Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Conviviality Retail buys 15 convenience stores in the South East

Published: 12 December, 2016

Conviviality PLC is expanding its presence in the South East with the acquisition of KMD Enterprises Ltd (KMD).

Alan Sugar's big gin debate: Are coloured gins a big no-no?

Published: 09 December, 2016

The issues surrounding colouring usually clear spirits came to the wider public's attention last night with the latest episode of BBC1's The Apprentice.

Is staff recruitment a ticking time bomb?

Published: 09 December, 2016

According to Paul Jenkins, purchasing director at D&D hospitality group, recruiting and retaining staff isn't just a perennial problem - it's getting worse.

Record-breaking year for gin makes it the success story of 2016, says WSTA

Published: 09 December, 2016

2016 has proved to be a record-breaking year for gin, with end of year sales continuing to soar.

Bird in Hand joins Seckford for UK partnership

Published: 09 December, 2016

Australian producer Bird in Hand has appointed New World specialists Seckford Agencies to ramp up distribution of their brand across the UK.

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

Published: 09 December, 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.

Slow growth at Ocado fails to impress investors

Published: 08 December, 2016

The future is still uncertain for online grocer Ocado which has just released its final quarterly sales figures for 2016.

Men driving growth of Fairtrade wine says Co-op

Published: 08 December, 2016

Evidence that the growing number of ethically sourced and social responsible drinks companies is in response to consumer demand for alcohol with a conscience has been backed by data from the Co-op which revealed that its sales of Fairtrade wine are up 25% YOY.

Waitrose Cellar buys up barrels from historic wine auction

Published: 06 December, 2016

Waitrose wine buyers have bolstered their premium offering by buying two barrels of rare wine at the historic annual Hospices de Beaune auction.

New report backs minimum pricing as consumption rises 42% from 1980

Published: 05 December, 2016

The government department for public health has praised the benefits of minimum pricing after releasing a report which shows that UK consumers are drinking 42% more than there were in 1980.

World's oldest Port house launches into second major high street retailer

Published: 25 November, 2016

Historic Port brand, Kopke, is currently launching its Reserve Tawny Port into Waitrose - the second time the brand has been listed in a major national retailer in the UK, following the launch of its 1996 Colheita (an aged Tawny Port made with grapes from a single vintage) in M&S in September.

Roberson Wine celebrates 25-year evolution on anniversary

Published: 24 November, 2016

Roberson Wine is celebrating a 25-year evolution from iconic independent to a wholesaler and importer.

Bottled tea range targets luxury mixer market

Published: 23 November, 2016

Luxury tea company Benjamin & Blum has launched a range of bottled teas designed to pair with spirits.

Moët expands festive gift service into on-trade

Published: 22 November, 2016

Champagne house Moët & Chandon is set to expand its personalised gift service into the on-trade this Christmas.

Lambrusco tipped for revival in 2017

Published: 21 November, 2016

Italian sparkling wine Lambrusco looks set for a revival, according to reports in the national press.

Wine Rack: Bringing hybrid to the high street

Published: 18 November, 2016

Wine Rack is calling time on traditional high street retail with the roll-out of hybrid stores across its estate.

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

Published: 17 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.

High street rules at wine and spirits competition

Published: 17 November, 2016

High street retailers such as Aldi and Marks and Spencer were the big winners at an industry awards ceremony to celebrate the biggest names in wines and spirits.

Majestic at "tipping point" as sales rise but profits fall

Published: 17 November, 2016

Majestic faces a challenge to turn sales into profit if they are to deliver their target of £500m in sales by 2019.

Deliveroo expands direct-to-consumer alcohol service with Heineken partnership

Published: 16 November, 2016

On-demand delivery service Deliveroo has joined up with Heineken to launch a new brand through which consumers will be able to get beer and cider delivered direct to their door.