecutive record summer, easyJet is continuing to grow in the UK next year with more aircraft, enabling us to offer an even greater choice of flights and package holidays,” said Ali Gayward, easyJet UK country manager.

EasyJet currently serves 21 UK airports, offering 585 routes to 136 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond.

Heathrow Airport busier than ever

If you went through Heathrow Airport over the summer holidays you probably noticed it was pretty busy. 

London's main aviation hub has notched new passenger traffic records and is on track for its busiest-ever summer, news portal Travel Mole reports. 

Heathrow set a new monthly record, with nearly eight million people flying in and out in August.

This included its busiest day with 269,000 passengers on August 18.

This puts Heathrow on track to handle 30 million passengers between June and September, which would be the busiest summer period in the airport’s history.

“For the past four months, we have broken several new records, demonstrating our ability to open a world of opportunity for more people, cargo, business and the UK economy,” said keen spinner Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye.

The airport says Spain, Greece, Italy and Turkey have been the top holiday destinations this summer.

The Taylor Swift shows also brought in an extra 40,000 passengers, the airport said.