Treasury Wine Estates to slim down branded portfolio

Treasury Wine Estates is focusing its investment on 15 global umbrella brands, 20 international brands, and 20 local brands, out of its 80-strong portfolio.

Town centres 'hollowing out' over lack of local plans

Bargain Booze launches discount app to drive sales

Bargain Booze - the 500-strong franchised off-licence chain operated by Conviviality Retail - is investing in an app which will offer customer discounts.

Winerist founder tips 2015's must-visit wine destinations

If the wintry weather is getting you down, check out this list of top five wine holidays for 2015 from Diana Isac, the co-founder and chief executive of wine and food trave website Winerist. Maybe it's something to ask Santa for... How many can you tick off the list? 

Single serve wine brand Zipz looks to hit UK shelves early 2015

Single serve PET wine glass Zipz, which took the US by storm after securing the largest ever investment on the country's TV show Shark Tank, is aiming to hit UK shelves by the first quarter of 2015.

'Help us help you': wine and spirits trade call to Chancellor

"Help us, help you" was the direct message laid down to the Chancellor by the wine and spirits industry at today's media launch of its new Drop the Duty campaign.

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

If you have been out and about a lot this week enjoying the build up to Christmas, or busy trying to cash in on some festive sales, here is a round up what you might have mised here on Harpers.co.uk:

EWGA acquires Heritage Wines and strengthens distribution across south west and London

Two of the UK's largest regional wine wholesalers have come together in a deal that sees Heritage Wines and its bonded warehouse acquired by EWGA.

Minister backs call for lower duty tax band for reduced alcohol wines

The UK's public health minister has expressed "frustration" with a lack of flexibility around introducing a lower tax band for lower end wines, but the WSTA warns such a step would discriminate against wine from warmer climes.

Wines from Argentina putting in 'serious effort' to drive UK growth

Wines from Argentina are enjoying a "unique time" in the UK market, and the country is putting in serious effort to drive growth, says the generic body's European head.

Prosecco dominates festive fizz sales at major retailers

Sales of Prosecco are fizzing across the major retailers in the run-up to Christmas, with Tesco predicting one in three bottles of sparkling wine sold this year will be the Italian favourite.

Eating out growth boosts pub and restaurant sales

Pub and restaurant groups saw like-for-like sales grow 3.4% in November, marking the 20^th consecutive month of growth for the sector.

Wine trade supergroup bands together for Comic Relief

A plethora of talented wine trade musicians is set to thrill the industry with a one-off barnstormer of a gig in aid of Comic Relief.

Upcoming Australia Day Tasting builds on revamped 2014 event

2015's Australia Day tasting will showcase more than 1,000 wines and offer a fresh take on food and wine pairings, say event organisers.

Liv-ex: Value of trades drops 19% in November 2014

According to the Liv-ex's most recent market report, "the value of trades in November was down 19% on this time last year" signalling the on-going challenge of Bordeaux's most iconic wines continually demanding the historical prices of just a few years ago.

UK needs to 'take off blinkers' when it comes to bulk wine, says top broker

Seventy percent of all wines are traded at least once in bulk, says leading broker Daniel Murphy, who believes the UK trade needs to wake up to the reality of trading in bulk.

Philglas & Swiggot wine merchant bought by industry consortium including Justin Knock MW

Independent London wine merchant Philglas & Swiggot has been bought over by Justin Knock MW and business partner Damien Jackman, backed by a consortium of investors from across the trade.

New Zealand's Yealands Wine Group looks to fast-track expansion

New Zealand's Yealands Wine Group is looking at funding options in order to fast-track expansion plans and increase its vineyard holdings.

Tesco shares plummet as retailer warns on profits

Tesco has issued a warning flagging full-year trading profit will not exceed £1.4 billion - 20% lower than analysts' expectations.

Q&A: Cherie Spriggs, Nyetimber

Nyetimber is on a roll this year after its Classic Cuvée 2009 won two trophies at this year's International Wine Challenge. Harpers.co.uk caught up with head winemaker Cherie Spriggs to ask what drew her towards the iconic label and where she plans to take it next.