Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

WSA becomes WSTA

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Wine & Spirit Association has changed its name to the The Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Song of Rolland

Published: 23 July, 2008

About the only myth Michel Rolland did not attempt to dispel, but rather reinforced, was that of the flying winemaker.

Myliko SA joint venture

Published: 23 July, 2008

Myliko Wines has entered into a joint venture with South African producer Tinus Broodryk.

Despite a lingering sadness at the early retirement (due to ill health) of Wines from Spain (WfS) director Graham Hines, the trade members at last week's generic tasting were firmly focused on the future.

Harpers' deputy editor wins Feature Writer award

Published: 23 July, 2008

Harpers' deputy editor, David Williams, won the Feature Writer of the Year Award at last week's Britvic Business Food and Drink Journalist of the Year Awards.

Macadam's SWAG

Published: 23 July, 2008

Former Oddbins boss and the current managing director of United Wineries, Richard Macadam, has been named chairman of the newly formed Spanish Wine Action Group (SWAG).

Port houses declare

Published: 23 July, 2008

More Port houses have declared the 2003 vintage.

Myliko SA joint venture

Published: 23 July, 2008

Myliko Wines has entered into a joint venture with South African producer Tinus Broodryk.

Southcorp board says yes to Foster's increased bid

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Foster's Group looks set to take over Southcorp, following acceptances by the majority of the Southcorp board of the improved A$4.26 per share offer.

Havana Club goes to consumers

Published: 23 July, 2008

Pernod Ricard-distributed Cuban rum Havana Club is launching its first-ever UK consumer advertising and sponsorship campaign with an investment of 1.75 million.

Octavian secures new Percy Fox logistics deal

Published: 23 July, 2008

Logistics company Octavian has been awarded a five-year contract to handle the entire portfolio of Percy Fox and Justerini & Brooks across the UK.

Co-op concentrates on Fair Trade

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Co-op wine-buying team is stepping up its offering of Fair Trade wines.

Rappoport departs

Published: 23 July, 2008

Quentin Rappoport will leave his position as director of the WSA, as previously reported in Harpers, at the end of April.

COCKATOO BACKS BRAND PHOENIX

Published: 23 July, 2008

Following the recent purchase of the Normans stable of brands and winery, Cockatoo Ridge Wines has confirmed that distribution of the wines (which includes NXG) will stay with Brand Phoenix in the UK.

GALLO REJIGS AS EUROPEAN BOSS DEPARTS

Published: 23 July, 2008

E&J Gallo has announced a number of personnel developments within its European division following the sudden departure of vice president general manager, Europe, Tamara Minick-Scokalo.

BERRY'S EXPANDS HEATHROW

Published: 23 July, 2008

Leading independent Berry Brothers & Rudd is set to double its presence at Heathrow Airport by adding new stores at Terminals 1 and 2 this summer.

WTAG PLEDGES TO WORK WITH REFORMED WSA

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Wine Trade Action Group (WTAG) has endorsed the proposed restructuring of the Wine & Spirit Association (WSA). Six WTAG members will constitute 50% of the new interim executive board, although members of WTAG have decided to continue to meet.

JS TO REDUCE RANGE?

Published: 23 July, 2008

Sainsbury's, the UK's third-largest retailer and the original pioneer of supermarket wines, is also looking to reduce the number of wines it offers by up to 10%.

CRANSWICK-SMITH RETURNS

Published: 23 July, 2008

Graham Cranswick-Smith, founder of Cranswick Premium Wines, has joined forces with Kingston Estate Wines to form a new distribution company, Kingston Wine Agencies.

NEW PLANTINGS IN CHIANTI CLASSICO MAR THE LANDSCAPE, SAYS CONSORZIO CHIEF

Published: 23 July, 2008

The planting of new vineyards in the Chianti Classico zone is marring the landscape and reducing the agricultural diversity of the region, according to Consorzio del Marche Storico Chianti Classico president Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi.