Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Friday read: New CEE tasting soon to land in London

Published: 14 June, 2024

Justin Keay contemplates the potential impact of the coming showcase for Central and Eastern European wines.

Duty coincides with drinking trends says Kingsland Drinks

Published: 24 November, 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, independent UK supplier, Kingsland Drinks, has revealed its insights on key areas to watch out for in 2024, looking at incoming drinks trends in wine, spirits and RTDs.

Fine wine remains relatively stable amidst economic uncertainty

Published: 14 April, 2023

In times of market turmoil, such as the 2008 financial crash, the coronavirus pandemic or the war in Ukraine, fine wine has proved itself to be an asset largely insensitive to macroeconomic uncertainty.

Russian founder of Hedonism Wines raises £4.5 Million for Ukraine

Published: 29 March, 2023

London-based Russian entrepreneur, Evgeny Chichvarkin, has financed more than £4.5 million worth of medical purchases for the Ukrainian people subjected to Vladimir Putin’s illegal war.

10,000 young people across UK secure jobs in hospitality thanks to Springboard charity

Published: 13 December, 2022

Leading hospitality charity Springboard has led more than 10,000 people into employment through its initiative, which launched in October 2020.

Ukraine becomes the 49th OIV Member State

Published: 28 October, 2022

The OIV, the intergovernmental viticulture organisation, has announced Ukraine as an active member state from 30 October 2022.

Vodka's wild ride

Published: 29 June, 2022

The corporate world is very fond of quoting an old adage: “Commerce hates noise.” Yet vodka brands cannot hide from the upheaval caused by Ukraine, rising inflation and post-pandemic behavioural shifts. With the political, economic, and social environment in a state of realignment, spirit brands have been presented with a unique set of opportunities, and threats, in 2022.

Ukrainian wines seek independents

Published: 06 June, 2022

Against many odds, a first shipment of 8,232 bottles has left Ukraine as part of a new initiative by Propeller designed to support its producers by bringing its wines to the UK.

Ukraine appeal and auction dinner at Michelin-starred Galvin La Chapelle

Published: 05 May, 2022

Over the past few months, importers Les Caves de Pyrene has been helping to relocate families fleeing from war-torn Ukraine and settle them in safe havens across Europe – especially in accommodation generously provided by their European winemaker friends.

Stoli Group announces limited edition Ukrainian-themed vodka

Published: 25 April, 2022

From today (25 April) a limited-edition Ukrainian-themed Stoli vodka is available in the UK, with proceeds going to World Central Kitchen (WCK), a non-profit organisation that is providing thousands of fresh nutritious meals daily to refugees fleeing Ukraine or displaced within it.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Resetting business values in the wake of P&O

Published: 28 March, 2022

Business morals and behaviour are never far from the headlines. Nor should they be. Business in its various forms is arguably the motor of our world. From the urban corner store and rural small holding to the multinational finance business and corporate drinks giant, business is central to the lives of virtually everyone on the planet today. From working in the private sector to sourcing medicines for a hospital or shopping in a supermarket, the web of business surrounds us all.

Georgia tasting to crown fast growth in UK

Published: 24 March, 2022

Wines of Georgia has confirmed dates for its 2022 press tastings against a backdrop of booming sales in the UK.

Burger & Lobster unveils refugee recruitment drive

Published: 21 March, 2022

Leading restaurant group Burger & Lobster has announced plans to develop a new online portal for Ukrainian refugees seeking hospitality work in the UK.

Ukrainian vodka supports fundraising for British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal

Published: 11 March, 2022

Emporia, a spirits importer, is teaming up with several bars across the UK to serve cocktails with the Ukrainian Vodka ‘Staritsky Levitsky, Private Cellar’.

Producers, suppliers and experts invited to donate lots in auction for Ukraine

Published: 10 March, 2022

The UK wine world is pulling together to raise funds for Ukraine.

Stoli Group announces rebrand in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Published: 09 March, 2022

Due to the Ukraine crisis, the Stoli Group will no longer sell its vodka under the Stolichnaya name.

Russian buyers blocked from Barcelona

Published: 09 March, 2022

Twelve Russian wine buyers have been banned from attending the forthcoming Spanish wine fair, Barcelona Wine Week (BWW).

Morrisons among UK retailers to boycott Russian vodka

Published: 04 March, 2022

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there have been calls to boycott Russian brands with the country’s most famous commodity, vodka, on the radar of UK retailers.