English winemaker Chapel Down has announced a significant strategic overhaul under new leadership, aiming to capture a 1% share of the global champagne market by 2035. The Kent-based company, led by chief executive James Pennefather and newly appointed non-executive chair Michael Spencer, has redefined its medium-term priorities to focus on boosting brand value, expanding international distribution, and ensuring disciplined capital management. This shift comes as the company navigates a challenging period for the English wine industry, marked by slowing demand and adverse weather conditions.

As part of its strategic reset, Chapel Down has scrapped plans to build a £32 million winery in Canterbury, a move expected to save significant capital expenditure. Pennefather emphasized that canceling the long-planned site will not impact the company's growth targets, which include targeting the world's top 10 champagne markets. Currently, Chapel Down has a presence in only five countries, but it plans to expand its footprint through agreements with top travel retailers, leveraging its 35% market share of sparkling wine sales in UK supermarkets and other retailers.

The company's international push is set against a backdrop of mixed financial performance. In the six months to the end of June, Chapel Down's revenues grew 11% to £7.9 million, with gross profit increasing 7% to £3.7 million. However, net debt rose to £11.3 million, up from £5.8 million in the same period last year, reflecting increased investment in vineyards and maturing stock. Adjusted earnings also declined by 23% to around £1.2 million in the first half, attributed to lower non-cash fair value adjustments, though the company remains on track for a return to profitability by the end of 2025.

Despite recent challenges, including the second-worst harvest on record for English winemakers in 2023 due to wet weather and disease, Chapel Down is optimistic about its prospects. Pennefather noted that better weather this year has aided recovery, and retail sales value of the company's sparkling wines continues to grow at 12% annually. With the global champagne market valued at $7.19 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $9.83 billion by 2030, Chapel Down's ambitious target underscores its confidence in competing on the world stage, even as the UK wine industry grapples with plateauing sales and evolving consumer tastes.

Police in Newry are investigating a violent altercation that occurred outside the Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Francis Street on Saturday evening. The incident, which involved a group of young males, took place at approximately 5:40 pm on October 18, prompting emergency services to respond to the scene.

Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the disturbance, including two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrests were made on suspicion of multiple offenses, including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Two of the detained males, aged 16 and 17, have been released on bail pending further police inquiries, while the other 17-year-old was released unconditionally. The Police Service of Northern Ireland continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation that began at the shopping center and continued onto the adjacent street.

Authorities are particularly concerned about a male youth believed to have been assaulted during the incident who left the scene before officers arrived. Inspector Ritchie stated that police have concerns for the individual's wellbeing and are urging him to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage are asked to contact Ardmore police station quoting reference number 1120 of 18/10/25.