Top 30 suppliers control 90% of wine lists in UK on-trade, says new study

The top 30 wine distributors in the UK are responsible for supplying 89% of all on-trade wine lists in the UK, according to new research released this week from Wine Business Solutions.

Fine wine merchant AWC appoints David Murphy operations manager

Fine wine and spirits merchant AWC has appointed David Murphy, formerly of Wine Networks and Liberty Wines, operations manager, as its business grows. 

Christmas Report: Champagne still a staple at any Christmas table

When it comes to celebrating in the Champagne category it pays to have a story, to be different and to stand out from the competition.

COPY: The Week That Was: Top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

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

Naked Wines is UK's most popular specialist online wine retailer, says Harpers new report

Naked Wines is the most popular specialist online wine retailer in the UK, according to a new Harpers report published today that examines the online shopping habits of British consumers.

Over 40% of Brits will buy wine online this Christmas, says Harpers new e-commerce report

Wine and spirit industries to unite in combined campaign for 2% duty cut in 2015 Budget

The wine and spirits industry is to unite under a combined campaign and consider calling for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the 2015 Budget.

Borough Wines opens sixth shop in London

Independent merchant Borough Wines has opened its sixth London  shop, this time in Clerkenwell.

Will the real Brigitte Bardot/Bordeaux please stand up?

Kent wine merchant Taurus has sexed up its image with the arrival of a new (actually it is an antique) Citroen HY van as a key member of its delivery fleet.

Start-ups 'exploding' into wine sector

Start-ups have exploded onto the wine sector, particularly those with a digital focus, as 1,400 apps alone launched by 2014.

Wine Fusion launches Conviviality exclusive NZ wine

The Wine Fusion has created New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Bay of Plenty especially for Conviviality's Bargain Booze and Wine Rack stores.

Good Wine Shop opens third outlet

Independent merchant the Good Wine Shop is opening a third branch - this time in Surrey's Esher - with plans for up to two more outlets in the pipeline.

Enotria appoints Hallgarten's Helen Munday as marketing director

Hallgarten's marketing director Helen Munday is jumping ship to take up the same role at Enotria, starting in January 2015.

Northern Ireland proceeds with minimum pricing policy

The Northern Ireland Executive is pressing ahead with plans for a minimum unit price for alcohol, despite similar plans in Scotland being reviewed the European Court of Justice.  

Swedish drinks monopoly Systembolaget 'not about maximising sales'

"We're in this not for maximising sales but eliminating the harmful effects of alcohol. Is this possible? I think so." These words come from Sara Norrel, head of buying at Systembolaget, the monopoly that controls drinks sales in Sweden.

Chinese importer Summergate bought by Australia's Woolworths Liquor Company

Woolworths Liquor Group has bought Summergate, one of the China's most influential wine importers, in a move that considerably strengthens the Australian retail drinks giant's position in the country.

You'll need loadsamoney to enjoy St Pancras's £60 a glass Cinnamoney mulled wine

Hands up who likes mulled wine? Go on, you know you do. Throw in a  few carols, a bit of recently laid snow and there's nothing quite like those touches of spice and cinnamon on a cold winter's day.

Wine trade needs to wake up to online sales, warns e-commerce expert

The wine trade needs to reconcile the "inexorable shift" in wine sales online and the product's overall route to market, warns wine e-commerce expert Matthew Protti. 

London Wine Fair on look out for niche wine importers for its Esoterica fixture for independents

Small, independent or niche wine importers have the chance to book a place in the Esoterica feature at the London Wine Fair that has seen 80% of last year's exhibitors book again for the 2015 show.

UK on-trade gears up for bumper festive season

Bars and restaurants are heralding a bumper festive season, with bookings so far 5-10% ahead of last year.