South Africa's Wellington Wines looks to treble UK bulk sales by 2015

South African co-operative Wellington Wines is hoping to treble its bulk sales to the UK to 6 million litres by next summer and have 40% of its production, or 11 million litres, going to the UK by 2016.

OIV reports USA is biggest wine market by volume in the world

The International Wine and Vine Organisation (OIV) says that despite overall wine consumption dropping slightly in 2013 to 238.7 millions of hectolitres, the US overtook France last year and became the biggest wine consuming country by volume in the world.

Blossom Hill launches fruitier wines with Sun-Kissed red and white

Blossom Hill has launched two fruitier style wines - Sun-Kissed red and white - after finding that almost half of its consumers wanted wines with a lighter, fruitier taste.

Wine trade gears up for London Wine Week

The countdown to the first ever London Wine Week has begun, with 130 of the capital's bars, restaurants and independent wine merchants gearing up for the event which kicks off on June 2.

Sam Neill leads strong line up New Zealand trophy winners at IWC 2014

Sam Neill, the winemaking film actor, leads the strong line-up of eight Trophy winners from New Zealand announced today by the International Wine Challenge.

Portugal takes 12 trophies at International Wine Challenge

Portugal has scooped 12 trophies at the International Wine Challenge, putting it in third position for trophy wines after France (28) and Australia (19).

Australia scoops 19 trophies and 890 medals at International Wine Challenge

Australian wines swept the floor at the International Wine Challenge 2014, taking home 19 trophies and 890 medals.

Burgundy way out in front as France picks up 28 IWC 2014 trophies

Wine producers across Burgundy have been awarded 17 out of the 28 trophies awarded across France in the International Wine Challenge 2014.

France still best performing wine in on-trade

On-trade wine sales fell by 2% during 2013, and stayed flat in the first quarter, according to figures compiled by CGA for the WSTA market report. In the long-term, France still remains best-performing country for wine in the on-trade. It has grown 10% in the 12 months to January 25, 2014 and now holds a 27% share of total wine sales.

Matthew Clark ramps up wine training for sales teams

Matthew Clark is bumping up its wine training for its sales team as it looks to boost its wine sales and credentials.

Matthew Clark's Simon Jerrome says suppliers need to work harder to make tastings must attend events

Wine suppliers need to completely rethink the way they organise trade tastings to keep them relevant to the changing demands of wine buyers, according to Simon Jerrome, wine purchasing director at Matthew Clark.

Quinn Glass and Cobevco rebrand as Encirc

Quinn Glass and Cobevco have rebranded as a single entity - Encirc - and now offers glass manufacturing, filling, warehousing and logistics. 

Next Bordeaux Vinexpo set for June 14-18 2015

The next French Vinexpo exhibition will be held in Bordeaux, from June 14 to 18, 2015.

Growth in bulk wine shipping to slow, says JF Hillebrand boss

Matthew Clark sees wine sales rise 7%

Wine sales at on-trade wholesaler Matthew Clark have jumped by 7% in the last year, outperforming the on-trade as a whole where sales fell 13%, according to CGA.

Cava producers must push diversity, says body president

Cava producers must push diversity, says the president of the sparkling wine body, as the industry prepares to launch a new premium classification.

Rich List: Laithwaite's Wine owners see personal wealth dip by £60m

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Final 12 sommeliers chosen to battle it out for Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2014

The 12 semi-finalists of the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2014, organised by the Academy of Food & Wine Service, have been announced who will now battle it out to go through to the grand final.

Michael Jordaan to be new chairman of Wines of South Africa

Wines of South Africa has appointed Michael Jordaan, former chief executive of the country's First National Bank, as its new chairman.