Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Society of Vintners welcomes new members

Published: 02 January, 2013

The Society of Vintners has swelled its ranks with the addition of three new members.

Scotch whisky industry more productive than City of London

Published: 02 January, 2013

Scotch whisky is now worth more than £4 billion to the Scottish economy and is more productive than the City of London, according to a report commissioned by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

My hopes for 2013: Bibendum's Michael Saunders on standing up for ourselves

Published: 02 January, 2013

2012 is not a year many drinks businesses will look back on fondly. The economy stalled again, the expected Olympic boost never materialised, several very good companies failed to survive and the government continues to threaten us with restrictive legislation.

Your hopes for 2013: have your say

Published: 31 December, 2012

As we enter a new year, what changes would you like to see happen in the wine and spirits industry in 2013?

Justin Knock MW joins Cobevco

Published: 24 December, 2012

Justin Knock MW, has joined bottling specialist Cobevco as its official winemaking consultant in order to help develop packaging solutions and communicate the latest technology developments in bulk shipping and in-market production.

Bowmore sells oldest malt for £100,000

Published: 24 December, 2012

Islay Single Malt whisky, Bowmore has sold the No. 1 bottle of its oldest ever expression, the Bowmore 1957 for £100,000 at its distillery on Islay.

My hopes for 2013: Chris Powell, Local Wine School on the importance of wine education

Published: 24 December, 2012

In the first of a series of opinion pieces from leading industry figures looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities we face in 2013, Chris Powell, founder and director of the Local Wine School, says the trade needs to understand what consumers are looking for from wine education:

The Co-operative announces festive Champagne sales up 21%

Published: 21 December, 2012

The Co-operative has announced Champagne are sales up 21% in the last week compared to the same week last year, with big price reductions driving the trend.

Wines of Germany announces 2013 events

Published: 21 December, 2012

Wines of Germany have announced a series of events for 2013 which includes the continuation of the 31 Days of German Riesling campaign and Dragon's Den-style competition, called 'Get it on'.

Offering Champagne at Cava prices could 'seriously damage' category

Published: 21 December, 2012

Noel Reid, wine and spirits buyer at Frederic Robinson has said positioning Champagne at prices not far above that of Prosecco or Cava could "very seriously damage the reputation of the entire segment".

James Murray to leave LIWF in the new year

Published: 20 December, 2012

James Murray, director of the London International Wife Fair, has confirmed to Harpers he is to step aside in the new year and look at new opportunities ahead of a potentially challenging year for the exhibition.

Bordeaux's new UGC president urges top chateaux to up their involvement

Published: 20 December, 2012

Bordeaux's new Union des Grands Crus president Olivier Bernard, of Domaine de Chevalier, has called for the grands crus estates to work more closely with negociants and commit more fully to trade missions.

Wine Australia to hold global wine forum

Published: 20 December, 2012

Wine Australia is holding a global Australian wine forum in September 2013, which is hopes will usher in a "new era" for Australian wine.

Chilean winery Undurraga switches distribution to Gonzalez Byass

Published: 20 December, 2012

Chilean winery Undurraga has switched agency from Moreno to Gonzalez Byass in the UK.

Looking back on 2012 for the wine trade: part 3

Published: 20 December, 2012

In the third and final part of our 2012 review, we look at what the main generic bodies have been doing throughout the year - many have implemented changes away from their usual marketing plans; good news in the form of Harpers new awards recognising industry talent and the launch of the London 2013 business show on wine. We also consider a few high-profile departures during the year and look at how wine firms are changing how they operate to cope with declining volumes and squeezed margins.

Leventhorpe launches Yorkshire's first sparkling rosé

Published: 19 December, 2012

The Leventhorpe vineyard near Leeds has launched Yorkshire's first sparkling rosé wine in time for Christmas and end-of-year celebrations.

Avignonesi Winery acquires third vineyard in 18 months

Published: 19 December, 2012

The Italian-based biodynamic producer Avignonesi Winery has acquired its third vineyard in 18 months, making it one of the region's largest producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Christmas sales bonanza for Virgin Wines

Published: 19 December, 2012

Virgin Wines has sold more wine this week than ever before - shipping over 31,500 cases to households around the UK.

Marisco Vineyards acquires 2,000 ha Marlborough estate

Published: 19 December, 2012

Brent Marris, the owner and winemaker behind New Zealand's Marisco Vineyards, which produces the Ned and the King's Series wines, has bought a 2,000 ha property in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough and is on the lookout for more sites to buy.

Champagne market unlikely to pick up until 2014

Published: 19 December, 2012

The Champagne market is unlikely to pick up in 2013 - and not before 2014/15 - according to Dr Steve Charters MW, professor of Champagne management at Reims Management School.