Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Number of new distilleries in the UK jumps 50% in 2015

Published: 27 April, 2016

Forty-nine new distilleries came online in 2015 according to Nicholas Cook of the Gin Guild, which was based on HRMC's most recent data.

Ridgeview Wine Estate featured on YouTube web series

Published: 26 April, 2016

A premium sparkling winemarker on the South Downs will take centre stage during the fourth instalment of a YouTube film series focusing on craftsmanship.

Bibendum PLB takes on Cellier des Princes

Published: 26 April, 2016

Rhone Valley based Cellier des Princes, has appointed the Bibendum PLB Group to distribute its wines across all channels in the UK.

Analysis: Are wine and spirit companies making the most of marketing in today's tech savvy world?

Published: 26 April, 2016

The production of wines and spirits is based on centuries' old, traditional methods, but have producers failed to make the most of digital marketing to engage consumers?

First ever CEO appointed at UKVA

Published: 25 April, 2016

English Wine Shop owner and Amber Valley wine maker, Barry Lewis, has been appointed as the first CEO of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA).

Brexit could harm Scotch's protected status

Published: 25 April, 2016

Prime Minister David Cameron has warned that the protected designation of origin (PDO) status for drinks products like Scotch whisky and Gloucester cider could disappear if the public votes to leave the EU.

Copestick Murray and Aresti Chile Wine sign partnership in the UK

Published: 22 April, 2016

Copestick Murray is continuing its momentum of rapid growth by signing a UK agency and distribution agreement with a Chilean wine brand

OIV reveals China behind Spain as country with second biggest vineyard surface area

Published: 21 April, 2016

A major new report has found that the size of the global area under vines rose to 7534 kha in 2015, with consumption and production also on the up.

New premium packaging for Wood's Old Navy Rum

Published: 20 April, 2016

Wood's Old Navy Rum has undergone an identity overhaul to update its "dated" packaging.

Famed Sonoma Patz & Hall winery sells to Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Published: 20 April, 2016

Sonoma Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer Patz & Hall has been purchased by Washington wine company St. Michell Wine Estates for an undisclosed sum

Earliest Rioja vintage in history given official thumbs up

Published: 20 April, 2016

The D.O.Ca. Rioja Control Board has given the 2015 vintage an official Very Good rating.

Poland row heats up as Stock Spirits urges shareholders to vote against Western Gate's recommendations

Published: 19 April, 2016

Stock Spirits is recommending that its shareholders vote against Western Gate Private Investment Ltd's recommendations, in an increasingly heated row over loss of market share in Poland.

Hallgarten adds Turkey to its country portfolio

Published: 18 April, 2016

Leading UK distributor Hallgarten Druitt has its sights on bringing Turkish wines to the UK market by teaming up with Turkish producer, Kayra.

Les Grands Chais de France launches a new range of quality wines onto the UK following acquisition

Published: 18 April, 2016

Les Grands Chais de France is preparing to expand its offering of premium wines to the UK market following the purchase of Château Belles Eaux in the South of France.

Wines from Spain: Up close and personal

Published: 15 April, 2016

One thing that stuck out from the 27^thWines from Spain fair yesterday was the level of diversity of wines coming out of regions across the country.

Wines from Spain: spotlight on Navarra

Published: 15 April, 2016

Long recognised internationally for its rosés, Spain's Navarra region has undergone something of a winemaking revolution over the past two decades and the number of red wines now coming out of the area is increasing.