Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Majestic launches in Channel Islands

Published: 15 April, 2024

Majestic has unveiled plans to expand into the Channel Islands as it doubles down on bricks-and-mortar growth.

Majestic acquires Vagabond Wines

Published: 05 April, 2024

Wine retailer Majestic has bought Vagabond Wines after the business went into administration last month.

Majestic ‘exploring’ purchase of Vagabond Wines

Published: 21 March, 2024

The UK’s largest wine retailer, Majestic, has confirmed it is “exploring a deal to purchase all or part of the Vagabond Wines business”.

Majestic joins Sustainable Wine Roundtable

Published: 15 March, 2024

Majestic has joined the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) to accelerate its green agenda as it targets net-zero emissions by 2050.

WSTA makes ‘last-ditch plea’ for duty cut

Published: 01 March, 2024

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) along with over 100 UK wine and spirit producers, retailers and hospitality businesses have called on the government to cut duty in a ‘last-ditch plea’ ahead of the Budget announcement on 6 March.

Majestic announces best-ever Christmas trading

Published: 09 January, 2024

Wine retailer Majestic has announced its best-ever Christmas trading performance, boosted by six new store openings in 2023 and its growing B2B division, Majestic Commercial.

Design: Shelf appeal

Published: 02 January, 2024

Jo Gilbert goes back to basics with the big four design agencies to find out what has changed in recent years and what it takes for wines and spirits to win today’s shelf wars.

Drinks brands invest in TV advertising

Published: 27 November, 2023

Despite a turbulent year financially for many drinks companies due to factors not limited to inflation, duty hikes and the cost-of-living crisis, some brands are purchasing primetime TV advertising slots in the lead-up to Christmas.

Majestic announces over 50s recruitment drive

Published: 10 November, 2023

Majestic has launched a new partnership with Rest Less, an online community of over 50s, as part of a drive to attract a greater number of older colleagues into the business.

Majestic expands on-trade ambitions with Craggy Range partnership

Published: 01 November, 2023

Majestic’s B2B division, Majestic Commercial, is continuing to build momentum in the UK on-trade by welcoming Craggy Range back to the company’s arsenal after a seven-year absence, by becoming its exclusive on-trade agent.

Wine industry makes strides in diversity

Published: 28 September, 2023

Dom Pérignon, the renowned Champagne House, announced today (28 September) alongside Liquid Icons and the Gérard Basset Foundation the winner of the new Dom Pérignon Golden Vines MW Scholarship.

Headline Heroes: Revival of the fittest

Published: 18 September, 2023

James Lawrence looks at how Sicily’s winemaking scene is thriving and organic certification is on the increase.

Naked Wines press tasting: 'The next big thing is Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhone'

Published: 15 September, 2023

From start-up to grown-up, Naked Wines’ press tasting in central London boasted a growing range of French classics to complement its portfolio of independent winemakers from across the world.

Majestic’s organic wine sales jump 22% YOY

Published: 22 August, 2023

Majestic has announced a significant increase in its organic wine sales and predicted a further spike in demand for the category in the coming years.

Majestic partners with Uber Eats

Published: 10 August, 2023

In a significant endorsement for alcohol delivery sales, Majestic, the UK’s number one wine retailer has partnered with Uber Eats.

Majestic to expand at a rate of ‘one new store per month’

Published: 09 August, 2023

Majestic, the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, has opened the doors to its newest store in Rugby as it accelerates its bricks-and-mortar expansion.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: John Colley, Majestic Wine

Published: 21 July, 2023

Midway through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We kick off our series with John Colley, CEO and executive chairman, of Majestic Wine to find out how the year has gone so far and what the remainder may bring.

Exclusive: Rob Cooke on Majestic’s new own-label range

Published: 19 June, 2023

Majestic, the UK's largest specialist wine retailer, has launched a new own-label range offering “quality, choice, newness and value for money”, according to COO Rob Cooke.