Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Friarwood puts fine wine online

Published: 08 November, 2016

Independent fine wine merchant Friarwood has launched its first e-commerce service, opening up its collection of fine wines to same day and next delivery.

Fever Tree sees strong growth in demand for premium mixers

Published: 08 November, 2016

Premium tonic water producer, Fever Tree, is in line to jump ahead of predictions in the second half of 2016, with analysts predicting full-year UK sales growth of 95%.

White wines of the Douro: Emerging from fortified's shadow

Published: 08 November, 2016

Famous for its Port fortified wines, far less is understood about the Douro's long history of white winemaking.

M&S to close 60 clothing and home stores but grow its Simply Food chain

Published: 08 November, 2016

Marks & Spencer is planning a major re-structure to focus on its food and drinks offering, after profits plunged 88%.

WSET expands into the Czech Republic

Published: 07 November, 2016

The Czech Republic has become the latest European country to offer courses in wines and spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

Anne Burchett to leave Sopexa

Published: 07 November, 2016

Anne Burchett has resigned as her role as MD of the UK & Ireland at food, beverage and lifestyle marketing agency, Sopexa.

Jackson Family Wines launches new international distribution strategy for flagship wineries

Published: 07 November, 2016

Jackson Family Wines (JFW) has upped the global distribution of two of its top Californian wineries, Cardinale and Vérité, to increase supply outside of the US and Canada.

Jago looks to grow WSTA membership and "unite the trade" ahead of Brexit

Published: 07 November, 2016

New WSTA chairman Dan Jago has said he wants to strengthen the trade body by including more members in order to face the "monumental" challenge posed by Brexit head-on.

Great Western partners to offer wine and vinyl subscription service

Published: 04 November, 2016

A Bath-based wine merchant is by teaming up with two craft businesses which will see their wines paired, not with cheese or olives, but with chocolates and vinyl records.

Spotlight on Scottish gin inside the Scottish Parliament

Published: 04 November, 2016

Scotland's contribution to the UK's gin boom took centre stage at a meeting of MSPs and producers inside the Scottish Parliament, where it was recognised for being one of - if not the - biggest gin exporters in the world.

New UK team for the California Wine Institute

Published: 04 November, 2016

The California Wine Institute has put together a new team to raise the profile of California in the UK - its largest European export market.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 04 November, 2016

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Rioja champions awarded at second Rioja Recognises

Published: 03 November, 2016

Four "ambassadors" for Rioja were given nods by the DOCa Consejo Regulador at the second Rioja Recognises last night for their contribution to Spain's flagship wine region.

Plans for new vineyard at Devon luxury retreat

Published: 03 November, 2016

British chef Michael Caines has unveiled plans to open a luxury retreat in Devon and to scope out the land's vinification potential.

Argentinian specialist Gaucho launches online wine shop

Published: 03 November, 2016

Argentinian restaurant group Gaucho has become the latest outfit to offer its wines online.

New wine and spirits listings at Sainsbury's and Asda

Published: 03 November, 2016

Argentinean winery Bodega Argento is preparing to launch a new line of "fresh and fun" Buenos Aires-inspired wines to Sainsbury's this winter.

"Biggest ever" Halloween boosts sales at Morrisons

Published: 03 November, 2016

High street retailer Morrisons saw a boost to its seasonal trading sales thanks to Halloween, where sales are up 20% year-on-year.

Consumers looking to premium spirits to express themselves, says Waitrose report

Published: 02 November, 2016

Self-expression and defining "who you are through what you drink" were the key drinks trends to come out of Waitrose's Food and Drink Report 2016 released today.