Richard Siddle: time to put retailer and supplier relations on a fairer footing

The fallout from Tesco hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons - and overstating its profits to the tune of some £250 million - could be felt by everyone in the grocery retail sector, never mind the suspended Tesco executives currently re-evaluating their careers.

Harpers Global Design Awards 2014: The Results

The competition to stand out not just on-shelf but also on-screen means there is intense pressure on wine producers, suppliers and, most of all, the creative and design agencies behind the labels to really up their game. Here are the results from the first worldwide Harpers Design Awards where we invited entries from around the world, attracting designs from the US, Australia and across Europe.

Harpers Global Design Awards 2014: what the judges said

This year saw Harpers' Design Awards go global, with entries featuring a range of products aimed at all levels of the market. From the budget to the luxury, we pick out the medal winners and showcase those products and their designers that stand out from the rest.

Harpers Design Awards picks out winners from all over the world

The first Harpers Global Design Awards to recognise excellence in wine and spirits label and bottle design saw 62 medals awarded, including 17 gold medals for designs the judges felt were showing the way for the rest of the industry.

The Benevolent's Northern Ball is a must for all James Bond fans

You may not get the chance to dine out with Daniel Craig anytime soon, but if you fancy a night dressing up like him and taking your chances on the roulette wheel then the Benevelont Northern Ball is the place for you.

Sainsbury's to switch to a mid-low pricing strategy as sales continue to fall

Sainsbury's is to start comparing and benchmarking its pricing levels against Asda rather than Tesco as it looks to switch to a new mid-low pricing strategy following a fall in sales for the third quarter in a row.

Robert Parker to host 100 point London tasting as part of a world tour

Robert Parker, the legendary US wine critic, is to host a special tasting in London in February 2015 as part of a world tour of exclusive tastings for his Wine Advocate magazine.

Chance for "Harpers Rising Stars" to win a grant for Wine Vision

Harpers is giving talented, rising stars in the global wine industry the chance to take part in this November's Wine Vision conference by applying for a special Harpers grant.

Moët & Chandon joins Europe's celebrations at the Ryder Cup

Europe's victory in this weekend's Ryder Cup brought smiles not only to golf fans across the continent, but to the marketing team at Moët & Chandon whose sponsorship of the event resulted in priceless images of the winning team celebrating with its Champagne appearing in the international press around the world.

Aldi announces record 65% jump in profits as it attracts 1m new customers

Aldi, the German hard discount chain, has returned record sales in the UK with profits up 65% and the promise of even more price cuts that are acting as a wrecking ball through the figures of the major multiples.

Shortlist for Harpers French Wine Awards announced

The shortlist for the 2014 Harpers French Wine Awards are released today with the likes of Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, The Sampler, Daniel Lambert, Tim Atkin MW and Gerrard Basset MW MS fighting it out for the main awards.

Northcote retains title of Sud de France Sommelier of the Year

Tamus Czinki, head sommelier of Michelin-starred restaurant, Northcote near Blackburn, Lancashire, has been named Sud de France Sommelier of the Year for 2014.

British Bottle Company offers expert export service for UK drinks

The British Bottle Company is a new specialist export business dedicated to helping British drinks, including English wine, craft beers and artisanal spirits, gain distribution in key export markets around the world.

Today's SITT London tasting offers masterclasses on Italy and the Rhône

What to expect at SITT Autumn: Forth Wines

Scottish distributor, Forth Wines, explains what visitors can expect on its stand at SITT Autumn taking place at the Royal Horticutural Halls in London on September 24.

Salentein hopes to win over independents with new premium Argentinian wine range

Salentein, the Argentinian wine producer, is to release a new premium range of wines to the UK including it icon wine, Gran Vu Blend, which it hopes to gain distribution across the on-trade and independent sectors.

The Harrow's Roger Jones follows Heston Blumenthal by taking his restaurant offer overseas

Heston Blumenthal is not the only British Michelin-starred chef to be taking his restaurant overseas in the new year as Rojer Jones is set to travel to South Africa to embark on a restaurant tour with his award-winning The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.

KWV relaunches UK distribution strategy by switching from Myliko Wines to Bottle Green

KWV, the South African wine giant, is to switch its UK distribution from Myliko Wines to Bottle Green as it looks to reposition itself in the UK with a targeted multiple and independent retail strategy.

Independents and suppliers come together for Harpers Best Practice debate

Leading independent wine merchants are suppliers are to come together next month to take part in an open Harpers debate to look further at ways in which they can work closer and more effectively together.

New York merchant named Best Independent in the World in Jancis Robinson competition

wNew York independent wine merchant, Chambers Street Wines, has been named the Best Independent Retailer in the World in a competition run by Jancis Robinson MW.