Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Freeze on alcohol duty in mini-budget

Published: 23 September, 2022

Planned increases in alcohol duty have been ditched by new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in his mini-budget, as unveiled on 23 September.

Naked Wines brushes off CEO woes for first standalone tasting

Published: 22 September, 2022

It was a marriage of convenience. Naked Wines needed the cash injection. Majestic needed the online know-how in order to expand its digital footprint. After the pair’s relatively amicable breakup in 2019, Naked Wines is now very much looking to re-establish itself as a solo entity with a serious portfolio that can engage even the most sceptical wine lovers.

Nick Gillett: How red tape is paralysing the industry

Published: 20 September, 2022

In the second of our new critical mini-series, Mangrove UK’s MD calls for a serious untangling of post-Brexit red tape.

Profile: Virgin’s positive mission

Published: 20 September, 2022

With his relaxed style and ample enthusiasm, Jay Wright certainly doesn’t fit the old stereotype of a wine trade CEO. As the boss of one of the more successful online retailers, though, he is clear about the vision and values that underpin the popularity of Virgin Wines. And much of that comes down to what he believes the company – and, by extension, the wider drinks trade – actually sells.

Black-owned, all female SA wine brand to support next generation

Published: 14 September, 2022

Amandla by Her Wine Collection is a new “progressive” brand launching out of the Western Cape, landing with the UK off-trade this autumn.

Soapbox: Is keg wine a blessing or a curse?

Published: 13 September, 2022

As an experienced wine consultant specialising in the on-trade, Neil Bruce – aka wine margin optimiser at Studio Alto – turns his sights to the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to the keg-versus-bottle ‘green’ debate.

Frost, hail and heat, but Bordeaux predicts ‘quality is there’ in 2022

Published: 06 September, 2022

Having experienced one of its earliest starts to harvest on record, and with climatic extremes to the fore throughout growing season, Bordeaux is predicting a “very promising” vintage, according to Vins de Bordeaux.

Guy Woodward: Intercontinental blends challenge the sanctity of terroir

Published: 06 September, 2022

Earlier this year, Penfolds announced its ambition to essay “a strategic shift from fine wine brand to global luxury icon”. The brand’s new marketing campaign, it said, encapsulated Penfolds’ “innovative spirit and desire to push the boundaries through self-belief”.

Systembolaget aims to halve emissions – from grape to glass – by 2030

Published: 02 September, 2022

Sweden’s Systembolaget has adopted far reaching new climate targets in a bid to halve its current emissions by 2030, in accord with the Paris Agreements goal of keeping global warming to 1.5˚C.

Relief for New Zealand's ‘severely depleted’ cellars

Published: 01 September, 2022

New Zealand has reported a healthier harvest and a boost for the country’s inflation-hit supply chain after 2022 delivered in terms of size.

Looking ahead: Chris Davies, GCF

Published: 30 August, 2022

With the first half of 2022 already history, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities.

Five minutes with Alex Brogan, Plumpton student

Published: 30 August, 2022

Jo Gilbert catches up with Alex Brogan about his collective winemaking venture, where customers can vote on every step of the winemaking process.

Early Rhône Valley harvest looks promising despite drought

Published: 26 August, 2022

France’s second-largest appellation, Rhône Valley AOC, began its 2022 harvest on Monday, 22 August, eight days earlier than last year.

WoodWinters takes the path less travelled for portfolio refresh

Published: 23 August, 2022

‘Wines and whiskies’ supplier WoodWinters has taken on six new producers as part of a push to broaden its focus on indigenous varietals, Harpers can reveal.

Talking heads: Oz is back in style

Published: 23 August, 2022

Producers and importers share with James Bayley their thoughts on the hot trends with Oz wines shaping Australia’s present and future offer in the UK market.

All change for Yalumba

Published: 18 August, 2022

Andrew Catchpole caught up with outgoing Yalumba MD Nick Waterman and his successor-to-be Karl Martin.

Everything is all white at Aldi

Published: 16 August, 2022

Aldi has lifted the lid on its most popular whites this summer, as consumers looked to slake their thirst in the record-breaking British sunshine.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Thrills and spills with Veseth’s wine economics

Published: 16 August, 2022

Mike Veseth doesn’t just make wine economics understandable; he makes it thrilling.

WineGB tasting looks to capitalise on rising sales

Published: 15 August, 2022

WineGB will be returning to London this September for a celebration of all things English wine – including another year of rising sales.

Hastings poised to launch natural wine festival

Published: 10 August, 2022

An eight day celebration of minimum-intervention winemaking is due to take place in Hastings this September, organised by restaurant owners Ben and Kate Norum.