Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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

Published: 14 March, 2014

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

America unites for first California, Washington and Oregon Go West! UK tasting

Published: 14 March, 2014

The US states of California, Oregon and Washington will be holding a combined tasting for the first time next week at the Queen Elizabeth II centre in London on March 17.

Wine and spirits industry in one last push to halt duty escalator in next week's Budget

Published: 14 March, 2014

The wine and spirits trade is readying itself for one last push to convince the Chancellor to scrap the alcohol duty escalator in next week's Budget following intensive campaigning across the industry.

UK sales of organic wine fall

Published: 13 March, 2014

Sales of organic produce have risen for the first time in four years in the UK, but the increase has not been felt across beers wines and spirits sales at supermarkets, where they tumbled 7.6%.

Bargain Booze franchisees set for bonus payment

Published: 13 March, 2014

Bargain Booze franchisees are getting their share of a £180,000 bonus pot this month from owners Conviviality Retail, following the launch of a reward scheme.

Q&A with Origin Wine founder Bernard Fontannaz, who talks quality control and looking outside South Africa

Published: 13 March, 2014

Bernard Fontannaz, founder of Origin Wine on quality control, expanding its portfolio to include Old World wines and Fairtrade.

Miracle Machine designed to turn water into wine was publicity stunt

Published: 13 March, 2014

The Miracle Machine which claimed to turn water into wine in just a few days was a publicity stunt designed to raise awareness for a clean water charity.

Bibendum strengthens Australian portfolio with Wynns

Published: 13 March, 2014

Bibendum has added Coonawarra estate Wynns to its portfolio, along with boutique Margaret River producer Fraser Gallop and fortified wines Morris of Rutherglen.

Prosecco's mass appeal may limit growth, says Cava boss

Published: 12 March, 2014

Prosecco's meteoric rise is not at the expense of Cava, insists Grupo Codorniu UK's boss, who says its mass appeal may inhibit further growth.

Best buyers understand and work with their suppliers, hears Wine Buyers Forum

Published: 12 March, 2014

The best wine buyers are the ones that do their homework on their suppliers, know their market, understand their customers and choose wines that match their own business agenda, according to two former supermarket heads of wine speaking at this week's inaugural Wine Buyers Forum i n Windsor.

Bernard Fontannaz slams wine critics who claim Fairtrade wines should "overdeliver"

Published: 12 March, 2014

Fairtrade wine pioneer Bernard Fontannaz has called for a level playing field for Fairtrade wines, after criticism that the wines should "overdeliver" on quality.

Constellation Brands stock hits 52-week high

Published: 12 March, 2014

Constellation Brands hit a 52-week high on the New York Stock Exchange this week, closing at US$84.33 per share, indicating investors faith in the company's ability to continue to deliver strong financial results, following strong third quarter results in January.

WSTA launches more accessible website

Published: 12 March, 2014

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has revamped its website to make it more accessible for members.

Mateus launches four wines combining international and Portuguese grapes

Published: 11 March, 2014

Portugal's Mateus is extending its reach with the launch of four new wines combining Portuguese and international grape varieties.

Up to 40 wineries look to be granted the new Cape Vintner Classification in South Africa

Published: 11 March, 2014

Between 30 and 40 South African wineries are expected to be granted the prestigious new Cape Vintner Classification, launched last December, after the disbandment of the old Cape Wine Producers' Association.

Wine in danger of losing share to other categories, says report

Published: 11 March, 2014

Generation Y - 18 to 35 year-olds - has an overall lack of engagement with wine, according to a study carried out for London Wine Fair.

The Co-op revamps wine range to focus on own brand

Published: 11 March, 2014

The Co-operative is introducing 56 new wines to its range, which will have greater focus on own brand wines - especially its Fairtrade and Truly Irresistible wines.

Alliance Wine aims to create 'iconic' rosé brand

Published: 11 March, 2014

Alliance Wine has high hopes that its new French rosé wine La Vie en Rose will become an iconic brand.

Q&A with Edward Robinson, Fairtrade wine buyer at the Co-operative

Published: 11 March, 2014

Edward Robinson talks about the commercial success of Fairtrade wines at the Co-operative, how the Fairtrade mark works and highlights the group's biggest project in Argentina.

Over 100 buyers head to Windsor to take part in first Wine Buyers' Forum

Published: 10 March, 2014

Over 100 buyers from across all channels of the trade are heading to Windsor today to take part in the first Wine Buyers Forum where they will get the chance to have in-depth discussions with over 30 suppliers and take part in a series of targeted business workshops.