Young people leading the way on responsible drinking

Young people are leading the way when it comes to responsible drinking, according to a Channel 4 poll, as drinks industry and local government efforts start to effect cultural change.

Diageo agrees to sell Bushmills whiskey as part of Tequila Don Julio deal

Diageo has agreed a deal with Jose Cuervo that would see it acquire Tequila Don Julio in exchange for its Bushmills Irish whiskey.

Caroline Gilby MW uncovers Cyprus's burgeoning wine industry

Sun, sea and sand are not factors normally associated with quality wine production, but once you leave the high-rise hotels and holiday villas of the coast, inland Cyprus is a fascinating ancient wine landscape, discovers Caroline Gilby MW.

Virgin Wines wants to be Interflora of wine gifting

Online wine retailer Virgin Wines is looking to "own" the wine gifts market with its new gifting service which includes options from £20 to £150.

The Bibendum PLB "supergroup" is all set to make beautiful music together

Supergroup. That's the word on the street this week. There's a new one in the wine trade this week. Haven't you heard? Bibendum PLB.

Aperol celebrates success as sales rocket 800% at Waitrose

Italian aperitif brand Aperol is gaining a strong foothold in the UK market, as sales of the drink shot up 800% at Waitrose in the last year.

Wines of South Africa ramps up Asian focus

Wines of South Africa is stepping up its marketing efforts in Asia with the opening of a dedicated office in Hong Kong.

Public health experts call for calorie labelling for beers, wines and spirits

The drinks industry faces renewed calls for calorie labelling on drinks, following research which shows strong public backing for the measure and a lack of consumer awareness on how calorific drinks can be.

Chief of the Week: Michael Saunders

There really can only be one stand out personality in the wine and spirits world this week. Yes, Michael Saunders the new chief of the combined Bibendum PLB group following the former's takeover of the latter earlier this week.

Glynn Davis: a postcard from Porto

Glynn Davis sends us a postcard from Porto, where he finds out what else is on offer besides the fortified wine. 

Trade reacts to the Bibendum PLB merger

Rival suppliers and potential customers of the new Bibendum PLB group have been unsurprised by the news of the merger, given tough market conditions, with most saying further consolidation in the supply chain is on the cards.

Majestic asks suppliers to 'support' new warehouse with discounts

Majestic has asked some of its suppliers to contribute a 4p per bottle retrospective payment to help fund its new warehouse in Hemel Hempstead, Harpers understands.

Gruppo Campari owned Glen Grant releases 50-year-old whisky

Glen Grant, the Scotch whisky brand owned by Gruppo Campari, is releasing an "exceptionally rare" 50-year-old expression in a tribute to craftsmanship.

Bibendum acquires PLB to create 'UK's most powerful independent' drinks supplier

Bibendum, one of the UK's largest wine and spirits distributors has acquired major rival, PLB, for an undisclosed sum and is merging both businesses, as of today, October 29, into the Bibendum PLB Group, Harpers.co.uk can reveal.

Analysis: The new Bibendum PLB supergroup

Bibendum's acquisition of UK drinks rival PLB and the merger of both businesses has created a supergroup, complete with five divisions, catering to the on and off-trades, independents, specialist beer and spirits and events sectors.

Austria claims new sparkling wine standards rival Champagne

Austria has introduced new quality standards for its sparkling wines, which it claims puts it on a par with Champagne and Franciacorta.

Tia Maria liqueur teams up with beauty brand Babyliss

Tia Maria has teamed up with beauty brand Babyliss as part of its multi-million pound campaign to boost brand awareness.

Smaller wineries now selling more than half of wine direct to consumer

Smaller Australian, South African and New Zealand wineries are now selling more than half of their wines direct to consumer.

Diageo launches on-trade winter spirits campaign

Diageo is looking to help bartenders cash in on the 39% sales increase spirits enjoy in wintertime with a new campaign based on 'inspiring serves'.

Tesco lists beer created by army veterans to support Help for Heroes

Tesco has listed a Help for Heroes beer, created by injured veterans with the help of brewer and pub operator Marstons, to help raise funds for wounded servicemen.