Fresh inquiry into Tesco accounts as suppliers come under spotlight

Prosecco sales rocket while still wine lags

Off-trade alcohol sales have risen 2.4% to £14 billion, with volumes up 0.8% - and Italian sparkler Prosecco has seen the most stunning increase of all, with values up 55% throughout 2014.

Harpers launches March for Independents conference and campaign to support merchants

In a bid to put the spotlight firmly on the independent merchant sector Harpers is to launch a campaign in the new year designed to highlight the issues facing retailers which will build up to a major independent merchant conference in London on March 3.

Tesco accused of 'blunderbuss' approach in scrapping supplier fees

Tesco's move to scrap supplier fees and instead focus on getting the lowest prices upfront has been greeted with scepticism by leading consultants who describe is as "old-fashioned" and taking a "blunderbuss approach".

Price wars saved UK shoppers £182m in last three months, says Kantar

While the grocery market has returned to very slight growth, real grocery deflation, which has seen prices fall by 0.7% versus last year, equates to savings of £182 million for consumers in the last three months, according to Kantar. 

Still time to test your knowledge and take the Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge!

There has been a lot going on over the last 12 months and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news, views and opinions in the UK wine and spirits sector. So why not find out how much you remember or what caught your attention in 2014 by taking part in our fun Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge.

Town centres 'hollowing out' over lack of local plans

Instil Drinks appoints new MD and brings PLB beer portfolio under its wing

Bibendum PLB's beer and niche spirits trading arm Instil Drinks Company has incorporated PLB's extensive beer range into its portfolio, including its flagship Estrella Galicia.

Bargain Booze launches discount app to drive sales

Bargain Booze - the 500-strong franchised off-licence chain operated by Conviviality Retail - is investing in an app which will offer customer discounts.

Tesco in bid to scrap controversial supplier fees

Tesco is planning on scrapping its complex system of supplier fees in a move that could shake up the grocery sector.

The Week That Was: news, views and opinions on Harpers.co.uk

If you have been out and about a lot this week enjoying the build up to Christmas, or busy trying to cash in on some festive sales, here is a round up what you might have mised here on Harpers.co.uk:

Lidl comes out top of the grocers for the most effective Christmas TV ad

As if Lidl's 2014 could not get any better, it has now been found to have produced the most effective Christmas television advert, even beating John Lewis's Monty the penguin in to second place.

Prosecco dominates festive fizz sales at major retailers

Sales of Prosecco are fizzing across the major retailers in the run-up to Christmas, with Tesco predicting one in three bottles of sparkling wine sold this year will be the Italian favourite.

Alcohol wholesaler scheme 'massive' boost for legitimate traders and retailers

A new registration scheme for alcohol wholesalers will be a "massive boost for legitimate traders and taxpayers", and a "positive step" for retailers, say trade bodies. 

UK needs to 'take off blinkers' when it comes to bulk wine, says top broker

Seventy percent of all wines are traded at least once in bulk, says leading broker Daniel Murphy, who believes the UK trade needs to wake up to the reality of trading in bulk.

Small business issues are high on the "political agenda" says leading Treasury minister

Small business issues are being placed firmly up the political agenda in the build up to next year's general election, according to the David Gauke MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Retail sales figures for November grow due to Black Friday and online sales

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) says November retail trading was saved by Black Friday and online sales - with electrical goods being the top sellers although premium foods also benefited.

Philglas & Swiggot wine merchant bought by industry consortium including Justin Knock MW

Independent London wine merchant Philglas & Swiggot has been bought over by Justin Knock MW and business partner Damien Jackman, backed by a consortium of investors from across the trade.

Tesco shares plummet as retailer warns on profits

Tesco has issued a warning flagging full-year trading profit will not exceed £1.4 billion - 20% lower than analysts' expectations.

Wine app Drync lets consumers search favourite wines and get delivered to local merchant

US wine app Drync has launched a new feature that allows customers to buy online and have their wine shipped to a local wine retailer for pickup - a move it claims turns local shops into the world's largest wine store.