Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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.

Constellation Brands sells of Australian and UK wine business

Published: 29 December, 2010

Constellation Brands has signed an agreement to sell its Australian and UK wine business to CHAMP Private Equity of Sydney, Australia.

Australia awarded new wine appellation

Published: 24 December, 2010

Mount Gambier has been recognised as South Australia's newest wine appellation.

Cono Sur announces Green Cooks Search winner

Published: 24 December, 2010

Cono Sur has unveiled Anna Garrard as the winner of its Green Cooks Search competition.

Pernod sells New Zealand wine brands

Published: 23 December, 2010

Pernod Ricard has sold Lindauer, its New Zealand wine brand, to Lion Nathan and Indevin.

Brand Phoenix to distribute Angove Family Winemakers in UK

Published: 23 December, 2010

Brand Phoenix has been appointed distributor for Angove Family Winemakers in the UK off-trade.

Brown-Forman looking to sell Fetzer

Published: 23 December, 2010

Brown-Forman has confirmed that it may sell part of its wine business including Fetzer.

Sterling falls due to downward revision of UK growth figures

Published: 23 December, 2010

In the last daily currency note before Christmas, sterling fell to a three month low against the US dollar.

John Pollaers to head up Foster's beer arm after demerger

Published: 22 December, 2010

The Foster's Group has named John Pollaers as the new chief executive officer of its beer division should its proposed demerger continue.

Galvin La Chapelle team to represent UK in Wines of Roussillon European final

Published: 22 December, 2010

Sommelier and pastry chef team, Andrea Briccarello and Daniel Fancett are to represent the UK at the Wines of Roussillon Dessert Trophy European Final.