ADT suppliers up their Oz bids as competition ramps up from China and the US

A hardy – dare we suggest, typically Australian – attitude to price hikes and supply challenges was the main exhibit at yesterday’s Australia Day Tasting, where plenty of creative and business flair set out the category’s stall for 2018.

Hampshire producers prepare for annual tasting

A group of seven leading Hampshire producers are on their to way to London once again in February for their annual tasting.

How low can you go?

Low- or no-alcohol products are no longer resigned to Dry January. Jo Gilbert reports on how waistband- and hangover-friendly alternatives are fast becoming one of 2018’s top trends

UK bound: French Wine Discoveries

It can be a double-edged sword being a French winemaker.

UK to be overtaken by the US as the world’s bigger importer of sparkling

The UK’s status as the biggest importer of sparkling wines will be challenged over the next three years, with the US due to take the top spot by 2021.

French grapefruit aperitif goes up against Aperol and Campari

UK spirits distributor Mangrove has announced the addition of French aperitif Pampelle to its portfolio – marking the liqueur’s worldwide launch.

Average on-trade red bottle price rises £8 in a year thanks to premium upswing

Wine prices have seen significant upward movement in the on-trade, new research suggests, with red in particular receiving a generous boost from a rise in premium listings.

Catering exec and wine enthusiast dies in tragic plane crash

The foodservice industry is mourning the loss of one of its giants this morning, as the world media reports the tragic loss of Richard Cousins, CEO of catering company Compass Group.

Brexit and bad harvests could dampen supply of fizz

2018 could be the year that Brits’ love of sparkling catches up with them as experts predict a fizz shortage could be about to descend on the UK.

Farr Vintners reports strong trading

Fine wine trader Farr Vintners has reported its turnover for 2017 is up 25.5% hitting £96M.

Matt Pym to lead “ambitious growth” plan at Vintae UK

Majestic’s former head buyer has joined Spanish and Chilean producer Vintae to head-up the producer’s plan to “heavily invest” in the UK and Ireland.

“Bump in the road” predicted for imports of Oz wine

Retailers in the UK are being warned to take care when it comes to securing supply of Australian wine as increased competition from China and the US places pressure on exports.

Schaafsma says major Oz distribution deal makes Broadland "relevant" for the future

Broadland Wineries is aiming to become a one-stop shop for antipodean wines thanks to a new major distribution deal which will see them partner with Australia’s biggest bulk wine supplier.

Leaked documents show UK will stay in single market

The UK will remain a member of the EU's customs union and single market between 2019 and 2021 according to a leaked copy of European Council guidelines for upcoming trade talks.

“Mutual recognition” at borders could help facilitate post-Brexit trade

Brexit talks floundered once again yesterday as PM Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels following a row with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over the status of the Irish border.

DEFRA minister quizzed by trade on timetables and trade-route worries

Disruption at ports like Dover and the impact of drawn-out Brexit negotiations were two of the concerns raised at a meeting of the trade and Defra Food and Drink Minister, George Eustice.

New government food and drink council to secure global trade

Budget: duty frozen on wines, spirits and beers

Duty on wines, spirits and beers is to be frozen, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced in today’s budget, allaying trade fears of another rise in line with inflation.

Investment firm acquires share in top cava producer ahead of UK push

Scranton Enterprises plans to boost premium Cava exports to the UK following its acquisition of shares in leading Cava producer Juvé & Camps, the capital investment company’s CEO has told Harpers. “We believe the UK is a high potential market for Juvé & Camps, as premium Cava offers the same quality experience of champagne at a slightly lower price point,” said Luca Tassan, CEO of Scranton Enterprises. Speaking exclusively to Harpers, Tassan said: “We have made an investment in Juvé & Camps to support some of the family members on their plans to continue to grow the Premium Cava sector and expand internationally,” he said. “The strategy for the cava estate will be to build on the organic attributes of the Reserva (minimum 30 months ageing) and grow in the US, UK and northern European countries,” he said.

Behind the scenes: Varietal clones at one of Argentina’s biggest producers

Harpers caught up with pioneering winemaker Santiago Mayorga at Cadus – the premium arm of Nieto Senetiner, one of Argentina’s largest producers – who revealed his experimentation with Malbec clones for the first time.