News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

WSTA welcomes UK label changes

Published: 17 October, 2023

Following a public consultation, the government has set out reforms for the wine sector which will begin in 2024.

Graham’s release on-trade exclusive 3-litre bottle

Published: 16 October, 2023

Released exclusively for the on-trade, iconic port house Graham’s has embarked on its latest marketing push, to incentivise more consumers to drink fortified.

Balfour Winery named among England’s top visitor attractions

Published: 16 October, 2023

Balfour Winery has been recognised as one of the country’s top visitor attractions as the only vineyard to receive a Gold medal accreditation by VisitEngland – the official tourist board for England.

KAM and Hallgarten partner for indie survey

Published: 16 October, 2023

Specialist wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has partnered with insights agency KAM to research consumer decision-making at independent specialists.

Nick Gillett: Predicting the big Christmas spirits trends

Published: 16 October, 2023

When it comes to this point of the year, customers start turning their thoughts towards Christmas. I know we say this every year, but Christmas 2023 really is going to be one of the most important festive seasons of the last ten years. While a great season won’t solve the various problems put upon the industry by government (duty hikes, rail strikes, and soaring energy costs, to name but a few) it’ll certainly go some way to protecting against the inevitable quiet months in early 2024.

Sale of Oddbins nears completion

Published: 13 October, 2023

The latest sale of Oddbins is believed to be near completion, with stores running down stocks ahead of new ownership.

CBD drinks come under fire from the FSA

Published: 13 October, 2023

The future of CBD drinks made using cannabidiol is looking uncertain today as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced that it has slashed the recommended daily dose from 70mg to just 10mg.

Fine wine trading decline slows, but ‘no clear bottom in sight’ says Liv-ex

Published: 13 October, 2023

A year into a global decline in fine wine trading the market remains volatile, though with some signs that the decline may be slowing.

Friday read: Prosecco Superiore DOCG makes UK return

Published: 13 October, 2023

After an absence of well over 10 years, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG staged a press and trade tasting in London this week.

Interview: Harpers sits down with SJP and Invivo

Published: 12 October, 2023

On the cusp of the launch of Sarah Jessica Parker’s low alcohol wine ‘Sevenly’ in Sainsbury’s, Harpers caught up with the actress-turned-wine-mogul to find out what drew her to dip her toe into vinous waters.

Staff shortages affect 45% of wine industry Prowein finds

Published: 11 October, 2023

According to new research published by Prowein, 45% of businesses in the wine industry have been affected by staff shortages over the last two years.

Broadland inks major contract with Frugalpac

Published: 11 October, 2023

Norfolk-based drinks producer and co-packer Broadland Drinks is set to become the UK’s largest filler of ‘Frugal Bottles’ in a milestone partnership with Journey’s End and British sustainable packaging company Frugalpac.

The volcanic wines of Woodwinters

Published: 11 October, 2023

For its autumn trade tasting, Woodwinters, the importer, wholesaler and retailer showcased not one but two volcanic-themed wineries, from Tenerife and Mount Etna respectively.

Vineyards become the fastest growing crop in England

Published: 11 October, 2023

Wine grapes are the fastest-growing edible agricultural crop sector for human consumption in England, it has been confirmed, with recent statistics from Defra putting the growth of vineyard hectarage in pole position.

Cava completes harvest amid reports of 55% grape loss

Published: 11 October, 2023

The Cava Designation of Origin has announced the completion of its 2023 harvest, following reports of grape losses between 35% and 55% compared to normal years.

Lidl and The Wine Society join Bottle Weight Accord to reduce glass globally

Published: 11 October, 2023

A number of leading wine retailers representing various corners of the globe have just inked an agreement with the shared objective of significantly reducing the weight of 750ml still wine bottles across their extensive product lines.

The Drinks Trust launches wellbeing programme

Published: 10 October, 2023

After months of consultation with key industry partners, The Drinks Trust is launching its Business Advisory Programme (BAP) – conceived to meet the challenges that businesses face in designing and executing a meaningful wellbeing strategy.

Speciality Brands signs distribution deal with Chopin Vodka

Published: 09 October, 2023

Drinks distributor Speciality Brands has signed an agreement with Chopin Vodka, to exclusively distribute the Polish brand in the UK from this October onwards.

Old vine conservation project to revitalise Chile’s wine heritage

Published: 09 October, 2023

Viña Santa Carolina has announced it is collaborating with the Quirihue Winemakers Association (Agrupación de Viñateros de Quirihue) on the next phase of an ongoing project, which has so far spent 10 years working to recover centuries-old grape varieties in the Itata Valley.

New guidance published for alcohol sales via rapid home deliveries

Published: 09 October, 2023

The Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG) has published a new set of guidance to prevent underage drinkers from purchasing alcohol via home delivery services.