Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

British Ambassadors call for more British wine and spirits at international events

Published: 20 June, 2019

The UK’s Ambassadors and senior diplomats have said they want to serve more English wine and British gin.

Think Gin Debate: Innovation vs Integrity

Published: 19 June, 2019

As flavoured gins continue to drive rapid growth and innovation in the category, concern grows over how to ‘future proof’ the spirit and prevent it becoming a victim of its own success.

MPs urged to make no ‘no deal’ official before March 29

Published: 14 March, 2019

Last night’s vote to remove the possibility of a no deal scenario from the Brexit table has resulted in a sigh of relief from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) as well as other corners of the trade.

WSTA welcomes plan for temporary suspension on tariffs in event of 'no deal'

Published: 13 March, 2019

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed the plan to temporarily suspend tariffs on wine and spirits under a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario.

Post-Brexit trade deals could pressure Government over duty rises

Published: 28 February, 2019

Major New World exporters to the UK could bring pressure to bear on the UK Government over duty rises on wine as part of negotiations over future free trade agreements.

WSTA calls for wine tariffs suspension to avoid ‘no deal’ price hikes

Published: 11 January, 2019

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has called on the government to temporarily suspend wine tariffs to prevent prices rocketing in the event of a ‘no deal' Brexit .

Looking ahead: Miles Beale, WSTA

Published: 20 December, 2018

Tumultuous political times are offering an interesting backdrop to our latest Looking Ahead series.

WSTA reiterates ‘duty rise’ and ‘no deal' Brexit concerns to government

Published: 20 December, 2018

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this week reiterated the “bleak picture” a ‘no deal Brexit’, combined with the pending duty rise, would paint for UK wine importers.

Brexit causes wine prices to rise

Published: 27 September, 2018

The average price of a bottle of wine has risen by almost 30p since the UK vote to leave the European Union (EU), according to new research.

No deal Brexit “not acceptable” for drinks trade

Published: 19 September, 2018

Brexit is the “most significant” short-term challenge facing the wine sector, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) told delegates at its conference yesterday (18 September).

WSTA reveals keynote annual conference speakers

Published: 28 August, 2018

The WSTA has announced two keynote speakers in advance of its annual conference.

WSTA turns spotlight on English and Welsh whisky with new ‘trail’

Published: 27 August, 2018

The WSTA has launched an English and Welsh whisky trail to further boost growth of a sector that lay dormant for than a century.

Wine and spirits bring £67m boost to Treasury coffers

Published: 14 June, 2018

The freeze on alcohol duty at last November’s Budget has given the Treasury a £67 million boost in just four months.

Britain facing ‘gin drought’ if no Brexit deal is found

Published: 12 June, 2018

British distillers are warning of a potential ‘gin drought’ if negotiators fail to reach a deal with the EU before the UK’s Brexit deadline next March.

Chancellor Philip Hammond labelled “scrooge”

Published: 21 November, 2017

Philip Hammond is being labelled a “scrooge” after it was revealed he will be one of the worst Chancellors to tax the wine and spirit sector if he pursues the planned increase in the Budget tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 November).

Spanish give English Albariño wine the thumbs up

Published: 20 November, 2017

Chapel Down Winery in Kent is the only UK vineyard to make a wine from 100% Albariño – a grape associated with Galicia in northwest Spain.

The WSTA guide – what you need to know and what you need to question about the forthcoming budget

Published: 15 November, 2017

Budget speak explained by the WSTA

Brexit-focused WSTA Conference delivers greater clarity - on extent of uncertainty

Published: 13 September, 2017

The WSTA’s Miles Beale called on the government for “more active partnership, more communication and to get more done” at its annual conference in London on Tuesday, which delivered insights into the complexity of Brexit, along with the gulf of uncertainty that still exists for the UK drinks trade.

WSTA urges Government clarity to prevent Brexit chaos for businesses

Published: 03 August, 2017

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s chief executive Miles Beale has flagged up the “deep seated” concerns of drinks industry leaders over the Government’s apparent lack of clear strategy over Brexit.