Customs sets up wholesaler registration scheme in a bid to fight alcohol fraud

News that the government is to insist the drinks sector introduces a new registration scheme for wholesalers in a bid to curb alcohol fraud has been welcomed by trade leaders.

Duty raised from wine predicted to grow 54% by 2019

Economic forecasts have been released this week that predict the total amount of money raised by duty on wine will increase by 54% over the next six years if the duty escalator remains in place.

Trinity Hill moves distribution to Liberty Wines

New Zealand winery, Trinity Hill, is moving its distribution in the UK from Enotria to Liberty Wines from January 1, 2014.

Origin Wine targets Europe with new Nordic office in Sweden

South African producer, Origin Wine, has opened a new office in Sweden this week as part of its strategy to drive distribution of its wines in key markets around the world.

Make social media a priority for your business urges Warwick Estate's Mike Ratcliffe

Without the budgets to talk directly to a highly fragmented consumer base in diverse markets around the world, social media offers wine producers an unrivalled way of tapping into potential customers, according to South African producer, Mike Ratcliffe.

New drinkers are bringing growth to sparkling wines says Wine Intelligence

Sparkling wine continues to show strong growth in its major markets, Richard Halstead of Wine Intelligence told the 3rd International Sparkling Wine Symposium, with a new generation of drinkers and distinct changes in drinking habits the key drivers.

Russia could be "big prize" for wine sector says tobacco chief

The wine trade should follow the lead of the tobacco industry and target Russia as a key market for the future, according to Ian Johnstone of British American Tobacco.

New Zealand and France hit International Wine Challenge's top spot

US-based Satellite Logistic Group acquired by JF Hillebrand Group

JF Hillebrand Group AG has bought the Satellite Logistics Group, a Texas based supply-chain provider for the drinks industry.

Wine Vision Day 2: how social media told the story

A recap of day two from Wine Vision, a global wine conference in association with Harpers, which was held in London from November 18-20.

Luddenden Valley Wines fights for excise duty reduction

Luddenden Valley Wines has launched a campaign for excise duty on wine-production levels at small-scale UK producers to be brought in line with cider and beer distillers in a bid to help UK wine producers become more competitive.

Andrew Park on protecting customers from wine investment scams

We regularly hear of fine wine investment companies going bump and customers' supposed holdings turning out to be non-existent. Wine trade law specialist Andrew Park of  APP Wine Lawlooks what reputable merchants can do to ensure that their customers are not at risk.

Snow storms hit producers and vines in central Italy

Up to 60cm of snow, which fell on Monday and Tuesday this week, have caused extensive damage to the vineyards in Abruzzo, central Italy.

Plans for Bordeaux's global wine city unveiled at Wine Vision

Billed as the "biggest celebration of wine in the world" the plans for Cite de Civilisations du Vin to be built in Bordeaux were revealed to a global audience at last week's Wine Vision conference in London.

Origin Wine strengthens Old World portfolio with Spanish distribution deal

Origin Wine has strengthened its portfolio of Old World wines by signing a distribution agreement with Alvisa the Spanish winery.

Pernod Ricard switches more of its advertising budget to digital and social media

An increasing proportion of Pernod Ricard's UK advertising budget is being spent on social and digital media, as traditional media consumption continues to decline, according to managing director Denis O'Flynn.

Wine Vision Day 1: who said what on social media

Relive day one from last week's Wine Vision global wine conference hosted in association with Harpers in London that brought many of the world's leading wine players, producers and commentators to the capital to look at the future of wine. Here is our review of the social media conversation that took place during the first afternoon of the conference. Look out for further reviews on Harpers.co.uk.

English wines showcase new releases at East Anglian trade tasting

New Hall founder Piers Greenwood capped off a winning year with the release of his Sparkling English Rosé magnum at the East Anglian Vineyard Association's recent trade tasting.

Largest World Bulk Wine Exhibition attracts nearly 6,000 visitors to Amsterdam

The largest World Bulk Wine Exhibition held to date took place this week in Amsterdam with up to 176 wineries taking part from 16 different countries.

Majority of Champagne is not being sold "well" says Taittinger chief

Up to 70% of Champagne around the world is not being sold "well" and the major houses need to step up their act to protect the category, according to the head of Champagne Taittinger, Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger.