In the spotlight: Fairtrade issues in South Africa

South Africa's agricultural sector came under fire in the past few years over infringing the human rights of farm workers, some of whom helped build the country's wine trade. Erin Smith takes a look at two initiatives aimed at combating such problems, namely the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Agreement and Fairtrade.

Matthew Clark to distribute Catalan wine Herencia Altés

On-trade wholesaler Matthew Clark has added Catalan wine Herencia Altés, previously distributed by Liberty Wines, to its portfolio.

González Byass sees rapid growth in on-trade

González Byass is growing rapidly in the UK on-trade since taking on distribution for Champagne Deutz five months ago.

Independents to receive expert advice on online retailing at PLB Manchester roadshow

Expert advice on the do's and dont's of online retailing will be part of tomorrow's PLB roadshow tasting for independent retailers taking place in Manchester.

Jo Wehring, UK market manager for Wines of South Africa, talks Fairtrade

Jo Wehring, Wines of South Africa's UK market manager, believes Fairtrade wines should offer more premium choices and be more widely available.  

Virgin Wines to sell fine wines from New World

?Diageo appoints exclusive national broker for Canada

Wirtz Beverage Group is to become Diageo's exclusive national broker in Canada, after signing an agreement last week.

Alliance Wine boosts sales team

Alliance Wine has boosted its Scottish sales team and added Portuguese wine Delaforce to its portfolio.

Memorial service for Michael Cox to be held on April 10 at Southwark Cathedral

The memorial service for Michael Cox, the former head of Wines of Chile in the UK and Europe, who died from cancer at the end of last month, is to be held on April 10 at Southwark Cathedral in London.

Australian Vintage sees UK bulk wine sales fall but remains optimistic

Eduardo Chadwick and Patrick McGrath pay their tributes to Michael Cox

Eduardo Chadwick, president of leading Chilean winery, Errazuriz, and Patrick McGrath, managing director, of its UK partner and importer, Hatch Mansfield, have both paid tributes to Michael Cox, the former head of Wines of Chile, who died last week.

UK buyers help pick ambassador wines to promote Vin de France

Up to nearly 90 wines thought to represent the very best of what Vin de France can offer have been picked by a trade panel to help promote Vin de France in key export markets like the UK.

The Week That Was: news, views and opinions on Harpers.co.uk

A week is a long time in the world of wine of spirits. Here is our round up of the main news, views and opinions that have appeared on Harpers.co.uk over the last week.

Leading industry experts to share their experiences with first Wine Buyers forum

The inaugural Wine Buyers Forum taking place in Windsor next month will give buyers from across the on and off-trades the chance to get first hand advice from leading industry figures and take part in a number of business workshops that look to address the key issues facing buyers today.

Liberty Wines prioritises customer education over London Wine Fair

Liberty Wines is prioritising its customer roadshows ahead of major trade exhibitions and won't be attending London Wine Fair this year. 

Enotria 'raises head above parapet' in 2014

Enotria is preparing to "raise it head above the parapet" in 2014, as it launches a new corporate identity, expands its sales force and increases its market insights.

Bernard Fontannaz, founder of Origin Wine, on why Fairtrade is important for business as a whole

When asked what Fairtrade means for me, I cannot think of a better explanation than the inspirational quote of our late leader Nelson Mandela: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the life of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

Call Time on Duty piles pressure on government as Budget looms

The Call Time on Duty campaign is ramping up its activity in the final weeks before the Budget with a coaster campaign in pubs urging consumers to lobby MPs.

Douglas Blyde hears history, gains insight and tastes wines at Fells first summit

Combine one part history lesson with another part insight into the runnings of five family businesses, with a final part of tutored wine tastings, and the first Fells wine forum would result.

Moët UK Sommelier of the Year contest now open