Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Japan: ready to launch

Published: 13 March, 2019

Thanks to two key trade deals, Japan has increased its reach to a billion people so far in 2019. Jo Gilbert looks at the knock-on effect for the country’s drinkable exports

California pushes mid-range value at UK tasting

Published: 13 March, 2019

California Wines used its Essential California tasting yesterday (12 March) to swing the focus onto wines under £50 RRP, with an emphasis on the message of value for quality to the fore for the UK market.

UK tops value increase for German wine exports

Published: 12 March, 2019

Quality Riesling appears to be on a roll, with the average price paid for exported German wine breaking records in 2018, while UK consumer thirst drove the biggest value increase of any export territory, according to German Wine Institute (DWI) figures.

Surrey Hills vineyards join forces to form ‘English wine region’

Published: 12 March, 2019

Five vineyards based in the Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty have joined forces to form a new English wine region - ‘Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’.

‘Exceptional’ vintage prompts UK distributors to turn to Muscadet

Published: 12 March, 2019

An ‘exceptional’ 2018 vintage coupled with a consistent rise of quality of wine production from a new generation of vintners in the Pays Nantais has prompted UK distributors to turn to Muscadet.

UK ‘culture of wine’ central to Franciacorta’s export drive

Published: 11 March, 2019

Franciacorta is positioning itself as ideal for “a new drinking demographic”, with the UK at the forefront of a renewed export drive.

Consorzio Vini delle Venezie DOC embarks on ‘second era of Italian style Pinot Grigio’

Published: 11 March, 2019

Consorzio Vini delle Venezie DOC has embarked on the ‘second era of Italian style Pinot Grigio’.

Restaurants continue to struggle as consumers tighten purse strings ahead of Brexit

Published: 11 March, 2019

The restaurant trade suffered another tough month in February with the mini heatwave towards the end of the month failing to move the whole market much, despite an encouraging performance from the pub trade.

Robert Oatley brings Katie MacAulay to the UK to 'develop market’

Published: 11 March, 2019

Robert Oatley Vineyards has brought its business development manager Katie MacAulay to the UK as part of a strategy to strengthen its position in the UK market.

Meet the Dragons at Think France

Published: 08 March, 2019

A Dragons’ Den-style session will decide on the best opportunities for French Wines at Harpers forthcoming at Think France event on 26 March at Glazier’s Hall in London.

Facing a Brexit hangover

Published: 08 March, 2019

A no-deal Brexit will deliver import chaos and a significant added cost burden to the UK trade. Andrew Catchpole reports

IMW appoints new executive director

Published: 07 March, 2019

Rufus Olins has taken the top job at The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).

Latest round of Vindependents share options support growth

Published: 07 March, 2019

Members of the independent merchant-owned Vindependents have voted to issue a new round of share options in the company, allowing new members that take up the offer to have a say in how the buying group is run.

Veeno bought back from the brink with buyout

Published: 07 March, 2019

Veeno has been saved by investors who have rescued the Italian wine café’s 15-strong estate.

Climate Change Leadership highlights action and importance of ‘sharing’

Published: 07 March, 2019

The 2019 Climate Change Leadership Conference - Solutions for the Wine Industry, kicked off yesterday with key industry figures and experts taking to the stage to highlight and share actions taken to mitigate global warming.

Soave puts spring in step with summer campaign

Published: 07 March, 2019

Soave is ramping up its UK focus, targeting independents and restaurants this summer with a #SummerofSoave campaign.

Q&A: Xenia Irwin MW, Waitrose Cellar

Published: 07 March, 2019

Xenia Irwin MW, wine buyer at Waitrose Cellar is in revelatory mood as she shares her passion for her job – and some childhood memories.

Sales of English and Welsh wine double in 2018

Published: 06 March, 2019

The English and Welsh wine industry produced a record-breaking amount of wine last year thanks to a frost-free spring and a long, mostly dry summer.

Matthew Clark comes out fighting fit after major restructure

Published: 06 March, 2019

National wholesaler Matthew Clark says it is firmly back on track, with a far-reaching restructure of the business completed and having “delivered one of the best Christmas in terms of service and performance”, according to managing director David Phillips (pictured above).

Amathus strengthens Priorat and Montsant

Published: 06 March, 2019

Amathus Drinks has expanded its Spanish portfolio with the addition of two new Catalonian producers: Celler l’Encastell from Priorat and Celler Masroig from Montsant.