The trade seeks change ahead of the November Budget

Writing about the state of the drinks trade over the past year, it can be hard not to get drawn towards a general sense of gloom. Amid the frustration at a raft of government policies that have unfairly hamstrung the sector, from off-trade to on, one thing that has become clear is the industry is willing to fight for a fairer legislative landscape. The recent revelation that duty receipts have been in decline despite the February tax hike shows that those frustrated across the wine and spirits world were lucid in their critique. Calls for change are all the more vital at present given the Budget is due to be announced on 26 November. Harpers sought the perspective of leading industry figures before the government’s next key policy announcement.

Michael Saunders: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

In the next of edition of our Summer Q&A series, CEO of Coterie Holdings, Michael Saunders provides his perspective on the health of the drinks trade.

Profile: Michael Saunders, CEO, Coterie Holdings

As Coterie Holdings powers onwards, Andrew Catchpole asks Michael Saunders what lies ahead.

All aboard as new crew take the plunge at GWS

Global Wine Solutions (GWS), the superyacht and luxury sector wine provider, has further strengthened its senior sales team with two new appointments.

Coterie acquires Global Wine Solutions

Bristol-based Global Wine Solutions (GWS) has become the latest business to join Coterie Holdings’ growing portfolio of wine companies.

Analysis: Trade expresses disappointment over Budget

Failure to tackle some of their most pressing concerns have left trade bodies and operators frustrated. James Bayley rounds up their thoughts.

Michael Saunders: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

We continue our summer Q&A series with Michael Saunders, CEO of the ever-evolving Coterie Holdings.

The future of wine writing

With times tough and outlets shrinking, Chris Losh invites trade comment on the relevance of wine writers.

30 Under 30: Results 2024!

Harpers is delighted to present our annual rundown of the top-ranking members of the trade aged under 30 for 2024. The sheer breadth of quality applicants from across the UK, from cities to remote rural corners, truly gets better every year. Now in its third cycle, Harpers 30 Under 30 received over 100 applications (a mixture of self-nominations and via colleagues), with each prospective star deserving recognition. 

Hallgarten Annual Tasting: Singing from the same hymn sheet

In its first annual tasting since the Coterie Holdings takeover, Hallgarten & Novum Wines welcomed well over 1,000 visitors to Lindley Hall, London, to sample the breadth and depth of its portfolio.

Hallgarten adds Piedmont’s Vietti to premium portfolio

Specialist wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has been appointed exclusive UK distributor for Vietti, the Piedmont family producer famed for its crus in Barolo and Barbaresco.

Profile: Hallgarten's new future with Coterie Holdings

From five years of “looking into the abyss”, Hallgarten’s future has been assured by a serious, if somewhat mysterious, new player in the form of Coterie Holdings. Jo Gilbert caught up with Andrew Bewes, MD of the former, and Michael Saunders, CEO of the latter, to peer beneath the surface of this major new deal.

Coterie continues recruitment drive with another Bibendum hire

James Scott is the latest name to join the ranks of Coterie Holdings in another move which continues the trend of key industry names jumping ship from Bibendum.

Coterie Holdings appoints Andrew Shaw as wine director

Coterie Holdings launches wine lending platform

Coterie Holdings, the holding company for Lay & Wheeler and Hallgarten & Novum Wines, has formally announced the launch of its wine lending platform Jera.

Exclusive: Bewes and Saunders chart the future for Hallgarten and Coterie

The sale of leading specialist importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines from the Pieroth family has been five years in the making, Harpers has learned. Now, as it moves its portfolio of premium on-trade accounts and producers to Coterie Holdings, a new chapter is in store for both businesses as they look to bolster their portfolios and advance their march into the fine wine market, with Coterie, in particular, looking to establish its hold as a key player in the nation’s top restaurants.

Hallgarten acquired by Coterie Holdings

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has been purchased by Coterie Holdings, joining Lay & Wheeler, bonded warehousing Coterie Vaults and wine lender Jera in a growing fine wine portfolio.

Coterie Holdings appoints Michael Saunders as CEO

Coterie Holdings, the holding company for fine wine merchant Lay & Wheeler, bonded storage facility Coterie Vaults, and wine lending business Jera, has announced the appointment of Michael Saunders as its CEO.

Looking Ahead: Michael Saunders, C&C Group

With the first half of 2022 already history, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities.

Bibendum then and now

Bibendum’s 40th anniversary celebrations taking place this month prompted Jo Gilbert to catch up with Michael Saunders, head of partnerships at C&C Group, on the evolution from Primrose Hill retail store to trade institution