News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New venue revealed for sold out SITT Autumn

Published: 19 July, 2023

SITT Autumn, the trade event for specialist importers and independent buyers is now sold out with over 55 exhibitors signed up to attend the tastings.

Soaring costs in wine, staff and energy threatens hospitality

Published: 19 July, 2023

Red wine is one of several key commodities threatening the hospitality sector’s post-Covid-19 recovery due to rising prices.

Spain Advisory Council launches successful US initiative in the UK

Published: 18 July, 2023

The Spain Advisory Council, a brand-new initiative from Foods & Wines from Spain in the UK, has launched with the aim of opening up greater avenues of communication and engagement with one of Spain’s key export markets.

Virgin recovers from end of year blip

Published: 17 July, 2023

Virgin Wines, one of the UK’s largest direct-to-consumer online wine retailers, has reported an end of year performance “in line with expectations”, following a “disappointing” downturn resulting from short term challenges at the end of 2022.

Gruppo Montenegro joins Proof Drinks

Published: 17 July, 2023

Gruppo Montenegro has announced a new partnership with Proof Drinks for the distribution of its portfolio in the UK.

Large operator profit doubles, though challenges remain

Published: 17 July, 2023

The percentage of the UK’s largest restaurant companies turning a profit has doubled in the last year, according to new figures. However, further interest rate rises now hover over the horizon. As a result, hospitality’s biggest operators could be facing new challenges on their return journey to profitability.

Spirits of Virtue relaunch targets UK thirst for quality low & no

Published: 17 July, 2023

Scottish zero-alcohol producer Spirits of Virtue has completed a ‘redevelopment and relaunch’ project with the aim of boosting the reach of its recently expanded portfolio.

Nick Gillett: How independent brands can influence customer behaviour

Published: 17 July, 2023

Influencing consumers is something that all spirits brands try to do but it’s harder than you think.

The Wine Society trials recycled plastic bottles

Published: 14 July, 2023

Following the publication of its Alternative Packaging for Wine report in May, The Wine Society has embarked on the second phase of its packaging trial. This week, four of The Society’s most popular wines, including its top-selling wine, The Society’s White Burgundy, will be released in recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) bottles.

Catena Zapata named ‘World’s Best Vineyard’ 2023

Published: 14 July, 2023

The annual ‘World’s Best Vineyard’ winners have been announced, recognising the very best wine tourism experiences around the globe.

Georgian Wine Festival debuts in Devon estate

Published: 14 July, 2023

A Georgian Wine Festival is coming to Dartington Estate this October, curated by MWs Sarah Abbott and Justin Howard-Sneyd.

EU export figures: Germany struggles whilst Hungary and Greece thrive

Published: 14 July, 2023

Wine data experts OENsights has partnered with Eurostat, a Directorate-General of the European Commission, to publish the latest EU wine export trends.

Justerini & Brooks adds Bodegas Fulcro of Rias Baixas DO

Published: 13 July, 2023

Fine wine importer Justerini & Brooks has expanded its portfolio of Spanish wines with the addition of Bodegas Fulcro in the Rias Baixas DO.

Live sport essential for UK pub and bars

Published: 13 July, 2023

With a summer of sport in full swing and the women's World Cup just around the corner, new research by CGA has revealed the increased spend and dwell times pubs can enjoy when screening live sports.

WSTA diversifies board with four new members

Published: 12 July, 2023

A year on from its appeal to diversify its board, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed four new board members.

Boutinot adds Juan Gil to portfolio

Published: 12 July, 2023

Manchester-based distributor Boutinot Wines UK has added Bodegas Juan Gil, a leading winery in Jumilla in the south-east of Spain to its portfolio.

LWF 2024 venue and programme details announced

Published: 11 July, 2023

Hot on the heels of its 2023 show, which saw visitor numbers increase by 14% YOY, the organisers of the London Wine Fair (LWF) have today (11 July) announced the dates and venue for the 2024 edition.

Oz Vintage 2023 estimated to be “smallest in a generation”

Published: 11 July, 2023

According to the results of Wine Australia’s National Vintage Survey, the 2023 Australian winegrape crush was the lowest reported since 2000, a 24% decrease on the 2022 crush of 1.73m tonnes and 26% below the 10-year average of 1.78m tonnes.

Wine Society summer tasting: “We will swallow inflation and duty rises”

Published: 11 July, 2023

In April 2023, in what was described as an “industry first”, The Wine Society announced it would prevent price increases despite the effects of high inflation and rising duty costs.