Hard Brexit could be “disastrous” for overseas producers

The Fairtrade Foundation has warned that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit could be disastrous for producers.

Brexit survey: Who's afraid of the big bad B word?

In the lead-up to next month’s scheduled EU summit, Jo Gilbert sets out to discover what the trade really thinks of Brexit, how it has impacted business so far and what is yet to come

SWA calls on government to continue duty freeze

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has called on the UK government to support the industry at home through a continued duty freeze in the Autumn Budget.

Brexit delivering negative impact on business for three quarters of independent trade

A Harpers survey on the current effects and possible outcomes of Brexit has revealed that 73% of on and off-trade businesses believe the vote has already had a negative impact on their business.

WSTA reveals keynote annual conference speakers

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

Looking ahead: Richard Cochrane, Félix Solís UK

Looking ahead: Mark Roberts, Lanchester Wines

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, on-going trends and opportunities

Looking ahead: Martin Williams, M Restaurants

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, on-going trends and opportunities

Looking ahead: Troy Christensen, Enotria & Coe

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities

UK and EU step up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has voiced frustration over the plodding pace of Brexit negotiations as the EU published a paper on what businesses should do to prepare for a "no deal" or “hard Brexit” outcome.

SWA calls for zero tariffs on whisky making materials

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has called for zero tariffs on imports of whisky making materials in the Brexit negotiations.

The rise of Irish whiskey as EU whiskey

It may be unsurprising that Selfridges is launching its first Irish food and drink show this August. With a fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth Irish whiskey is now the world’s fastest growing spirit according to the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA).

Big name Champagnes fare best as Brexit hits smaller players

Brexit-related inflation is hitting drinkers of cheaper and less well-known Champagnes hardest in the UK as sales of entry-level bottles continue to fall, while bigger name brands and more expensive cuvées are faring better.

Industry leaders plan for multiple scenarios as uncertainty continues to Brexit D-Day

With Brexit D-Day less than a year away, this year’s Wine and Spirit Trade Association-hosted briefing at the London Wine Fair (LWF) promised a glimpse at how the trade is preparing for life after Brexit.

LWF: Uncertainty continues to cloud Brexit debate to 2020 and beyond

With 312 days to go until the UK officially leaves the EU, the effect of economic uncertainty and how the trade is placed to take advantage of opportunities offered by Brexit formed the crux of discussions at one of the opening debates of the London Wine Fair this morning.

Onwards and upwards

Brexit and political tussling over the UK’s place in the world is taking place alongside the growing global conversation around quality UK wines and spirits. Here we map the points where the two meet 

WSTA reveals this year’s Brexit LWF debate panel

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has revealed the industry experts that will form part of its Brexit debate panel at this year’s London Wine Fair (LWF).

You can’t get the staff…

The shortage of good front-of-house staff is undermining a burgeoning industry. Andrew Catchpole considers what needs to be done

WSTA signs deal to promote trade relations with China

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is to sign an agreement with Chinese distiller Kweichow Moutai Co to increase trade relations between the two countries.

UK trade responds as EU27 approves negotiating guidelines for next phase of Brexit and transition deal

On Friday in Brussels EU leaders finally agreed to adopt negotiating guidelines for the future of EU-UK relations, paving the way for the next phase of talks to get underway, after months of wrangling over the details.