Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Aldi introduces first sparkling red wine

Published: 02 August, 2017

Aldi has launched its summer wine portfolio with a focus on bubbles, including the discounter’s first sparkling red wine.

Is talking about alcohol’s “health benefits" a nonsense?

Published: 28 July, 2017

Scotch leaders are currently holding a collective breath for the Supreme Court’s decision on whether or not to allow the Scottish government to introduce the long-contested 50p minimum unit price for alcohol.

‘Stable’ global wine inventories likely to tighten in 2017 against backdrop of worldwide value growth

Published: 26 July, 2017

Rabobank’s Q3 Wine Report has revealed that global wine inventories are in the main “balanced to slightly tight”, while bulk wine prices for most varietals are “stable or rising”, with 2017 hail and frost damage in European vineyards likely to further impact on these continuing trends when set against a coming shortfall in this year’s northern vintage.

Bibendum grows Italian premium portfolio with Apulian addition

Published: 25 July, 2017

Bibendum has added a selection of wines from artisan Italian producer, Masseria Li Veli, to its portfolio of premium wines.

Buckingham Schenk adds Viñalba Malbec blend to its menu

Published: 24 July, 2017

Buckingham Schenk has expanded its wine portfolio with a Malbec blend from Viñalba.

Bibendum unveils 2017 wine portfolio

Published: 24 July, 2017

Bibendum has revealed its 2017 portfolio, including a flow of wines from emerging markets such as Croatio, China and Turkey.

Maison Louis Jadot Acquires Prieur-Brunet

Published: 24 July, 2017

Maison Louis Jadot has acquired Burgundian estate Domaine Prieur-Brunet in Santenay for an undisclosed sum.

“Bamboozled Brits” still have no idea how to navigate the wine aisle

Published: 21 July, 2017

New research from Asda has shown the extent of consumers’ mystification around wine, with over a third of UK drinkers sticking to the same bottle of wine every time they shop.

Champagne Warehouse sets up dedicated on-trade and indies arm

Published: 18 July, 2017

Champagne Warehouse has launched a dedicated arm to push the on-trade, wholesales and indies side of the business.

The Midcounties Co-operative ramps up focus on regional wine

Published: 18 July, 2017

A trio of English wine producers has secured listings with The Midcounties Co-operative Food as the retailer ramps up its regional products and staff training.

On the tourist trail

Published: 17 July, 2017

Inviting consumers into the vineyard has proven a great marketing tactic for many wineries. Lisa Riley finds many pros and few cons in making an investment in wine tourism

King of cork Americo Amorim dies at the age of 82

Published: 17 July, 2017

America Amorim, whose family founded the Amorim natural cork empire, died on Thursday from unknown causes.

Wines from Rioja targets millenials at UK festivals

Published: 17 July, 2017

Wines from Rioja has extended its festival reach with the launch of a new Rioja Terrace at two major UK festivals this summer – Citadel and Wilderness.

Buying direct: Pros & cons

Published: 13 July, 2017

It can be a positive move, but there are issues to be weighed up before buying direct. Lisa Riley reports

Rioja winery team-up with top chef heading to the UK

Published: 12 July, 2017

Riojan winery Faustino has launched an innovation project to unite Spanish wine and gastronomy at home and in the UK.

Merger to unite corners of English wine

Published: 11 July, 2017

It’s still early days for the new merger between the two main bodies representing the interests of UK wine producers.

Gonzalez Byass committed to ‘innovative’ UK market as portfolio continues to expand

Published: 11 July, 2017

The recent release of Pazos de Lusco Albarino from Riax Baixas, marking the eighth Spanish producer in Gonzalez Byass’s growing portfolio of wineries, reflects the “growing curiosity and recognition” for Spain’s varied styles among consumers.

Bolney becomes first English magnum to be sold in John Lewis

Published: 06 July, 2017

Bolney Wine Estate has secured a listing with John Lewis for its Blanc de Blancs 2011 (75cl), Blanc de Blancs 2010 (150cl) and the Cuvée Rosé 2014, making it the first English magnum available from the department store.

The Wine Guild appoints Viscount Thurso as new Chancellor

Published: 06 July, 2017

The Wine Guild UK has appointed Viscount Thurso, Chairman of the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), as its new Chancellor.

EWP and UKVA to merge to form one unified UK wine body

Published: 04 July, 2017

The two organisations responsible for representing the needs and interests of the UK wine industry are pooling their resources, it has been announced.