Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Fine wine proves canny investment in 2010

Published: 05 January, 2011

Fine wine proved a canny investment for 2010 ? outperforming other assets by providing investors with a 32% return.

Portuguese wine mourns UK ambassador

Published: 05 January, 2011

Jose Leitao, one of Portuguese wine's leading ambassadors in the UK, has died aged 62.

Peyton and Byrne launches restaurant at Royal Academy of Arts

Published: 05 January, 2011

Oliver Peyton's restaurant group, Peyton and Byrne, is to launch restaurant and bar at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Six new sites for Bristol bar group Loungers

Published: 05 January, 2011

Bristol-based cafe-bar chain Loungers is planning to open six new sites in 2011.

Invivo Wines signs with Codorniu UK

Published: 05 January, 2011

New Zealand producer Invivo Wines has signed an exclusive on and off-trade distribution agreement for the UK and Ireland with Spanish firm Grupo Codorníu.

Sterling gains as manufacturing activity grows

Published: 05 January, 2011

Sterling gained yesterday as manufacturing data showed that activity in the sector grew in December at the fastest rate in 16 years.

How did your business fare over Christmas?

Published: 04 January, 2011

As the festive season draws to a close, Harpers wants to find out how the drinks industry fared this year through this short survey below.

New funding for whisky qualification

Published: 04 January, 2011

Skills Development Scotland has teamed up with the Scotch Whisky Association to provide funding aimed at encouraging an additional 200 whisky workers to gain a Spirit Industry Vocational Qualification.

Only 2 in 5 adults understand alcohol units

Published: 04 January, 2011

Only two in five adults understand how many alcohol units are in their drinks, according to research by Drinkaware.

Tough year ahead for drinks trade as VAT rises

Published: 04 January, 2011

The 2.5% VAT rise will make the year ahead "pretty tough" for drinks retailers, according to the WSTA.

Independents last chance to enter Top Merchant Awards

Published: 03 January, 2011

Independent merchants are being urged this week to put themselves forward for the inaugural Harpers' Top Merchant Awards.

Suppliers urged to offer independents New Year deals through #winedealfriday

Published: 31 December, 2010

Independent wine merchants and restaurants have the chance today of taking advantage of exclusive deals, promotions and offers for New Year's Eve as part of Harpers Wine & Spirit's #winedealfriday initiative.

Geoffrey Dean Ashes and wine blog: soaring temperatures add to Victorian winemakers' troubles

Published: 31 December, 2010

Despite the wettest December in Victoria since records began - and that after a similarly damp November - there were widespread fire bans across the state on a roasting New Year's Eve when temperatures hit 42C in Melbourne.

Geoffrey Dean Ashes and wine blog: England's Ashes victory enjoyed by players, fans and cricket writers alike

Published: 29 December, 2010

Sitting in the MCG press box a few hours after England sealed a famous victory to retain the Ashes, the place is still packed with journalists from both countries penning words.