Proof of age scheme PASS launches new identity card

Proof of Age scheme PASS is launching a new-look card on June 10 which will standardise designs and make recognition easier for retailers.

Treasury Wine Estates UK off-trade sales soar 17%

Treasury Wine Estates is committing itself to a multimillion pound spend across the UK off-trade this summer as it announces a 17% increase in its own off-trade sales to £193 million in 2013-2014 (Nielsen MAT March 29, 2014)  .

Conviviality Retail acquires 26 Rhythm & Booze Stores for £1.7m

Conviviality Retail, which owns Bargain Booze and Wine Rack, has bought 26 Rhythm & Booze off-licences in Yorkshire and the north east from Bibby Retail Services for £1.7 milllion.

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

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Using sensory marketing to boost wine sales

Does your brand taste better to Tchaikovsky or Tinie Tempah? In a log cabin or in a grassy meadow? Bernadette John examines how big drinks brands are using sensory marketing to increase sales and loyalty among consumers

Wines from Rioja is launching 'Shop Rioja' retailer promotion

Wines from Rioja is going to be holding a retailer promotion competition for the whole of October, called 'Shop Rioja', aiming to promote the region to consumers and offering independent and online retailers an opportunity to win £1000 towards new Rioja listings.news

UK bulk wine bottling set to increase

Four out of 10 bottles of wine in the UK are shipped in bulk and packaged here - but industry insiders say that figure is rising.

Supermarket moves to sell wines by glass not a "slam dunk"

Moving more into hospitality with wine by the glass sales and casual dining is not a "slam dunk" route to success for the supermarkets.

Harpers exclusive research: What consumers really think about wine

The widespread media coverage of Harpers' exclusive new report - Demystifying the Consumer: The UK Off-Trade Still Wine Market - resulted in hundreds of comments from readers online. Here we pick out a selection from the major newspaper websites. Click HERE to buy the full report.

Harpers exclusive research: Demystifying the off-trade consumer

Harpers made headlines across the UK last month with the release of its first exclusive in-depth business report into the UK off-trade, based on over 1,000 consumer interviews. Click HERE to buy the full report.

Nick Mantella steps down as UK managing director of Codorniu

Nick Mantella has stepped down as managing director of sparkling wine company Codorniu UK after 12 years at the firm.

Laithwaite's appoints former Carphone Warehouse boss as managing director

Scotland's minimum price plan referred to European Court

The Scottish government's plan to introduce a minimum price for alcohol has been referred to the European Court of Justice.

Stevens Garnier to distribute Finca Flichman through Molson Coors

Stevens Garnier has appointed Molson Coors to distribute its Argentinian brand Finca Flichman in the on-trade.

Beam Suntory US$16billion acquisition deal closes

Suntory's acquistion deal worth US$16 billion of Beam Inc officially closed yesterday making the renamed company Beam Suntory the third largest maker of distilled drinks in the world.

Michel Rolland defends his ability to manage wines on up to 200 wineries around the world

Michel Rolland has defended his role as an international wine consultant capable of managing the quality of wine on up to 200 wine estates around the world.

Farr Vintners to double fund raising efforts of Benevolent's Chris Porter

Farr Vintners has announced it will match whatever sum of money is raised by Benevolent  chairman, Chris Porter, as he embarks on his 'Around the Grounds in 14 Days' challenge to visit all  the 91 football league  grounds between May 12 and May 25.

Organic wine firm Vintage Roots returns to growth

Organic wines supplier Vintage Roots has seen sales surge by 12% in the past nine months.

Wine shipments through US ports in jeopardy as strike action 'unavoidable'

Industrial action at western US ports now looks "unavoidable" say opposing sides in the dispute - putting wine shipments in jeopardy.

New Zealand wine exports grow 9.2%

New Zealand wine exports topped NZ$1.3 billion annually for the first time in March, up 9.2% on the previous year, according to figures from Statistics New Zealand.