Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New Zealand declares ‘small but stunning’ vintage

Published: 14 June, 2019

New Zealand Winegrowers has declared the 2019 vintage as ‘small but stunning’.

Drinkaware bolsters senior team with new duo

Published: 13 June, 2019

Alcohol education charity Drinkaware has bolstered its senior team with two new hires.

Lebanon: Return to roots

Published: 13 June, 2019

Perched on the eastern end of the Mediterranean, yet with vineyards at altitudes of 1,000m and above, Lebanon offers a promising mix of conditions for the production of great wines. Of course, the first wave of Lebanese wines to make their mark internationally were largely blends based on Bordeaux varieties, with some notable successes, gaining a niche but loyal following. However, in tune with the country’s location and viticultural history, a second wave of indigenous and Mediterranean varieties are now emerging as winemakers realise the potential for varieties that carry more of an indigenous signature.

Harpers’ Industry Briefing: Upping the stakes

Published: 13 June, 2019

At Harpers’ Industry Briefing at London Wine Fair, Andrew Catchpole invited leading trade figures to assess how best to build value and margin back into the wine category. Here are the highlights from a sometimes impassioned and insightful dicussion.

Harpers and California Wines to host ‘transatlantic conversation’ on sustainability

Published: 12 June, 2019

Harpers is partnering with California Wine Institute to run a sustainability-focused event at London’s Design Museum on 11 July, bringing together West Coast and UK views and insights into one of the most prominent topics of the day.

Imports down in China but drinkers trade up

Published: 11 June, 2019

The volume of wine imported by China has fallen for the first time since 2014, according to the latest Wine Intelligence report.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene bans glyphosate in its vineyards

Published: 11 June, 2019

The Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG has forbidden the use of glyphosate in its vineyards.

Guy Woodward: Why low and no wine has a problem

Published: 11 June, 2019

Guy Woodward

Plumpton reveals Dr Greg Dunn to take over when Chris Foss retires

Published: 07 June, 2019

Plumpton College has announced that Dr Greg Dunn, currently programme manager for its MSc in Viticulture & Oenologye, will take over as curriculum manager for the wine division when Chris Foss retires later this month.

Tim Atkin MW: Why wines from Tenerife are special

Published: 06 June, 2019

“You’re joking,” said María Hontoria, the oenologist from the governing Cabildo de Tenerife. “I thought everyone from the UK had been here.” Her surprise was justified. Nearly six million tourists visit each year and more than a third are Brits. Tenerife is package-tour central, served by dozens of airlines bringing holidaymakers to resorts such as Playa de los Américas, but it’s also much more: a beautiful island with an intriguing history, stunning landscapes and some of Spain’s most exciting wines.

In store rationalisation means consumers are seeking out diversity online

Published: 06 June, 2019

Wine is the most frequently purchased alcoholic beverage online, it has been revealed, as consumers increasingly turn to the web to seek out the product diversity that’s been lost from the high street.

Martini and William Grant & Sons enter burgeoning low/no sector

Published: 06 June, 2019

Martini and William Grant & Sons have entered the burgeoning low/lo alcohol category.

Online wine platform Winebuyers adds ‘Direct from the Distillery’ section

Published: 06 June, 2019

Online wine platform and members club Winebuyers has added a new section to its website that allows customers to connect with, and buy directly from British and Irish distilleries.

FDF reports biggest first quarter on record for UK food and drink exports

Published: 05 June, 2019

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has reported a 10.7% year on year increase in the exports of UK food and drink to £5.8bn for the first quarter of 2019, boosted by strong performances from whisky, gin and wine.

Amathus to distribute Kanpai sake

Published: 05 June, 2019

Amathus Drinks has teamed up with Kanpai for a UK-wide distribution deal.

Waitrose unveils refillable wine

Published: 05 June, 2019

Waitrose is trialling refillable wine at its Oxford Botley Road store, as part of a drive to cut down on packaging.

Hong Kong “more engaged” with wine but exports to China go flat

Published: 05 June, 2019

The latest Wine Intelligence report on Hong Kong says after “many years of substantial growth” as the key Asian trading hub for wine, sales have plateaued after China, its biggest customer, established direct trade connections with wine-producing regions.