Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

London's Cork & Bottle launches wine website

Published: 08 February, 2012

London wine bar Cork & Bottle has started to sell its products online at corkandbottledirect.com.

Absolut given a London look

Published: 08 February, 2012

Pernod Ricard owned Absolut, has released its latest limited edition bottle - Absolut London.

Two products breach responsibility rules

Published: 08 February, 2012

Two products have been found in breach of alcohol responsibility rules: Magnum Tonic wine and Healey's Texan-style Hard Cyder.

Sterling strengthens against dollar, but weakens against euro

Published: 08 February, 2012

Sterling strengthened against the dollar, but weakened against the euro and the Swiss franc as rumours circulated surrounding finalisation of the current Greek bailout package.

UK consumer trading up on price and down on abv

Published: 07 February, 2012

The UK consumer is spending more per bottle and increasingly requesting lower alcohol wines, according to the first Wine Intelligence UK Independent Retailer Report.

Japan's leading producers head to London for Koshu tasting on February 22

Published: 07 February, 2012

London's Imagination Gallery will host the third annual Koshu of Japan trade and press tasting day on February 22, exploring wines from the Yamanashi Prefecture wine region.

Pernod Ricard becomes corporate patron of Saatchi Gallery

Published: 07 February, 2012

Pernod Ricard UK has become corporate patron of the Saatchi Gallery, meaning it can showcase its premium status, brands and activities in its creative space.

Seven out of ten consumers plan grocery spend before shopping

Published: 07 February, 2012

Nearly 70% of shoppers now plan exactly what they are going to spend their money on before going out to do their food and grocery shopping compared to less than half three years ago.

Bowmore revamps travel and duty free range

Published: 07 February, 2012

Islay single malt whisky Bowmore, has unveiled new packaging across its domestic and global travel retail, and duty free range.

Sterling hindered by Europe and Greece debt crisis

Published: 07 February, 2012

Sterling came close to the €1.21/£1 level yesterday before weakening off in the afternoon, as the main focus remains on lack of resolution in the Europe and Greece debt crisis.

Penfolds: one of Australia's most-desired brands

Published: 06 February, 2012

Iconic Australian brand Penfolds dominated the Australian secondary wine market last year - securing 70 places in the top 100.

Calls for industry support for Benevolent Ball

Published: 06 February, 2012

The drinks industry charity, The Benevolent has called for industry wide support for this year's Benevolent Ball, to be held in March.

Villa Maria vintage update - two weeks behind

Published: 06 February, 2012

Alastair Maling MW, Villa Maria group winemaker, is hoping for a drier February, and forecasts that yields will be down in Marlborough.

Villa Maria vintage update - two weeks behind

Published: 06 February, 2012

Alastair Maling MW, Villa Maria group winemaker, is hoping for a drier February, and forecasts that yields will be down in Marlborough.

Camel Valley first to apply for PDO status

Published: 06 February, 2012

The UK's first single grower application for Protected Designation of Origin recognition has been submitted.

US and Europe focus of currency markets

Published: 06 February, 2012

Positive US unemployment data and the ongoing Euro zone Greek refinancing, was the currency market focus towards the end of last week.

Highland Park releases Thor whisky

Published: 03 February, 2012

Highland Park has released Thor, a 16 year-old single malt whisky, and the first from its four-strong Valhalla collection.

Hospitality insolvencies up by one fifth in 2011

Published: 03 February, 2012

The hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit by insolvencies last year - they grew by 19% - and experts predict the situation will worsen in 2012.