James Bayley is the News and Website Editor at The Drinks Business. He specializes in food and beverages, particularly in the areas of beverage production and drinks and spirits, while also occasionally covering sports, arts, and culture. James has been featured in prominent publications such as the Daily Express, Wine Business Monthly, and Yahoo News UK.
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James Bayley specializes in covering the UK wine industry, alcohol sales, and government policies related to the beverage sector. Given his focus on press releases, data citations, private sector announcements, and government declarations, he would likely be interested in pitches that include exclusive data or insights from key players within the wine and beverage industry.
He covers a wide range of topics such as sales & marketing strategies within the industry and business & industry-related developments. Therefore, consider providing him with story ideas around new product launches, market trends backed by robust data analysis or policy changes impacting the alcohol/beverage sector in the UK.
As James focuses on national coverage (UK), pitches should take this into account when tailoring content for potential publication.
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By: James Bayley
Football fans from Scotland and England are generating a significant sales boost for bars across the United States during the opening week of the FIFA World Cup, with some venues reporting unprecedented beer consumption. Pub operators in Boston and Dallas have scrambled to meet demand as thousands of travelling supporters pack venues ahead of key group-stage matches.
This week saw Italian wine regions and producers showcase everything from Tuscan Sangiovese to Lugana's Turbiana whites. Elsewhere, Vagabond Wines opened its largest venue to date in Soho and Andreola revealed an ambitious still wine project in the Belluno Dolomites.
By: James Bayley
The 2026 WineGB Awards have highlighted the increasing diversity and ambition of English and Welsh wine, with judges praising both quality and innovation across a broad range of styles. Held over four days in London, the competition assessed 372 wines and showcased a sector that continues to expand beyond its traditional sparkling wine foundations.
Weekend food show Saturday Kitchen has partnered with Majestic to launch a new wine subscription service featuring exclusive wines selected by resident experts Helen McGinn and Olly Smith.
Severe frost and hail have already caused extensive vineyard damage across parts of the United States and France, raising concerns over another difficult harvest year. Growers are reporting losses of up to 90% in some regions, with months of weather risks still ahead.
By: James Bayley
A run of medals at the Global Wine Masters suggests the UK's producers no longer need patriotic goodwill to fill the glass. Here are ten bottles to seek out for English Wine Week.
Valdobbiadene producer Andreola is developing traditional method sparkling and still wines from a nine-hectare vineyard in the Belluno Dolomites. During a visit to Sedico, the drinks business found a project shaped by the family’s ambition to move beyond the Prosecco label.
By: James Bayley
Unite has urged the Government to withdraw its revised code of practice on tipping, arguing it fails to deliver on promises to give hospitality workers greater control over how gratuities are shared.
By: James Bayley
French wine producers are facing another difficult growing season as record-breaking temperatures compound the effects of frost, hail and prolonged drought across key regions.
The Michelin Guide has revealed its inaugural Burgundy wine selection, awarding its highest three-grape distinction to nine producers as the company expands beyond restaurants and hotels into wine ratings.
