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

WSTA membership climbs as it releases Brexit checklist

A record number of wine and spirit businesses have joined the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this year following a recruitment drive bolstered by concerns over Covid and Brexit.

Brexit: Independence Day?

With the end of the Brexit transition now hurtling down the track, many indies may not be aware of quite how much post-1 January changes could affect their businesses, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Economics of on-trade supply have “hit a brick wall”

The Covid-19 crisis has stripped bare the precarious economic situation of the on-trade and its supply-side, with a correction in the market necessary to improve profitability.

Suppliers seek clarity over support

Key suppliers to the shuttered on-trade have called on the government to help them survive Covid-19, pointing both to clarification on reopening measures and greater financial support.

Living with lockdown – Bibendum

Michael Saunders, Bibendum CEO and chairman of The Drinks Trust and WSTA, dives deep into the challenges thrown up by the current crisis. Andrew Catchpole reports