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.

Italian sparkler sets out its stall for more UK market share

Lombardy sparkler Franciacorta is embarking on a major push into the UK market following its 50th anniversary. Jo Gilbert reports

Conviviality offensive continues as sales rise across business units

Conviviality continues to demonstrate its buying and selling power via its half-year trading update, which shows positive growth in each of its three newly configured business units.

New role at GCF puts focus on UK

Major French exporter Les Grands Chais de France (GCF) has appointed a new UK based wine director to oversee the group’s activities outside of France.

Crown Cellars adds to the Grapeful Dead

Crown Cellars has announced a number of new additions to its on-trade only Quirky Wines range including new varietals releases from the Grapeful Dead and Dead Man’s Dice.

LWF reveals spotlight on UK drinks

The London Wine Fair is making moves to champion home-grown and produced drinks with a new Drinks Britannia section.

EU and UK wines and spirits chiefs launch joint Brexit proposition paper

European and UK bodies responsible for the wider wine and spirit industry have joined together to publish a joint position paper to outline their stance on Brexit.

Tejo wines push into the UK market

Wines of Tejo, the Portuguese region just outside of Lisbon, are upping the stakes in order to expand into the UK market.

Wanderlust e-merchant sets out to help wine-lovers “explore”

New online wine merchant, Wanderlust, is being launched with the aim of bringing as yet undiscovered artisanal wines from around the world to the UK.