Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Upward-only rent reviews banned in win for on- and off-trade

Published: 14 July, 2025

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill includes a ban on upward-only rent review clauses in commercial leases.

Majestic expansion continues apace with Oxfordshire opening

Published: 04 July, 2025

Wine retailer Majestic has announced the opening of a new retail site in Thame, Oxfordshire. The addition comes as the business prepares to open two more stores as well as two Vagabond wine bars over the coming months.

Evertons re-enters retail space with new Worcester shop

Published: 30 April, 2025

Wine wholesaler Evertons Wine Merchants has announced the opening of a retail site, with a new wine shop set to open in Worcester on Friday 2 May.

Reserve's Kate Goodman continues to push the envelope

Published: 09 April, 2025

Reserve Wines’ willingness to keep things fresh and adapt in an ever-evolving wine market has meant accolades and praise have continued to come the Manchester-based merchant’s way. When one digs a little deeper, decoding why the Harpers 50 Best Indies 2025 winner has continued to succeed is fairly simple.

Majestic acquires Enotria&Coe

Published: 31 March, 2025

Majestic has entered into a formal agreement to acquire Enotria&Coe in a move which looks to turbocharge the retailer’s ambition to become one of the largest suppliers to the UK on-trade.

Wine Society delivers record-breaking Christmas sales

Published: 03 February, 2025

Amid much gloom in the market generally and set against the current duty rises, The Wine Society has reported a record trading period over the festive weeks.

An educated approach at Oxford Wine Company

Published: 15 January, 2025

Andrew Catchpole catches up with the team at the energetic and expanding Oxford Wine Company.

Insights: Beyond the duty easement

Published: 15 January, 2025

Drawn from our turn-of-year Looking Back, Forging Ahead series, we round up suppliers’ comments ahead of the end of duty easement on 1 February.

Majestic breaks own Christmas sales record

Published: 13 January, 2025

Majestic Wines has announced record Christmas sales, outperforming their previous best in 2023 by 1.9%. The nationwide wine retailer welcomed 70,000 new customers in the six-week period up to 30 December 2024, while achieving their best festive sales in the company’s 44-year history.

50 Best Indies 2025: The full list

Published: 10 January, 2025

Once again we reveal our 50 Best Indies, highlighting the most dynamic merchants in the wine and spirits world.

50 Best Indies 2025: Watch the Top 10 reveal at our winners lunch

Published: 10 January, 2025

This week has seen the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

50 Best Indies 2025 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 09 January, 2025

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

50 Best Indies 2025 ranking: 50-41 revealed

Published: 06 January, 2025

This week marks the launch of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Mark Wrigglesworth, The Good Wine Shop

Published: 03 January, 2025

Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Mark Wrigglesworth, director at The Good Wine Shop, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Andrew Lundy, Vino Wines

Published: 19 December, 2024

Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Andrew Lundy, director and owner of Edinburgh-based Vino Wines, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

Hospitality industry witnesses significant growth in Gen Z business directors

Published: 25 November, 2024

New data released by Companies House has revealed that the hospitality sector has the third-largest proportion of Gen Z business directors, with 1,630 registered entities now steered by the under 30 cohort.

Harpers 30 Under 30 finalist invests in bricks and mortar

Published: 22 November, 2024

Entrepreneur, cheese enthusiast and media personality Jessica Summer has opened her first shop and bar in the London Borough of Harrow.

Dramatic wage inflation heightens post-Budget blues

Published: 13 November, 2024

New data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that average weekly earnings in the food and accommodation sector continue to spiral, exacerbating the financial woes of hospitality businesses nationwide.

Budget review: A ‘horrific’ state of affairs for the trade

Published: 31 October, 2024

An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.