Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New UK team for the California Wine Institute

Published: 04 November, 2016

The California Wine Institute has put together a new team to raise the profile of California in the UK - its largest European export market.

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

Published: 04 November, 2016

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

Rioja champions awarded at second Rioja Recognises

Published: 03 November, 2016

Four "ambassadors" for Rioja were given nods by the DOCa Consejo Regulador at the second Rioja Recognises last night for their contribution to Spain's flagship wine region.

Plans for new vineyard at Devon luxury retreat

Published: 03 November, 2016

British chef Michael Caines has unveiled plans to open a luxury retreat in Devon and to scope out the land's vinification potential.

Argentinian specialist Gaucho launches online wine shop

Published: 03 November, 2016

Argentinian restaurant group Gaucho has become the latest outfit to offer its wines online.

New wine and spirits listings at Sainsbury's and Asda

Published: 03 November, 2016

Argentinean winery Bodega Argento is preparing to launch a new line of "fresh and fun" Buenos Aires-inspired wines to Sainsbury's this winter.

Consumers looking to premium spirits to express themselves, says Waitrose report

Published: 02 November, 2016

Self-expression and defining "who you are through what you drink" were the key drinks trends to come out of Waitrose's Food and Drink Report 2016 released today.

Robinsons expands Australian range with two sole distribution partnerships

Published: 02 November, 2016

Robinsons Brewery has teamed up with two wine producers from Western Australian, expanding its portfolio of "quality" antipodean wines.

Popular b.f.t. organiser Ben Campbell-Johnston passes away

Published: 02 November, 2016

Respected and much-liked stalwart of the trade, Ben Campbell-Johnston, will be missed by the trade

New Waddesdon national sales director looks to expand Rothschild wines in the UK

Published: 01 November, 2016

Waddesdon Wine, which imports and markets wines from the Rothschild wineries, has appointed a national sales director as they look to expand the presence of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR Lafite) within the UK off-trade.

Sam Harrop MW to step down as IWC chair after 11 years on judging panel

Published: 01 November, 2016

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced a shuffle of its judging panel ahead of its November tastings.

Provence Part 2: Oaked, whites and reds coming to the fore

Published: 01 November, 2016

In Part 1 of our Provence two-parter, we looked at how Provence is evolving its 'pink summer quaffing' reputation.

40% of all online Majestic orders to be fulfilled through new e-commerce partnership

Published: 31 October, 2016

Majestic Wine has partnered with logistics firm Wincanton to streamline its e-commerce approach and become a "customer-focused multi-channel retailer."

Provence Part 1: Beyond summer rosé

Published: 31 October, 2016

It used to be that when you opened that bottle of Cotes de Provence rosé that you bought back from the south of France, the phrase "Caveat Emptor" would run through your head.

Wine and spirits hit £4bn in duty revenues for the Exchequer

Published: 31 October, 2016

Duty contributions for the wine and spirits industry has hit the £4bn benchmark for the first time, with alcohol sales hitting an all-time high.

Chile knocks out South Africa to enter top five countries by value in UK off-trade

Published: 31 October, 2016

Chile has stormed into the top five countries of origins rankings for the first time, overtaking South Africa as the country which has sold the most in the UK off-trade by value over the past year.

M&S and Aldi driving growth in latest Kantar Worldpanel report

Published: 31 October, 2016

M&S and Aldi showed the strongest performances in Kantar's latest Worldpanel report for wine, measuring 24 week year on year share to 13 September 2016.

Conviviality signs two-year supply agreement with Palmer & Harvey

Published: 28 October, 2016

Leading independent wholesaler Convivality Plc is entering into a two-way supply deal with Palmer and Harvey McLane Limited (P&H), supplying beers, wines and spirits in exchange for tobacco.

Does the new Costa coffee hybrid proposition pose a threat to bars and pubs?

Published: 28 October, 2016

In October 2016, Costa became the latest major UK coffee chain to offer its customers two hits instead of one: caffeine and alcohol all under one roof.