Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Business rates: Government reviews valuations for pubs and hotels

Published: 24 August, 2026

The government has launched a review into the way business rates for both pubs and hotels are calculated in England and Wales – which could lead to reforms.

Asda range shake-up on show at London tasting

Published: 18 May, 2023

As part of a major range and merchandising review, Asda has relaunched and expanded its premium ‘Extra Special’ range, doubling the numbers in the last two years, while increasing sales by over £1.25m year-on-year.

Liberty adds to calls on government to reconsider wine duty reforms

Published: 17 December, 2021

Liberty Wines has joined a growing roster of UK drinks companies in voicing its concerns around the upcoming government alcohol duty review, which is under consultation until 30 January 2022.

CGA: Digital consumerism continues to accelerate post-Covid

Published: 28 September, 2021

New research undertaken by CGA Strategy and a global reputation management firm has revealed the importance of maintaining a robust digital presence in the pandemic era, with consumers increasingly focusing on social media reputations – and peer review sites – before planning a night out.

Chile’s diversity deserves more delineated DOs

Published: 27 May, 2021

The demarcation of Chile’s regions and sub-regions could and should be much clearer, focusing in with smaller local denominations to better reflect the diversity of the country’s winemaking.

Prolonged VAT reduction and duty cut will aid UK recovery, says WSTA

Published: 14 January, 2021

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is calling on the Chancellor to extend the VAT reduction as well as the duty cut for alcohol as it says businesses in the on-trade have been ‘unable to feel the benefit’ of the schemes.

WSTA Summit: ‘Once in a lifetime’ opportunity for excise duty review

Published: 15 September, 2020

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has highlighted the potential of an upcoming government review into excise duty, which could have a major impact on the robustness of the industry to face challenging times.

UK Hospitality welcomes progress on business rates reform

Published: 22 July, 2020

The government has launched a fundamental review of business rates, beginning with a call for evidence.

BBR confirms far reaching 'review' of troubled FMV

Published: 25 June, 2020

Berry Bros. & Rudd has confirmed that it is “reviewing” its Fields, Morris & Verdin (FMV) wholesale arm, with staff consultation ongoing, with the impact of the Covid-19 crisis almost certainly meaning that the business will not continue in its current shape or form.