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.

Wine should follow Top Gear's example and look to entertain not educate

The wine industry should look at the massive success of BBC's Top Gear in how to make a potentially complex subject entertaining to the public, according to advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty.

Scottish independence: drinks trade on tenterhooks as voters go to polls

The wine and spirits trade is on tenterhooks as the people of Scotland go to the polls over independence.

Ex-Oddbins boss, Simon Baile, says standalone wine retailing not sustainable

Former Oddbins-supremo Simon Baile says there's no future in the world of standalone wine retailing, and has changed his model to include food and entertainment.

Buckingham Schenk sees Argentina and Prosecco sales soar

Buckingham Schenk see sales of its Argentinian Viñalba brand rocket, with Prosecco also leading the charge while pre-filled goblets hit sales of 1 million.  

Independents all set for September's Specialist Importers Trade Tasting

Next week's SITT (Specialist Importers Trade Tasting) promises another sell out event offering independent wine merchants, restaurants, bars, pubs and sommeliers the chance to taste wines specifically targeted at them from around the world. 

New firm North South Wines ramps up activity

Newly-created North South Wines is planning to boost its team as it gets ready for a series of product launches in the coming months.

Your view: the impact of Scottish independence on the drinks trade

With only three more days to go until the big Scottish independence vote we ask the UK wine and spirits industry what it thinks will be the best outcome for individual businesses and look at some of the big issues that might arise after the Yes/No vote. Will alcohol duty rates differ in an independent Scotland? And how would drinks firms cope with trading in separate currencies north and south of the border? What do you think is the right future for Scotland and the rest of the country. Take part in our poll and let's find out...

South African wines 'gaining momentum' in UK market

The hard work put into growing the UK market by South African producers is beginning to pay off, but the country still needs to bring prices in line with market, says Wines of South Africa.

South American online focus: what are wine consumers looking for online?

Hallgarten signs South Africa's Lismore Estate

Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines has signed South Africa's Lismore Estate to its portfolio, with the wines now available to the on-trade and independents and the on-trade.

Spain's wine industry must restructure but avoid 'trashing vinous treasures', warns MW

Spain has to be very careful not to trash its vinous treasures, warned Justin Knock MW, as the country faces a restructure following a wine glut.

Restaurant Australia to host London pop-up dinners to showcase country's wine and food

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.

Seckford Agencies toasts sales growth

Seckford Agencies has seen sales grow by 10 to 15% in the past year, says director David Cartwright.

Tesco expands Dan Jago's global wine role to include beer and spirits

Tesco's UK and group wine director Dan Jago is to increase his responsibilities with the addition of the beer and spirits portfolio.

Live news blog: The Beautiful South Tasting Day Two

On day two of the Wines of the Beautiful South tasting in London's Olympia, Harpers catches up with leading wine figures at the event with their thoughts on the UK market for Chilean, Argentinian and South African wines. 

Argentina's total wine exports to UK rocket 36%

Argentina's total wine exports to the UK have soared 36% on last year for the first six months of 2014, says Wines of Argentina's European and Asia director Andrew Maidment.

Ehrmanns 'galvanised and recharged' by recent changes

Wine supplier Ehrmanns has had a "lively" few months, but says recent changes have left it "galvanised and recharged" and looking to the future with confidence.

Supermarkets set to cull wine suppliers, warns Accolade's Paul Schaafsma

The UK wine trade must brace itself for what could be large scale "supplier rationalisation" across the major multiples over the next 18 months, according to Paul Schaafsma, UK and Ireland head of Accolade Wines UK.