Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Barwell & Jones prepares to re-launch Marqués de Riscal in the UK

Published: 19 January, 2017

Historic Spanish winery Marqués de Riscal will be the focus of a new marketing and sales push to promote its presence in the UK.

Future trends: Technology turning "going out" into "staying in" and replacing planning with spontaneity

Published: 19 January, 2017

A new report from drinks giant Diageo which identifies three key social trends for the year ahead, shows that technology will increasingly become be a driving factor in how consumers spend their time.

Peer calls for law amendment to offer greater protection for pubs

Published: 18 January, 2017

Lord Roy Kennedy of Southwark, shadow spokesperson for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), has confirmed his support for strengthening planning laws to protect vulnerable pubs across England.

New Zealand - pushing the premium

Published: 18 January, 2017

Premiumisation is the trend that is sweeping the world globally, with not just beers, wines and spirits, but also FMCGs like milk and beauty products taking the international market by storm according to Nielsen.

Regionality and terroir: The battle for New Zealand Pinot Noir

Published: 18 January, 2017

Away from its Burgundian origins, Pinot Noir has found a home from home in the cool climates of New Zealand's Marlborough, Nelson and Wairarapa regions.

New World Trading Company moves to new home following £50m sale

Published: 18 January, 2017

Hospitality group The New World Trading Company (NWTC) has settled into its new home on King Street, Knutsford following the sale to private equity firm Graphite Capital last year.

Profile: Campari UK's Pietro Mattioni

Published: 18 January, 2017

After an ear-popping ride to the 27th floor of the Shard to meet the head of Campari UK, an obvious question springs to mind.

Australia Day Tasting: What to expect from the UK's dominant wine category

Published: 18 January, 2017

January can be bleak for the trade, with the mix of diminished consumer spend, attempts to cut back on the booze and the ever-glorious weather conspiring against the will to go out and enjoy.

Cognac sales reach value and volume highs in 2016

Published: 17 January, 2017

Sales of Cognac reached their highest level in terms of volume and value in 2016, the body which oversees the Cognac industry has reported.

Think Rum Awards winners 2017 announced for Harpers' inaugural event

Published: 17 January, 2017

Rum's top advocates were recognised for their contributions to this increasingly popular and sometimes misunderstood spirit when Harpers celebrated its inaugural Think Rum event yesterday (January 16).

The teetotal trend: Beyond Dry January

Published: 16 January, 2017

As we've mentioned elsewhere in Harpers this month, we could be on the verge of the driest January on record. And no, we're not talking about the weather.

Guy Woodward: Why are we so down on English fizz?

Published: 16 January, 2017

There was a degree of sniping when environment secretary Andrea Leadsom claimed recently that England was taking its place "among the world's most renowned wine producers".

New chairman announced for The Benevolent

Published: 16 January, 2017

The Benevolent, the charity for the UK drinks industry, has a new chairman.

Pinkster Gin follows Matthew Clark listing with first special edition bottle

Published: 16 January, 2017

With Majestic Retail and others reporting bumper sales of premium gin over the festive trading period, one gin brand in particular is looking to make the most out of the UK's next significant commercial holiday.

Multi-million dollar R&D project aims to bring "international recognition" to Australian Shiraz

Published: 16 January, 2017

5.3 million AUD is being invested to better understand - and promote - Australian terroir to international markets.

Liberty Wines to distribute Sogrape in the UK

Published: 16 January, 2017

Sogrape and Liberty Wines have announced they will be partnering with the hopes of expanding the Portuguese company's presence in the UK, specifically the premium on-trade.

Weaker pound and Brits staying in the UK over Christmas gave trade welcome boost ahead of Brexit-laden 2017

Published: 13 January, 2017

Analysts have suggested that struggling sterling swaying Brits to stay in the UK over the festive season 2016 is the reason that outlets are celebrating record sales this week.

Matthew Clark adds beer and spirits to new circus-themed annual tasting concept

Published: 13 January, 2017

Preparations for the spring trade tasting season are well underway, as is the case with Matthew Clark, which is ramping up its annual tasting by showcasing a wider proportion of its portfolio.

White revolution at the forefront of Heart of Spain 2017

Published: 13 January, 2017

Winemakers from Spain will continue to further the white revolution and promote varieties from new and unexpected corners of the country when the Heart of Spain 2017 tasting comes to London.