According to the second edition of Liberty Wines’ Off-Trade Wine Report, 40% of independent merchants increased their sales between March 2024 and March 2026, with a quarter of indies growing sales by over 10%.
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Flint Wines has announced the launch of its first ever own-label English wine, the sparkling rosé Cedd.
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In the penultimate Q&A in our stock-taking series, the co-owner of indie merchant Vineyards of Sherbourne talks the benefits of curiosity for authentic winemakers (and merchants), longevity in an increasingly difficult market, and even possible plans for a podcast.
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The owner of Bristol-based indie merchant Grape & Grind talks about the excitement of discovering new wines (especially in central and eastern Europe), upgrading his online business and the familiar pressures of geopolitics.
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Bristol- and Plymouth-based Le Vignoble has come out on top of Wines of Germany's 31 Days of German Wine promotion, achieving the highest score out of all participating merchants and restaurants.
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International fine wine and rare spirits merchant Cru Wine has appointed Andrea Marino (pictured) as its new MD, following its three-year restructuring programme.
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Much of the charm of independent retail is how it can humanise wine and spirits. Perusing the comparatively lifeless supermarket shelves, little can be grasped about the liquid in bottle beyond grape, grain, brand or region. Indies who tell stories of worldly winemakers and daring distillers can create new fans and loyal customers.
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Wines of Georgia UK is launching a new Georgian Wine Month initiative, inviting wine shops, restaurants and bars to take part in a celebration of the ancient winemaking country.
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There is now just over one week until nominations for Harpers’ 50 Best Indies 2027 list close on 6 August.
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Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) has announced the launch of its new Pick ‘n’ Spritz cocktail kits, offering what it called “expertly crafted” spritz serves to be enjoyed at home.
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The Portuguese Cork Association, APCOR has announced the nationwide expansion of The UK Cork Harvest – a cork recycling initiative that launched in London in May (as Harpers reported).
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The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) has revealed its UK communications campaign for 2026, designed to strengthen cork’s position as the “premium, future proof closure of choice”.
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WineGB is asking independent retailers across the country to take part in its English Wine Week campaign, which is returning for another year.
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In partnership with Harpers, APCOR (the Portuguese Cork Association) is launching the first UK Cork Harvest, an initiative to promote cork recycling amongst independent retailers.
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Independent merchant The Oxford Wine Company has announced that it is splitting the retail and wholesale sides of its business into separate companies.
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Welsh indie stalwart Cheers Wine Merchants has announced it is closing its Mumbles shop the week beginning 16 March.
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Harpers once again presents our 50 Best Indies list, highlighting excellence in merchants across the UK drinks trade.
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Last week (5-9 January) we released our 50 Best Indies 2026 results day by day, celebrating the leading UK wine and spirits merchants as we revealed those placed from 50-11.
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Hospitality venues are increasingly turning to wholesale partners investing in the venue’s success. Jaq Bayles looks at the opportunities for indies.
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Indies thrive on diversity – the defining quality that keeps businesses one step ahead of the supermarket next door. Promoting off-grid regions, esoteric varieties and boutique labels, independents have long prided themselves on being the antidote to mass-market uniformity, selling stories as much as wine. Yet in today’s climate – inflation remained stubbornly persistent at 3.8% in July – how sustainable is maintaining this breadth of choice? Is listing a rare variety, grown in a far-flung region, still financially viable? With margins squeezed by duty changes and shoppers under financial strain, the temptation to streamline is hard to resist.
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