Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Sterling hits 16 month high against euro

Published: 06 January, 2012

Sterling rose to the highest level against the euro for 16 months, hitting €1.2113/£1, the highest since late 2010.

Jacob's Creek seals deal with Andre Agassi

Published: 05 January, 2012

Jacob's Creek has confirmed a three-year partnership with former Wimbledon champion, Andre Agassi.

'Super-star' fine wine prices plummet as market crashes

Published: 05 January, 2012

Lafite 2008's 45% drop in value is the "pin-up for what's gone wrong in the market", according to Liv-ex's co-founder.

Calling all independent wine merchants

Published: 05 January, 2012

Harpers is carrying out exclusive research into the size, specialisms and successes of the independent sector in conjunction with the Specialist Importers Trade Tastings.

Sterling climbs to 15 month high

Published: 05 January, 2012

Sterling climbed to a 15 month high against the euro yesterday after investors moved away from the ailing single currency.

Harpers calls for Design Awards entries

Published: 05 January, 2012

Harpers Wine and Spirit is calling for entries to its 2012, Design Awards.

Update: Strong Xmas for independent wine retailers

Published: 05 January, 2012

Independent wine retailers put in a strong performance in December, despite fears that the gloomy economic outlook would squeeze consumer spending.

Rolling update: Festive wine sales up in supermarkets

Published: 04 January, 2012

Despite the gloomy economic times, wine sales in supermarkets were up during the festive season - with Sainsbury's proclaiming it their "most successful Christmas ever".

Rémy Martin discontinues existing VSOP

Published: 04 January, 2012

Rémy Martin is withdrawing its original VSOP from the European market and launching a mature cask finish expression in its place.

Brancott Estate unveils new look

Published: 04 January, 2012

New Zealand wine brand, Brancott Estate, is to unveil its final transition from Montana to Brancott Estate, with a contemporary new look and extensive re-packaging.

Sterling holds ground, but concerns are renewed over double-dip recession

Published: 04 January, 2012

Sterling strengthened marginally against the US dollar yesterday after better than expected global data helped improve risk appetite and gave support to the pound.

Business failures in eating out sector to increase, expert warns

Published: 03 January, 2012

The hospitality sector will have to innovate to survive, as trading toughens in 2012, warns foodservice consultancy Horizons.

Findlater to distribute Stolichnaya in Ireland

Published: 03 January, 2012

Findlater Wine and Spirit Group is to distribute the Stolichnaya Premium vodka portfolio in Ireland.

'Green' wines less popular with consumers, says Berry Bros

Published: 03 January, 2012

Top merchant Berry Bros & Rudd says environmentally-friendly wines are proving less popular with consumers - biodynamic wine sales fell 54% in 2011 and organic wine sales dropped 63% on 2010.

Sterling- stable start to 2012

Published: 03 January, 2012

Sterling has started the new year much where it left off, hovering just under €1.20/£1 against the euro and at $1.5570/£1 against the US dollar.

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Published: 01 January, 2012

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Cameron 'keen on minimum alcohol pricing'

Published: 29 December, 2011

The minimum pricing debate has taken an unexpected twist with reports that David Cameron has ordered officials to draw up plans for an English version of the scheme.

Reality check for Bordeaux prices

Published: 29 December, 2011

Bordeaux prices could be approaching a reality check in 2012, according to experts.

Geoffrey Dean blog: Nicolas Feuillatte - Champagne? What crisis?

Published: 29 December, 2011

Crisis? What crisis? The Eurozone may be facing one, and the UK may be
in recession, but Champagne sales within the EU are up by 4.2% for
this year. Russia, China and Brazil have all been driving bubbly
consumption higher. Although discounting has played a part, UK
retailers report higher demand for Champagne and sparkling wines over
Christmas and New Year. Waitrose revealed a 26% rise in sales on last year, with Marks & Spencer managing 25% more.

CA Grand Crus expands into Burgundy with Chateau de Santenay acquisition

Published: 27 December, 2011

CA Grands Crus, the subsidiary of Credit Agricole, has added to
its strong portfolio of Bordeaux estates with the acquisition of
Chateau de Santenay in Burgundy. The purchase gives the French retail
banking giant some 90 hectares of various Burgundian parcels from
entry level standard to Grand Cru status, a fifth of a hectare having
been taken up in Clos de Vougeot.