The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Harpers Awards 2014: still time to enter

The Harpers Awards is a opportunity to be recognised as a key merchant, retailer and UK on-trade establishment in the trade. Be rewarded for all the hard work you and your team do. With a host of categories across the industry and the on- and off-trade, here's how you can get involved.

Vinexpo launches "Spiritual" as it looks to make spirits a much bigger part of future shows

Vinexpo has announced the new dedicated spirits section of its Asia-Pacific show in May will be called Spiritual and if successful could be introduced to Vinexpo in Bordeaux in 2015.

Vinexpo Asia- Pacific expected to break exhibitor and visitor records

This May's Vinexpo Asia-Pacific taking place in Hong Kong is expected to break exhibitor and visitor records.

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Benevolent joins forces with London Wine Fair to host party

Drinks industry charity the Benevolent has teamed up with London Wine Fair to hold the fair's closing party this year.

Whyte & Mackay could sell for as high as £450m next week

Rothschild, Rabobank and Standard Chartered are the investment banks that have been formally appointed to run the sale of Whyte & Mackay by Diageo, which is set to begin next week and could sell for as much £450m.

Essential Drinks poaches sales director from First Drinks

Essential Drinks, part of the Quintessential Brands Group, has appointed Nick Reed to the newly-created role of sales director to focus on driving off-trade growth.

Major drinks firms back Harpers call to get producers behind Call Time on Duty campaign

Direct Wines, Matthew Clark and Bibendum are just three of the big name UK wine companies that have got behind the Harpers initiative to get as many wine producers as possible to back the Wine & Spirit Trade Association-led Call Time on Duty campaign and make the government aware how damaging its on-going alcohol duty strategy is on the UK drinks industry.

English vineyards escape flood damage

The wettest weather in over 100 years has had little effect on English vineyards.

Upbeat January for on-trade as lfl sales up 7.2%

The on-trade had a relatively upbeat start to the year, with like-for-like sales up 7.2% on a snow-hit 2013.

Matthew Clark's annual tasting a 'complete departure'

Matthew Clark's annual tasting is set to be a "complete departure" from previous years, and its biggest to date.

Fine wine prices fall in January for first time in 12 years

For the the first time in 12 years the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 index fell by 0.9% in January, a traditionally strong month.

?India's Soul Tree Wines targets UK retail

McWilliam's switches from PLB to Kingsland Wines & Spirits

Australian winery McWilliam's has moved its UK business from PLB to Kingsland Wines & Spirits.

Free Run Wines to boost its French portfolio

Free Run Wines is planning a boost its French portfolio and develop intellectual property to add value to the business.

Gordon's elderflower gin launch backed by seven-figure marketing spend

Strong GBP and harvest means UK wine buyers will seek quality over price this year

Matthew Clark boosts wine reputation and sales

Matthew Clark is growing its wine business as more on-trade customers seek it out for a broader range of wines.