Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Café-bars' all-day offer affords sector growth

Published: 05 November, 2012

Café-wine bars are making up a "disproportionate" amount of all new openings in the on-trade, according to CGA Strategy.

Bell's Scotch whisky aims to raise £1 million for Help for Heroes

Published: 02 November, 2012

Bell's Scotch whisky has released limited edition Help for Heroes bottles in an effort to raise £1 million for the charity.

Costco starts selling wine online in UK

Published: 02 November, 2012

Wholesaler Costco has launched its UK ecommerce site, including its wine range, which is open to both members and non-members.

Virgin Wines on expansion drive

Published: 02 November, 2012

Virgin Wines is on a mission to recruit 100,000 customers in the next year in a bid to swell its 250,000-strong membership even further.

Drinks industry must champion the positives, says WSTA boss

Published: 02 November, 2012

The drinks industry needs to get "on the front foot" and champion its contribution to the local and national economy, says the WSTA chief executive.

CIVL buyers' trip: Gordon Coates

Published: 02 November, 2012

Stone, Vine & Sun buyer Gordon Coates was among the lucky few who headed to the Languedoc last week for the CIVL study tour, organised in conjunction with Harpers and designed to open buyers' eyes to the diversity on offer.

Treasury Wine Estates acquires Rapaura Vintners

Published: 02 November, 2012

Treasury Wine Estates has purchased the remaining 50% of Rapaura Vintners from Babich Wines in a bid to strengthen its foothold in Marlborough.

Harvest shortage: producers urged to rein in prices

Published: 02 November, 2012

Distributors are urging producers to be true to long-term partnerships and not be "too greedy" when it comes to putting prices up, as the impact of 2012's short harvest is felt.

Wines of Chile holds second sommelier challenge

Published: 02 November, 2012

Wines of Chile has held the second Sommelier Chile Challenge in a bid to illustrate the country's value-for-money on-trade offering.

Wine and drinks investors behind Thierry's new company Watermill Wines

Published: 01 November, 2012

Thierry's new owners have vowed to make the business viable long term after severe cash flow problems brought the company close to collapse.

Bunnahabhain sees limited 40 Year Old release

Published: 01 November, 2012

Burn Stewart Distillers is hoping to cement Bunnahabhain's reputation, and its double-digit growth, with the launch of a 40-year-old expression priced at almost £2,000.

CIVL buyers' trip: Simon Broad

Published: 01 November, 2012

In the first of a new series, Harpers hears from buyer Simon Broad, owner of Brighton-based Ten Green Bottles, about his experiences on the CIVL buyer's study tour to the Languedoc.

Blavod enjoys a 23% UK sales uplift

Published: 01 November, 2012

Drinks distributor and manufacturer Blavod has grown its UK sales by 23% and has a new focus following its £1.2 million refinancing deal.

Bols launches seventh annual bartender's competition

Published: 31 October, 2012

Lucas Bols is calling for entrants for the seventh annual Bols Around the World competition to find the world's most talented and inspiring bartender.

Thierry's acquired by investment company

Published: 31 October, 2012

Wine importer Thierry's has been acquired by an investment company following a strategic review of its business activities.

Berry Bros & Rudd Bar opens at Royal Albert Hall

Published: 31 October, 2012

The Royal Albert Hall has opened a new bar in partnership with Berry Bros & Rudd.

Inverarity Morton acquires spirits supplier LA Wholesale

Published: 31 October, 2012

Scottish drinks distributor Inverarity Morton has acquired Glasgow-based spirits supplier, LA Wholesale for an undisclosed sum.

Stevens Garnier takes on Loiseau-Bichot range

Published: 31 October, 2012

Stevens Garnier has taken on an exclusive range of Loiseau-Bichot wines from Burgundy with the aim of bringing "additional prestige" to its portfolio.

Tesco lists Midori in run-up to Christmas

Published: 31 October, 2012

Cellar Trends-distributed liqueur brand Midori is to be listed in 446 Tesco stores in the run-up to Christmas, on the back of growth in the take-home cocktail market.