Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Brandia International announces Vinho Verde campaign

Published: 28 June, 2011

Brandia International has developed a €5-million international promotional campaign for Vinho Verde, following a boom in global exports.

Sterling falls to five month low against US dollar

Published: 28 June, 2011

Sterling fell to a five month low against the US dollar yesterday as concerns over the European debt crisis saw investors buy safe haven currencies.

Diageo plans £9.5m upgrade at Speyside distillery

Published: 27 June, 2011

Diageo is planning a £9.5 million upgrade of its Scotch whisky production in Speyside.

BHA is making headway on VAT cut for hospitality firms

Published: 27 June, 2011

The British Hospitality Association says it is making headway on a VAT cut for hospitality businesses.

Hardy's retains biggest UK off-trade wine brand title

Published: 27 June, 2011

Constellation Wines has announced that Hardys, has regained the title of biggest UK off-trade wine brand.

Sterling suffers as retail sales figure drop to year low

Published: 27 June, 2011

Sterling fell below $1.60 against the US dollar last week and below €1.12 against the euro as retail sales figures for the UK fell to the weakest level in a year.

Kleine Zalze looks to spread its appeal to independents and on-trade

Published: 24 June, 2011

South African producer Kleine Zalze is looking to widen its range to appeal more to independent wine merchants and restaurants.

The plus £8 wine category is here to stay, says Dedicated Wines' Edward Squires

Published: 24 June, 2011

Higher wine prices can be sustained in the UK as consumers grow to accept them and buyers recognise the higher margins that can be made for all in the supply chain, according to Edward Squires, co-founder of Dedicated Wines.

British Airways first airline to serve English sparkling wine

Published: 24 June, 2011

British Airways has become the first airline to serve English sparkling wine - it has selected Balfour Brut Rosé 2007 for first class customers.

Vinexpo news - varietal wines find favour in UK

Published: 23 June, 2011

Varietal wines are perceived as the "most dynamic sector" in the UK drink's market, according to findings revealed at Vinexpo in Sopexa's 2011 Wine Trade Monitor.

Vinexpo - visitor numbers up on 2009

Published: 23 June, 2011

Early indication of final visitor numbers to Vinexpo 2011 show a rise of 3% on 2009, suggesting that around 48,000 wine and spirits professionals attended the exhibition.

Familia Zuccardi - there's much more to Malbec

Published: 23 June, 2011

Argentina needs to show consumers that "Malbec is not just one thing" and focus on its different regional styles, according to Familia Zuccardi.

Producers can only compete below £5 with low-alcohol wines, says Origin Wine's Bernard Fontannaz

Published: 23 June, 2011

Low-alcohol wines will be the only way producers will be able to compete in the sub £5 category in the UK in the future, according to Bernard Fontannaz, chief executive of Origin Wine.

Origin Wine launches premium Fairtade wine as part of new launches at Vinexpo

Published: 23 June, 2011

Origin Wines is set to introduce three new ranges in to the UK and international wine markets covering low alcohol, organic, Fairtrade and premium wines.

Sterling drops below €1.12/£1

Published: 23 June, 2011

Sterling fell against the euro yesterday, dropping below €1.12/£1 as the Bank of England minutes raised the possibility of further Quantitative Easing.

Dow's new port designed to match chocolate

Published: 23 June, 2011

Symington Family Estates is releasing a port especially designed to complement dark chocolate.

Vinexpo - US finds UK market a 'tough nut to crack'

Published: 22 June, 2011

US producers are finding the UK market a 'tough nut to crack' due to production costs, and a more rigorous UK pricing structure, according to US producers and exporters at Vinexpo.

Lurton looks to new opportunities in France

Published: 22 June, 2011

Francois Lurton has his eye on vineyard acquisitions in the Languedoc-Roussillon in a bid to develop his white Grenache offering.

UK is no longer number one wine market, says Mentzendorff's Andrew Hawes

Published: 22 June, 2011

The UK wine trade needs to come to terms with the fact it is no longer the number one market for many international wine producers, according to Andrew Hawes, managing director for Mentzendorff.