Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

APPG report lays bare “disastrous impact” of VI-1s

Published: 22 September, 2020

A new report from a committee of MPs into the impact of VI-1 wine import certificates has warned that the red tape will cause chaos and price hikes.

Relief as gin spared from US tariff hikes, but battle for Scotch continues

Published: 13 August, 2020

The US has backed down on its threat to expand a 16-year old trade fight with the European Union to impose tariffs on gin – a move which would have been “hugely detrimental” for the British alcohol industry.

Profile: Miles Beale in the thick of it

Published: 29 July, 2020

The WSTA’s Miles Beale talks Andrew Catchpole through life at the trade’s lobbying body during extraordinary times

UK should embrace “best in class” IT to secure global drinks trading pre-eminence

Published: 16 July, 2020

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU and subsequent shake up of import-export requirements is an opportunity to implement a system that secures Britain’s place as the unrivalled hub of international drinks trading.

MPs launch probe into the impact of wine certification

Published: 13 July, 2020

A group of MPs is today launching an inquiry into the impact of wine certification set to be brought into force at the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January 2021.

WSTA hits out at government for failing to count true cost of VI-1 certification

Published: 15 June, 2020

The WSTA has hit out at government for misleading the public over claims that EU wine importation costs would, according to Defra, be “nil or negligible”.

WSTA launches weekly coronavirus webinar

Published: 25 March, 2020

The WSTA has announced it is launching a weekly webinar series on coronavirus (Covid-19) and the impact on the world of wines and spirits.

Drinks companies join forces to plea for duty suspension

Published: 23 March, 2020

An initial 32 drinks companies (all WSTA members) have joined forces to plea for a cash lifeline, calling collectively on the Chancellor to suspend duty.

Budget: Chancellor announces freeze on all alcohol duty

Published: 11 March, 2020

Duty on wines, spirits and beers is to be frozen, new Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in today’s budget, allaying trade fears of another rise in line with inflation.

WSTA calls on Chancellor to support wine and spirit SMEs

Published: 18 February, 2020

Several UK wine and spirit SMEs have united to urge the new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, to cut wine and spirit duty by 2% to help boost British business.

EU producers must support UK to deliver best Brexit outcome

Published: 14 February, 2020

European wine producers should join their UK counterparts in lobbying their own MPs and the EU to deliver the most favourable post-Brexit trading environment.

WSTA calls on members to ‘embrace a brave new world of trading’ as the UK Brexit

Published: 31 January, 2020

The WSTA has called on its members to “embrace a brave new world of trading” and “focus on opportunities” as Britain leaves the EU.

Government hit by fall in wine-duty revenues

Published: 02 December, 2019

Wine duty receipts fell back 2.1% in the first six months of the financial year, according to data released by the government.

WSTA urges government to act on concerns of industry

Published: 19 September, 2019

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) used its 2019 Industry Summit as a platform to urge the government to act on the concerns of the industry, also highlighting the “lack of political leadership replaced by heavy handed political manoeuvring”.

Wine trade faces £70m ‘paperwork’ bill in no-deal Brexit scenario

Published: 12 September, 2019

A hard Brexit is poised to land the wine trade with a £70m bill following the government pulling the cork on plans to suspend costly paperwork in the case of a no-deal scenario, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

WSTA welcomes move to reinstate duty free for travellers

Published: 11 September, 2019

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed the Chancellor’s plan to reinstate duty-free for travellers moving between the UK and the EU in the event of a no deal Brexit.

Think Gin debate: Innovation vs Integrity

Published: 15 July, 2019

Gin is at a crossroads and needs to tread carefully to retain its authentic credentials. Andrew Catchpole listens in on the debate at Harpers Think Gin event.

WSTA strengthens board with two new appointments

Published: 02 July, 2019

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has added to new members to its board as it looks ahead to Brexit.

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.