Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Cork’s march to ascendancy

Published: 25 February, 2021

Having removed much of the taint of TCA to cork’s reputation, the classic stopper continues to establish itself as a benchmark of quality, as James Lawrence reports.

Delayed on-trade reopening redoubles calls for support

Published: 23 February, 2021

The government’s roadmap for re-opening has brought little cheer for hospitality, with already financially-stricken restaurants, bars and pubs languishing towards the back of the queue.

Bancroft Wines: The glass half full

Published: 16 February, 2021

With a raft of new producers folded into its portfolio, Bancroft’s Jon Worsley explains to Andrew Catchpole why he’s cautiously optimistic about the year ahead

Soaring demand for rosé and exports at Nyetimber

Published: 15 February, 2021

Nyetimber has reported a major spike in demand for rosé in 2020 from their south east England vineyards, despite the loss of social drinking occasions often associated with pink wines.

Vivino plans further UK investment following “skyrocketing” 2020 growth

Published: 04 February, 2021

Wine app Vivino has unveiled plans for investment in one of its strongest markets, the UK, after revenues there increased 114% in just one year.

Long read: It’s time for a France re-think

Published: 04 February, 2021

Rowena Curlewis, CEO of drinks design specialist Denomination, tells us why she thinks French wine brands could afford to up the ‘badass’ design stakes when marketing overseas.

Game on 2021: Hospitality needs to come out fighting fit

Published: 14 January, 2021

The new edition of Harpers, out today, will reach readers hot on the heels of a parliamentary debate on the need for the creation of a minister for hospitality role in UK government. Resulting from the success of the Seat at the Table petition launched by hotelier Robin Hutson, of The Pig group and (formerly) Hotel du Vin fame, the proposal gained “an overwhelmingly positive response from all corners”, as reported by Harpers.

Nicholls: ‘Continuing to batter hospitality is not the answer’

Published: 15 December, 2020

UK Hospitality has branded London’s, and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire, move to Tier 3 as illogical, warning that businesses will be pushed towards failure and more jobs put at risk as a result.

One-size-fits-all approach will harm UK recovery

Published: 10 December, 2020

The UK must adopt a regionally tailored recovery strategy if it is to recover fully from the impact of the global pandemic, which has exacerbated London-centric trends.

Michael Saunders’ 2020 vision

Published: 10 December, 2020

Michael Saunders takes a deep dive into the challenges facing the trade as Andrew Catchpole catches up with Bibendum’s CEO and chair of the WSTA

Future of Wine Forum calls for industry leadership

Published: 09 December, 2020

Among many insightful climate-related sessions at the Future of Wine Forum 2020, the plenary discussion on what wine industry leadership should look like stood out. Andrew Catchpole reports

Drinks Trust survey highlights need for upskilling and greater diversity inclusion

Published: 08 December, 2020

The drinks industry still has a way to go to being a more supportive place for those facing employment, mental health and inclusion issues, the Drinks Trust’s annual survey has found.

The survey, which aims to inform the objectives and support offered by the charity each year, found that 66% of respondents believe that diversity has remained the same in the industry in 2020, with only 29% receiving any kind of training on diversity and inclusion. A further 23% revealed they had faced discrimination due to race, gender, sexuality or disability in the workplace.

Q&A Javier R de Galarreta, ARAEX Grands Spanish Fine Wines

Published: 01 December, 2020

Javier R de Galarreta, founder and CEO of ARAEX Grands Spanish Fine Wines, explains why Rioja remains the headline hero with the backdrop of Araex’s growing portfolio of estates straddling Spain’s premium winemaking regions

Lousada steps up as CEO at QB

Published: 06 November, 2020

Quintessential Brands (QB) has announced changes for its senior team, with former MD James Lousada stepping up to take the role of CEO.

Villa Maria looks to sell surplus land as part of global growth ambitions

Published: 05 November, 2020

Leading New Zealand estate Villa Maria has announced it is aiming to sell 31 ha of surplus land surrounding its headquarters in Mangere, Auckland, and is exploring raising capital to accelerate growth plans worldwide.

The cost of lockdown 2.0 in numbers

Published: 04 November, 2020

There’s no escaping the imminent impact of lockdown 2.0 on on-trade Christmas sales, even if we go back to the tiered system in December.

CVA saves five Iberica restaurants

Published: 26 October, 2020

Spanish tapas restaurant and bar group Iberica has successfully emerged from the threat of insolvency, saving around 135 jobs and five out of seven outlets.

Simon Thorpe MW joins Wine GB team

Published: 21 October, 2020

Wine GB has strengthened its team with the appointment of Simon Thorpe MW as new CEO.

Majestic unveils ‘Diversity In Wine’ Scholarship

Published: 17 September, 2020

Majestic is launching a new, all expenses paid scholarship to put up to 50 candidates from BAME or diverse backgrounds through their WSET Level 2 qualification.

Kate Nicholls, CEO, UK Hospitality

Published: 14 September, 2020

With hospitality one of the hardest hit sectors in the wake of the pandemic, the head of the leading trade organisation has no end of crucial issues to deal with. Kate Nicholls talks strategy to Lisa Riley