Stag’s Leap backer steps down after 17 years as president of Ste. Michelle

Ted Baseler, the man who brought Stag’s Leap winery under the auspices of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is retiring after 34 years with the company.

Molson Coors chases the buzz with joint marijuana venture

Molson Coors is the latest mega-brewer to announce plans to make hybrid beverages with one of Canada’s leading cannabis producers, further signalling the march of smoke products into the alcoholic sector.

Fever-Tree puts the UK at the forefront of premium and healthy drinking trends

Fever-Tree continues to gain ground in the UK and the US as the trend for premiumisation and healthy long drinks continues worldwide.

Gaucho sacrifices “struggling” sister chain in final bid to find a buyer

Gaucho has announced it is closing all of its Cau sites in order to focus on stabilising the Argentinian wine and steak restaurant.

Kiwi winegrowers predict ‘modest’ export growth in spite of good harvest

New Zealand winegrowers are predicting only modest export growth for the coming year in spite of a 6% surge in grape production.

UK sales of Aperol and Campari drive group growth

Campari’s stable of brands continue to drive “sustainable growth” for the group, including Aperol and Campari, where sales rose in the UK during the first three months of the year.

Not too big to fail: Where it all went wrong for Conviviality

With annual sales of £1.6bn and shares flying high at 425p each on the stock market at the end of 2017, Conviviality seemed to be more than keeping its head above water in the choppy seas of today’s difficult trading environment.

Côtes du Rhône scam sold 66 million bottles of fake wine

The extent of a large-scale wine fraud in the Côtes du Rhône has been unveiled, amounting to 66.5 million bottles of counterfeit wine.

China to squeeze bulk supply of Australian red to critical levels over next 3-5 years

Fever-Tree continues to lead the premium pack by adapting to low-cal and dark spirit trends

Fever-Tree accounted for 91% of the value growth of all mixers on the UK’s retail shelves last year, as the UK-based company continues to lead the march of premium mixers.

TWE declares war on Rush Rich and other ‘copycat operators’

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) is embroiled in yet another legal challenge, this time against a label which it claims intentionally riffs off the look and feel of one of its flagship Australian brands.

Sir George Fistonich steps down as Villa Maria CEO after 55 years

Top New Zealand winery Villa Maria has a new CEO.

Conviviality sales surge 9.2% as market share grows

Sales at independent drinks distributor Conviviality surged by 9.2% to £836.3m in the 26 weeks to October 29 2017, the group announced today.

ADT suppliers up their Oz bids as competition ramps up from China and the US

A hardy – dare we suggest, typically Australian – attitude to price hikes and supply challenges was the main exhibit at yesterday’s Australia Day Tasting, where plenty of creative and business flair set out the category’s stall for 2018.

Catering exec and wine enthusiast dies in tragic plane crash

The foodservice industry is mourning the loss of one of its giants this morning, as the world media reports the tragic loss of Richard Cousins, CEO of catering company Compass Group.

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.

Schaafsma says major Oz distribution deal makes Broadland "relevant" for the future

Broadland Wineries is aiming to become a one-stop shop for antipodean wines thanks to a new major distribution deal which will see them partner with Australia’s biggest bulk wine supplier.

Hillebrand appoints Cees van Gent as CEO

JF Hillebrand Group has appointed Cees van Gent as chief executive officer.

Gonzalo Pedrosa steps down as head of Sogevinus

Gonzalo Pedrosa has stepped down as head of Port company Sogevinus in what has been described as “a mutually agreed decision” between the board and the former CEO.