A defiant Peter Lehmann has made clear his implacable opposition to any bid by Allied Domeq to gain control of the eponymous wine company he founded.


Allied did not have “the faintest hope” of taking over, he said from Canada where he is on a promotional visit.


“I hope our 3500 or so shareholders follow my example and sell about one third of their shares to Hess,” Lehmann said. He has sold 5% of his 17% shareholding to the privately owned Hess.

Just Drinks Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Drinks Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

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ROBOT Kombucha by Net Zero Foods has won the Innovation Award in the Probiotic Beverages category in the 2025 Just Drinks Excellence Awards. Discover how this AI-developed, 100% organic, low-sugar probiotic cola is reshaping gut-health drinks while championing bee-friendly, sustainable sourcing.

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