Saunders spreads his wings

Ex-Bibendum MD and Conviviality business development director Michael Saunders has stepped back from a full time roll at the UK drinks giant with plans to explore other avenues including consultancy to the industry.

Liberty Wines bolsters NZ with Marlborough addition

Liberty Wines is bolstering its already strong New Zealand collection in order to keep in step with the continued popularity of Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

Brexit and bad harvests could dampen supply of fizz

2018 could be the year that Brits’ love of sparkling catches up with them as experts predict a fizz shortage could be about to descend on the UK.

Looking ahead: Jason Haynes, co-founder, Flint Wines

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Looking ahead: Ruth Yates, founder and MD, Cork’s Out

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Australia Day Tasting returns with special guest

The annual Australia Day Tasting (ADT) returns to the UK in January in its usual slot – but this year will feature a special guest.

Looking ahead: Troy Christensen, CEO, Enotria and Coe

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Leaked documents show UK will stay in single market

The UK will remain a member of the EU's customs union and single market between 2019 and 2021 according to a leaked copy of European Council guidelines for upcoming trade talks.

ProWein branches out with new Japanese partnership

ProWein is stepping up its presence in Japan by partnering with Foodex – the country’s biggest food and beverage trade fair.

“Mutual recognition” at borders could help facilitate post-Brexit trade

Brexit talks floundered once again yesterday as PM Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels following a row with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over the status of the Irish border.

DEFRA minister quizzed by trade on timetables and trade-route worries

Disruption at ports like Dover and the impact of drawn-out Brexit negotiations were two of the concerns raised at a meeting of the trade and Defra Food and Drink Minister, George Eustice.

Jerry Lockspeiser: An epic management disaster

It’s a tale of corporate mismanagement to rival the worst.

Industry calls on Chancellor for duty help

Trade associations have called on Chancellor Philip Hammond not to increase duty rates for the second time in a year.

Trade prepares for premium push on Christmas wines

For most in the drinks world Christmas trade – the eight weeks or so leading up to the nation’s fuzzy wake-up call on January 1 – is a crucial period in the annual sales calendar.

EU and UK wines and spirits chiefs launch joint Brexit proposition paper

European and UK bodies responsible for the wider wine and spirit industry have joined together to publish a joint position paper to outline their stance on Brexit.

UK trade reaches out as Cali fire claims homes, lives and historic vineyards

The UK trade has begun to rally around its friends and colleagues in California where fire continues to wreak havoc on residents and businesses.

Litmus wines to be distributed by Bibendum

Litmus Wines has teamed up with Bibendum to distribute its English wines to the on-trade.

Brexit-focused WSTA Conference delivers greater clarity - on extent of uncertainty

The WSTA’s Miles Beale called on the government for “more active partnership, more communication and to get more done” at its annual conference in London on Tuesday, which delivered insights into the complexity of Brexit, along with the gulf of uncertainty that still exists for the UK drinks trade.

Looking ahead: James Hocking, director of wine, The Vineyard Cellars

Looking ahead: Michael Patterson, D&D London

With the autumn tasting season soon upon us, as the trade prepares for the run up to the all-important Christmas trading period, Harpers is running a web series asking leading voices in the trade what trends and challenges they’re expecting to face in the latter half of 2017.