News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Centre-Loire harvest report: early and ‘exceptional’

Published: 10 December, 2025

Vins du Centre-Loire, which oversees the promotion of Centre-Loire wines, has released its harvest report for 2025.

BA first class set to introduce Sugrue South Downs

Published: 10 December, 2025

Sussex winery Sugrue South Downs has unveiled that its Cuvée Dr Brendan O’Regan sparkler is due to be served in British Airways’ (BA) first class from January through March over the next three years.

South Africa confident going into 2026 harvest season

Published: 10 December, 2025

South Africa Wine, the national body for the country's wine sector, has announced that the South African wine industry enters the 2026 harvest season with increased confidence, as the first official crop estimate (from private and producer-cellar growers) indicates another stable year.

Alliance sees fine wine sales surge after H2Vin acquisition

Published: 10 December, 2025

Ayrshire-headquartered wine importer Alliance Wine has revealed its fine wine sales have shown significant growth since its acquisition of H2Vin – a 30% boost year on year.

Diageo to open central London Guinness microbrewery

Published: 10 December, 2025

Leading global alcoholic beverage company Diageo will open its new microbrewery, Guinness Open Gate Brewery London, in The Yards in Covent Garden tomorrow (11 December).

Report: Champagne highs and lows in 2025

Published: 08 December, 2025

Wine Lister, the end-to-end strategic consultancy for wine businesses, has released its 2025 Champagne Report: In Victory and Defeat.

Chimera announces significant portfolio expansion

Published: 09 December, 2025

Chimera Brand Development, the UK-based brand-building company specialising in premium drinks brands, has today announced that it is adding Cargo Cult, Ouzo of Plomari Adolo and Sūpāsawā to its portfolio.

AGW launches simplified Certified Regenerative standards

Published: 08 December, 2025

A Greener World (AGW), a nonprofit certification organisation, has launched an overhaul of its Certified Regenerative by AGW standard, making the requirements clearer and more user-friendly, while maintaining the rigour that lends it credibility.

Gen Z turning away from Dry Jan

Published: 08 December, 2025

New research from IWSR’s Bevtrac survey can reveal that Gen Z drinkers are showing less interest in ‘monthlong abstinence spells’ such as Dry January and Sober October.

Champagne Cattier unveils on-trade partnership with Enotria

Published: 08 December, 2025

Champagne Cattier has announced a fresh on-trade partnership with distributor Enotria – beginning from January 2026.

Villa Maria reveals redesigned packaging

Published: 08 December, 2025

Villa Maria, the New Zealand wine producer, has revealed a packaging redesign comprising of a sustainable lightweight 390g glass bottle, along with a new label across its Private Bin and Cellar Selection ranges.

New London food and wine event to supersede Wines from Spain tasting

Published: 08 December, 2025

Spanish food and wine producers are to come together in London this February for a new event aimed at showcasing the gastronomic highs from the country.

Wine Paris puts governments in sights as show hits new high

Published: 05 December, 2025

With record numbers of exhibitors signed up and record numbers of attendees also predicted to attend, Wine Paris has evolved its content for this year’s event to send a clear message on unfavourable government policies.

Harpers Design Awards 2025 winners announced

Published: 05 December, 2025

In Harpers’ annual celebration of all things design, deserved winners demonstrate the best of packaging style and sophistication. Our Design Awards 2025 showcases innovation across drinks categories from canned wine curiosities to remarkable redesigns.

New CEO appointed at Direct Wines

Published: 05 December, 2025

Family-owned retailer Direct Wines Ltd – best known in the UK for Laithwaites and the Sunday Times Wine Club – has appointed Philippa Strub as the new group CEO.

SIBA issues open letter on Budget concerns

Published: 04 December, 2025

The Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) has sent an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, expressing its “deep concern” that the hospitality sector was facing a “crisis of survival” after the recent Budget.

Report: Signs of stabilisation in the restaurant market

Published: 04 December, 2025

Lumina Intelligence – an insights company for food and drink brands – has released its Restaurant Market Report for 2025, revealing signs of increasing stability in the restaurant market after years of turmoil.

Pacific-rowers Macleans unveil unique Auchroisk charity bottling

Published: 04 December, 2025

The Maclean brothers – the recording-setting Pacific Ocean rowers – have unveiled a unique charity bottling to fundraise for clean water projects.

Ribera del Duero harvest: Abundant yield despite weather challenges

Published: 03 December, 2025

The Ribera del Duero DO has unveiled its results for the 2025 harvest. Although challenging weather and mildew marked the growing season, the resulting crop was the second most abundant in the past 10 years.

Michelin unveil 'Grapes' distinction for wine producers

Published: 03 December, 2025

Tire-manufacturer Michelin have announced that from 2026, the Michelin Guide will provide a new ‘Grape’ rating for wine producers, along with vineyard recommendations.