Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Project to curb underage drinking launches

Published: 24 November, 2008

A pioneering project to curb underage alcohol sales and combat associated anti-social behaviour is launching in Kent.

Alcohol duty set to rise as VAT rate slashed

Published: 24 November, 2008

Alistar Darling has confirmed that he will cut VAT from 17.5% to 15% but will increase duties on alcohol to ensure that prices remain unchanged.

Virgin Wines reports record sales figures

Published: 24 November, 2008

Virgin Wines has recorded its highest weekly sales volume ever, bucking the trend experienced by scores of retailers during the current economic slowdown.

Drinkaware Trust appoints new CEO

Published: 24 November, 2008

The Drinkaware Trust has appointed Chris Sorek as its new chief executive.

North West wine retailers of the year announced

Published: 24 November, 2008

An independent wine retailer which has been trading for just one year has scooped an award for North West Specialist Wine Retailer of the Year.

Weekend round-up: Happy hour to be outlawed

Published: 24 November, 2008

Sunday Mirror
Happy hour and cut-price drink promotions in pubs and clubs will be outlawed under a Government crackdown. Ministers plan to unveil new proposals in their war on binge-drinking ahead of a Christmas campaign against drink-driving. They hope the clampdown will cut booze-fuelled violence and slash the bill for alcohol misuse which could cost up to £25billion a year. A strict code of conduct will aim to outlaw promotions which encourage drinking large amounts of booze or drinking at speed during happy hour, say Whitehall sources.

Climate change a threat to Riesling's future, warns professor

Published: 19 November, 2008

Producers of Riesling wine must put into place clear strategies to cope with climate change, or risk the future quality of their wines.

Enterprise Inns calls time on 200 pubs

Published: 19 November, 2008

Midlands-based pub giant Enterprise Inns is selling off around 200 pubs because of falling sales due to the credit crunch and last year's smoking ban.

Jamie Oliver to open first London branch of Jamie's Italian

Published: 19 November, 2008

Jamie Oliver is opening a new branch of his chain of Jamie's Italian restaurants in London.

Cobra and Threshers launch Facebook application

Published: 19 November, 2008

Cobra Beer has teamed up with off-licence group Thresher on launch a Facebook application.

Maxxium pits north against south in 'Liquid War'

Published: 19 November, 2008

Maxxium UK has announced the winners of its Liquid War 2008 competition, which saw bartenders compete for team and individual honours in flair and mixology categories.

Corona Extra launches pre-Christmas promotional drive

Published: 19 November, 2008

Corona Extra has announced details of a major pre-Christmas promotional drive in Leeds and Birmingham.

Pernod Ricard hits the big screen to push Jameson's

Published: 19 November, 2008

Pernod Ricard is launching a series of consumer film screening events to support Jameson Irish Whiskey.

InBev deal creates world's largest brewer

Published: 18 November, 2008

InBev has completed its $52 billion (£35 million) takeover of Anheuser-Busch, creating the world's largest brewer.

Indian drinks giant Indage acquires Norfolk winery

Published: 18 November, 2008

Indage UK, part of India's largest wine producer the Indage Group, has made an offer to buy a Norfolk based winery as it seeks to expand its UK presence.

Popularity of British food and drink reaches "record heights"

Published: 18 November, 2008

The global popularity of British food and drink has hit record heights, with annual exports on track to exceed £13bn for the first time in history, according to new figures released this week.

Heineken launches responsible drinking campaign

Published: 18 November, 2008

Heineken has become the latest drinks company to launch a responsible drinking campaign.

New look launched for Arniston Bay wine range

Published: 17 November, 2008

The Arniston Bay Original South African wine range is being re-launched in the UK market. The re-launch is designed to "upgrade" the range, and will include screwcap closures and updated packaging on all varietals.

Grand Marnier launches supermarket sampling campaign

Published: 17 November, 2008

Grand Marnier has launched a sampling programme as it bids to enhance the liqueur's usage during the autumn and winter months. Text

Lanson Champagne reveals 2009 promotional plans

Published: 17 November, 2008

Lanson Champagne has appointed Phipps PR as its retained PR agency after a two way pitch. The six figure account kicks off before Christmas and will run throughout the whole of 2009.