Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Currency update, August 23: A strong one for sterling

Published: 23 August, 2010

Last week was a strong one for sterling against the euro and this trend has continued this morning as it is trading at €1.2260/£1.

Halewood in low-alcohol wine launch

Published: 23 August, 2010

Halewood International is hoping its new lower-alcohol wine will appeal to 25 to 45-year-old women "looking for a wine without such a strong alcoholic taste".

Sainsbury's Champagne sales up 40%

Published: 20 August, 2010

Champagne sales at Sainsbury's have jumped by 40% ? 1.2 million more bottles ? this year as consumers seek out great value as well as taste.

Northern Ireland considers minimum pricing

Published: 20 August, 2010

Northern Ireland is considering introducing a minimum price on alcohol ? as a first step the Assembly has announced a crackdown on irresponsible drinks deals in retail outlets and pubs.

Currency update, August 20: sterling regains lost ground

Published: 20 August, 2010

Currency update for August 20 from Smart Currency Exchange: sterling recovers on the back of stronger than expected retail sales data.

Last chance to attend Home Office roadshow

Published: 20 August, 2010

The drinks trade has one last opportunity to make its voice heard in the Licensing Act overhaul consultation roadshow ? scheduled for Nottingham on August 26.

Slurp launches iPhone app

Published: 19 August, 2010

Online wine retailer Slurp.co.uk has launched an iPhone application containing almost 6,000 wines, beers and spirits.

Academy calls for front-of-house nominations

Published: 19 August, 2010

The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS) is seeking nominations from employers and staff in the industry for its front-of-house Annual Awards Excellence.

SNP: A below-cost ban could make alcohol cheaper

Published: 19 August, 2010

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has claimed that a ban on below-cost alcohol sales would make many supermarket deals even cheaper.

Bibendum's profits surge 11%

Published: 19 August, 2010

UK wine distributor Bibendum is "cautiously optimistic" after announcing gross profits have risen 11% on last year to £20.8 million, following strong cost controls.

Islay produces its first gin

Published: 19 August, 2010

The Hebridean island of Islay has turned its hand from the production of peaty whiskies to distill its first gin.

Currency update, August 19: recovery for sterling

Published: 19 August, 2010

Currency update for August 19 from Smart Currency Exchange: sterling rises to hit a daily high of $1.5689/£1.

Brown Brothers buys Tamar Ridge

Published: 18 August, 2010

Australian producer Brown Brothers has bought Tamar Ridge Estates vineyard and winery interests in Tasmania from Gunns for AU$32.5 million.

Currency update, August 18: Sterling falls again

Published: 18 August, 2010

Sterling fell yesterday against the US dollar and euro yesterday after inflation data showed a slow down in UK price growth.

Armit appointed UK agent for Maison Deux Montille Soeur Frère

Published: 18 August, 2010

Armit has been appointed exclusive UK agents for Maison Deux Montille Soeur Frère.

Enotria buys Great Western Wine

Published: 17 August, 2010

Enotria has bought Bath-based firm Great Western Wines (GWW) for an undisclosed sum.

Currency update, August 17: sterling regains lost ground

Published: 17 August, 2010

Currency update for August 17 from Smart Currency Exchange: sterling reclaimed some of the ground lost against the US dollar last week, rising 0.4% yesterday to hit $1.5665/£1 after risk sentiment improved in trading yesterday.

New hierarchy for Languedoc appellations

Published: 17 August, 2010

A new hierarchy for Languedoc appellations has been confirmed by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL).

Documentary push for Olmeca Tequila

Published: 17 August, 2010

Olmeca Tequila has produced a series of documentaries to educate consumers about the history of the category and its relevance to the London bar scene.

Côtes du Rhône sponsors London Double Header

Published: 16 August, 2010

Côtes du Rhône wines will be the official match sponsor of the London Double Header at Twickenham, which marks the opening round of matches in the Premiership Rugby season.