News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Alliance welcomes new MW to buying team

Published: 29 January, 2026

Alliance Wine has announced that Sarah Benson MW has joined its buying team.

Hospitality industry reacts to Reeves' pub support package

Published: 28 January, 2026

The hospitality industry has reacted to yesterday’s announcement by the government that pubs and music venues would receive a rates relief package costing £80m next year alone (as Harpers reported).

Bottle Weight Accord welcomes five new members

Published: 28 January, 2026

The Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) has welcomed five new members to its Bottle Weight Accord (BWA), meaning that it now covers 2.5bn bottles of wine produced annually (9% of all wine consumed globally).

Government announces £80m U-turn on pubs and music venues

Published: 27 January, 2026

The government has revealed a support package aimed at helping pubs and music venues in England, worth £80m.

Virgin Wines sees strong Christmas trading period

Published: 27 January, 2026

Online wine retailer Virgin Wines has released its Christmas trading update, which shows a strong performance across the seven weeks to 26 December.

Over 2,000 jobs at risk as Revel Collective files for administration

Published: 27 January, 2026

As reported by the BBC and elsewhere, Revel Collective – the parent company of the Revolution bar chain, Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs – has filed to enter administration.

JFOODO launches campaign to encourage Sake pairing with non-Japanese food

Published: 26 January, 2026

The organisation responsible for promoting Japanese food and drinks globally, JFOODO, has launched a campaign that will see some of the top restaurants in London celebrate the “food-pairing versatility of Sake” this February.

South African exports show resilience amid global market pressure

Published: 26 January, 2026

According to industry body Wines of South Africa (WoSA), South African wine exports this year have demonstrated resilience against a challenging global market.

Fentimans Report suggests premium shift includes soft drinks

Published: 26 January, 2026

The annual release of Fentimans market report appears to confirm that the well documented consumer shift to ‘less but better’ is also entrenched in the market for soft drinks and mixers.

Australian winemaker Simon Hackett passes away aged 73

Published: 26 January, 2026

“Larger than life” Australian winemaker Simon Hackett died on Friday (23 January) after suffering a stroke.

Nick Gillett: Toe to toe with giants – how independent spirits can compete

Published: 26 January, 2026

In today’s challenging economy, with all the difficulties UK hospitality is facing, it can feel like the drinks industry is being shaped more and more by our sector’s biggest players; the big boys of global industry with deep, deep pockets and reach. But let’s get it straight: the environment we’re currently in gives them a competitive edge. It helps them to win shelf space and bar listings – and that’s intimidating. I imagine if you’re a challenger brand or reasonably new to the market, you’re frustrated by the status quo.

Friday Read: Wine in the crosshairs of geopolitics, again

Published: 23 January, 2026

In the wake of Trump’s latest threat to impose 200% tariffs on French wine, Jens-Peter Barynin, chief economist at VIVI Economics, assesses the ongoing cost of such uncertainty.

Reach for Ribera del Duero campaign returns to UK

Published: 23 January, 2026

For its fifth consecutive year, the Reach for Ribera del Duero campaign will return this April, inviting 50 independent wine merchants across the UK to promote the region.

Wine Paris reaffirms role as international platform for experts

Published: 23 January, 2026

Wine Paris, which returns from 9-11 February 2026 has reaffirmed its commitment to being a platform for international expertise, development and connection.

SITT Spring unveils masterclass topics

Published: 21 January, 2026

The leading tasting event for independent drinks suppliers, SITT – which is due to return this Spring – has revealed the topics for two of its masterclasses.

WSET announces Laurent-Perrier as newest Gold Partner

Published: 21 January, 2026

WSET has announced that independent, family-run Champagne house Laurent-Perrier has become its newest Gold Partner.

Study finds price is biggest pressure on alcohol sales

Published: 21 January, 2026

A new study by MMR Research has found that nearly four in ten UK consumers (39%) say they are lowering their alcohol consumption because of affordability.

Nearly 9,000 hospitality jobs lost since Budget

Published: 20 January, 2026

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the hospitality sector employed 8,784 fewer people in December 2025 compared to November 2025.

Drinks Trust unveils refreshed campaign for 140th anniversary

Published: 20 January, 2026

Hospitality charity The Drinks Trust has revealed a special edition of its “Face It Together” campaign – encouraging the drinks industry to extend its support to the Trust – launched for the company’s 140th anniversary.

Majestic hails best Christmas ever

Published: 20 January, 2026

Leading wine retailer Majestic Wine has announced that this Christmas trading period was the biggest in its 45-year history, reporting a 0.9% increase in total sales over the five weeks to 29th December 2025.