Berkmann announces plan to protect prices as Brexit looms

Berkmann Wine Cellars has revealed its pricing strategy for 2019, which it says includes a “proactive plan to protect customers from potential Brexit fall out".

Deflecting the Brexit bomb

Counting Daphne’s, Scott’s, Sexy Fish, Caprice, the fast-growing Ivy Collection, J. Sheeky and Harry’s Bar among its swish restaurants and watering holes, Caprice Holdings can be seen as something of a barometer for trends sweeping through the premium on-trade. And the same can be said of the drinks offer, which morphs from cool cocktails to fine wines – and everything in between – across the various brands and estates.

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

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 .

Sustainability key to future success, predicts The Change Group

Spotlight on 2020: Doug Wregg, Les Cave de Pyrene

As we prepare for the new decade, Harpers looks back over 2019 and ahead to what the coming year will bring – hopefully full of revived optimism for both politics and the trade.

Looking ahead: Andrew Lundy, MD, Vino

Once again we are catching up with the trade to find out how businesses made the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.

Looking ahead: Miles Beale, WSTA

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

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.

Looking ahead: Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia

Once again we are catching up with the trade over the next few weeks to find out how businesses are making the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.

WSTA returns to Tokyo to promote homegrown wine and gin

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this week travelled to Tokyo to showcase the quality of English wine and British gin in a bid to boost exports.

Brexit: WSTA launches #NoToNoDeal campaign

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned MPs ‘don’t bottle it’, while urging wine and spirit businesses to get behind a campaign that makes clear that a no deal Brexit would be unacceptable to the UK drinks industry.

Creating stronger bonds

At first glance, the day-to-day logistics of running a bonded warehouse is scarcely of any interest to the wider trade, let alone consumers. Regarded as a prosaic stepping stone in the overall supply chain, firms such as Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) have been managing these “holding bays” for decades, a regulated space where imported goods that are intended for export can be stored without actually entering the UK market. Duty and VAT payments are deferred until the wine is sold or removed from the bonded warehouse. It’s that simple.

Record sales at the Hospices de Beaune

The 158th Hospices de Beaune wine auction enjoyed a record sale of €14,18 million (£12.6 million), according to auction organiser Christie’s.

‘Ready to drink’ 2017 Burgundies could ease sky-high prices ahead of Brexit

The wines now emerging from Burgundy’s 2017 vintage could help to ease the pockets of restaurants and fine wine merchants, it has been suggested.

Trade remains fearful of no deal Brexit

Following Wednesday’s marathon Cabinet debate on Theresa May’s draft Brexit deal, the Prime Minister was reported to drink a glass of wine before stepping out from 10 Downing Street to address the media.

Japan prepares to take on the world at second Wines of Japan tasting

As Japan continues to make waves in whisky, pushing outwards with its own distinctive style and winning awards left, right and centre, wine is poised to follow suit. Harpers joined Sarah Abbott MW at a recent Wines of Japan tasting – the follow-up to the inaugural UK event in February this year. We discovered a country ready to build on the newly signed free trade deal with Europe and take on the wine world.

SWA calls on Chancellor to support Scotch

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has called on the government not to increase excise duty in the Autumn Budget.

Bourgogne export volumes grow by 4%

Bourgogne wines saw exports grow by 4% in volume for the first seven months of 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, according to the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB).

Brexit causes wine prices to rise

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.

Indies brave the storm

With the likes of an undetermined Brexit and poor 2017 harvest to deal with, how are independents coping? Lisa Riley reports