Global Scotch sales: Slight decline with £5.4bn exported in 2024

Figures from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) reveals that the total global export value for Scotch whisky stood at £5.4bn for 2024. This represents a slight decline of 3.7% in exports by value compared to 2023.

Tim Atkin MW: The highs of Tenerife

Where are the highest vineyards in Europe? Switzerland? The Alto Adige perhaps? Both have sites that are vertiginous when you compare them to most of the continent’s classic wine regions. But the correct answer is Spain. Not Gredos or Ribera del Duero, both of which are pretty elevated, but Tenerife. Piedra Fluida’s Los Frontones vineyard in Vilaflor sits at a lofty 1,687m.

Cambridge’s Wilson derides ‘government incompetence’ over duty changes

Not only will the forthcoming end of ‘duty easement’ present a huge additional burden on UK wine businesses, but the current claim form for clawing back overpaid excise duty against stated abv is not yet ready, with the excise duty invoice system also not fit for the new regime in one week’s time.

Strategic evolution: what's next for Australia's big brands?

Bancroft appoints new sales director

Bancroft Wines has announced the appointment of Tony Schendel to its governance board, joining the team as sales director following an illustrious career in the trade.

With thanks: Christmas sign-off from Harpers

As we prepare to say farewell to 2024, Harpers would like to extend a short but heartfelt thanks to our readers for their support this year.

Majestic partners with sommelier Romain Bourger for Christmas campaign

The UK’s largest multiple has launched an innovative festive campaign this December, collaborating with award-winning sommelier Romain Bourger to promote Majestic's credentials when it comes to staff expertise on all things grape related.

Liberty report: Indies steal a march on supermarkets

Liberty Wines’ first ever Independent Off-Trade Wine Report paints a cautiously optimistic picture for the future. Jo Gilbert reports

Sustainability Report: Corp for the Wine Trade

Harpers partnered with North South Wines to invite drinks trade business leaders to explain what it takes to become a B Corp certified company and the benefits delivered. Jaq Bayles reports.

Budget review: A ‘horrific’ state of affairs for the trade

An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.

Edinburgh trio launches international bar show

Edinburgh is getting its very own trade-focused bar show, with the event due to land in the Scottish capital for the first time in April.

Give and take at annual Vintners-hosted Drinks Trust event

The drinks trade burst back into life this week as over 150 illustrious guests gathered at Vintners’ Hall for a wine trade lunch on behalf of The Drinks Trust.

Nick Gillett: Education, education, education – hospitality’s secret weapon

When it comes to the spirits and hospitality industries, I harp on about education a lot. But with good reason. That dinner you had out the other week with the outstanding service – it’s thanks to education. Receiving a top new tipple recommendation from your local bartender – education. Formal training, cocktail masterclasses, category insight – it’s all helping to create better teams, better serves and ultimately an altogether better experience for the customer. So as someone who works for or is interested in the industry, here’s why you should care about it.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Will 2024 mark the end of the UK wine trade as we know it?

I realise that is a pretty dramatic title. But none of us should underestimate the game changing potential of the changes the UK government intends to introduce around wine beginning in early 2024.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Growth is central to business strategy. Is it time to change?

Many years ago I was asked to act as a strategic consultant to a Chilean wine business. They wanted help with reformulating their strategy, first to achieve break even, then to reach sustainable profitability. The business was 100% targeted at export markets, with the UK a key priority.

Jerry Lockspieser: Money can’t buy you love – or can it?

How should we respond when values we hold dear conflict with opportunities for business advantage or personal gain? How best to navigate conflicting aspirations?

Pacific trade pact overshadowed by domestic pressures, says WSTA

Confirmation that the UK has signed up to the Asia-Pacific trade pact will open new markets down the line for some in the drinks trade, but will offer little sustenance in the short term.

Guy Woodward: On growing into wine

Our trade is not prone to hysteria, but there has been a pronounced bout of bedwetting recently. The cause? Studies showing how the younger generation is turning away from wine, with commentators quick to respond via apocryphal prophecies of doom if the industry doesn’t better engage with millennials.

Majestic seeks new Diversity in Wine scholarship applicants

Leading retailer Majestic is inviting 12 new candidates to join its industry-leading Diversity in Wine scholarship programme.

Bibendum takes the ‘art of (selling) wine’ in a new direction

Bibendum has just closed the cap on its first tasting concept of 2023, with a roster of likeminded events lined up for the year ahead as the company diversifies its annual tasting format.