Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

BMA calls for an end to cheap supermarket booze promotions

Published: 23 July, 2008

Alcohol voluntary agreements do not go far enough, the influential group warns.

English speaking countries top wine drinking consumption

Published: 23 July, 2008

Half of American, Australian and British wine drinkers drink wine at least twice a week, compared with a quarter of Finnish and 32% of Japanese wine drinker, the latest research from Wine Intelligence reveals.

Summer rain dampens C&C drinks group's profits

Published: 23 July, 2008

Shares for the cider-making C&C drinks group fell back by nearly 6% according to the Reuters news agency.

WTO investigates US complaint on Indian wine duties

Published: 23 July, 2008

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has set-up a panel to examine India's wine and distilled spirits tariffs at the request of the United States.

Underage binge drinkers still a problem

Published: 23 July, 2008

The number of children who buy and drink alcohol is on the wane but revealed those who do drink are regular binge drinkers.

Free responsible alcohol retailing courses offered

Published: 23 July, 2008

Inn-Dispensable offers 300 places on courses through-out July

Hospital admissions caused by alcohol double in 10 years

Published: 23 July, 2008

Women and children warned as figures increase by a third.

Drinks trade rejects calls for higher alcohol taxes

Published: 23 July, 2008

The drinks trade has rebuked calls from the medical profession for higher taxes on alcohol after government figures showed alcohol-related hospital admissions have doubled in the past 10 years.

Reduce alcohol unit signage, urge pubs

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations and the British Beer and Pub Association have called on the government, police and councils to reduce the number of signs publicans have to display.

Port sales continue to decline.

Published: 23 July, 2008

Port sales continue to fall worldwide, although light wine sales in the Douro are bucking the trend.

FSA launches wine enforcement policy

Published: 23 July, 2008

The UK Wine Standards branch of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a 12-week public consultation on its enforcement policy.

Remy Cointreau reports year loss due to Maxxium

Published: 23 July, 2008

French wines and spirits group Remy Cointreau's annual sales rose but it swung to a net loss of 23million ($31m; 15.5m) after charges linked to quitting a distribution alliance with other drinks businesses.

2007 IWSC winners announced at Vinexpo

Published: 23 July, 2008

Organisers of the 2007 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) have staggered the results to fit in with Southern hemisphere-based producers' production cycles.

Majestic Wine sales up 11%

Published: 23 July, 2008

The UK wine and spirit retailer said that pre-tax profits rose 14.1% to 16.2m last year, while sales were up 11% to 191.2m, compared to 172.2m in the fiscal 2006.

Norway may increase alcohol tax

Published: 23 July, 2008

A government committee in Norway has proposed increasing the tax on alcohol by 10%.

WTO queries Indian tariffs on US wine

Published: 23 July, 2008

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is examining US claims that Indian import duties discriminate against US wines and spirits.

What wine do women want?

Published: 23 July, 2008

An Australian wine show has announced a controversial new trophy - The Wine Women Want - following a run of what may be deemed sexist wine competitions.

Laurent-Perrier celebrates Glamour Woman of the Year

Published: 23 July, 2008

Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut Champagne was the favourite tipple among film stars and supermodels alike at the prestigious Glamour Woman of the Year Awards this month.