Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Battle of the Bubbles

Published: 13 February, 2017

For decades, the very mention of the word Champagne conjured up almost mystical properties for UK consumers in the market for premium sparkling wine.

Export of French Crémant to British shores increased 53% in volume and 61% by value in 2016

Published: 10 February, 2017

Prosecco's sparkling success finally appears to be opening doors for other fizz categories

Billecart-Salmon invests in terroir

Published: 10 February, 2017

Ahead of its 200^th anniversary next year, Champagne Billecart-Salmon has outlined ambitious plans to double its vineyard ownership in the next 10 to 20 years

The Champagne Academy appoints new Chairman

Published: 07 February, 2017

The academy which aims to find "Champagne's future stars" and is operated by top Champagne houses has appointed a new chairman.

Save the date circulated for possible return of Annual Champagne Tasting

Published: 01 February, 2017

The Annual Champagne Tasting could be returning to London following the divisive decision made last year not to hold the event in 2017.

Lanson inks new partnershipship with The 02

Published: 23 January, 2017

Champagne Lanson, one of the UK's leading Champagne brands, has agreed a five-year sponsorship deal with London's O2 venue.

Majestic Retail has "biggest ever Christmas" during bumper trading period

Published: 10 January, 2017

Sales of sparkling and gin helped to put a skip back into Majestic's step over the Christmas period with total group sales up 15.3% compared to the previous year.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 06 January, 2017

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Champagne leaves Prosecco in the dust as the New Year wine of choice

Published: 05 January, 2017

The unfailing success of Prosecco encountered a roadblock on New Years Eve as UK consumers ditched Italian fizz in favour of Champagne.

Cocktail group reports record festive trading

Published: 05 January, 2017

Early reports show that the hospitality industry received a welcome boost over the Christmas period thanks in part to December 23, 24 and 25 falling over the weekend.

English fizz beats Champagne to become official Boat Race partner

Published: 03 January, 2017

Leading English winery Chapel Down has become an official partner of the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, replacing Champagne Bollinger.

Champagne and Britain are inextricably linked. As the region's longest-standing, largest export market, hovering steadily around the 33 million bottle mark every year, it is surprising that the sound of popping corks does not drown out all other noise.

Prosecco bursts Champagne's bubble with faster sales growth across Europe

Published: 14 December, 2016

Sales of Prosecco in the UK continue to rise faster than Champagne despite the Champagne sector's attempts to compete by dropping prices.

Growers Champagne offering an alternative to Prosecco this Christmas, says Virgin Wines

Published: 13 December, 2016

Grower Champagnes having been sparking consumer interest at Virgin Wines, where wine buyers are expecting sales to flourish this Christmas.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 09 December, 2016

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 02 December, 2016

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Festive fizz

Published: 29 November, 2016

Champagne may be facing a bumpy time in the UK but, as Christmas approaches, all signs are that sparkling wines without the famous French appellation attached to their label are in rude health and many retailers are pinning their hopes on bumper fizz sales this festive season.

Usain Bolt becomes "CEO" of top Champagne house

Published: 29 November, 2016

Usain Bolt has swapped winning for wines in a new partnership with one of France's largest Champagne producers.

How wine is adapting to suit a new generation

Published: 07 November, 2016

With technology opening up new possibilities, the trade is finding new ways of not only engaging with younger consumers but making them part of their business models too.