Brexit minister begins talks with the WSTA to discuss how to manage leaving the EU

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) met Brexit minister David Jones last week to discuss how the industry can protect trade and the 600,000 of jobs currently supporting the UK wines and spirits industry.

Independent tasting SITT to be taken over by Harpers publisher

Harpers' publisher, Agile Media Ltd, is pleased to announced that is taking over the running and full responsibility of SITT - the leading tasting for Independents from the on- and off-trade.

Institute welcomes 18 new MWs

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has inducted 18 new Masters of Wine to its prestigious roster.

Coravin looking to boost global expansion

American wine preservation company Coravin has completed the first round of a $22.5 million (£18.1 million) equity financing campaign to rapidly accelerate its global reach.

Memorial service to be held for friends and colleagues of beloved trade member, Ben Campbell-Johnston

Cracking the UK market

At first glance, the answers to the holy grail of successful trading in the UK might appear obvious.

Friarwood puts fine wine online

Independent fine wine merchant Friarwood has launched its first e-commerce service, opening up its collection of fine wines to same day and next delivery.

Fever Tree sees strong growth in demand for premium mixers

Premium tonic water producer, Fever Tree, is in line to jump ahead of predictions in the second half of 2016, with analysts predicting full-year UK sales growth of 95%.

White wines of the Douro: Emerging from fortified's shadow

Famous for its Port fortified wines, far less is understood about the Douro's long history of white winemaking.

M&S to close 60 clothing and home stores but grow its Simply Food chain

Marks & Spencer is planning a major re-structure to focus on its food and drinks offering, after profits plunged 88%.

How wine is adapting to suit a new generation

With technology opening up new possibilities, the trade is finding new ways of not only engaging with younger consumers but making them part of their business models too.

WSET expands into the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has become the latest European country to offer courses in wines and spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

Anne Burchett to leave Sopexa

Anne Burchett has resigned as her role as MD of the UK & Ireland at food, beverage and lifestyle marketing agency, Sopexa.

Jackson Family Wines launches new international distribution strategy for flagship wineries

Jackson Family Wines (JFW) has upped the global distribution of two of its top Californian wineries, Cardinale and Vérité, to increase supply outside of the US and Canada.

Jago looks to grow WSTA membership and "unite the trade" ahead of Brexit

New WSTA chairman Dan Jago has said he wants to strengthen the trade body by including more members in order to face the "monumental" challenge posed by Brexit head-on.

Q&A: Xavier Rousset MS and Gearoid Devaney MS, Cabotte

Xavier Rousset MS and Gearoid Devaney MS, restaurateur and wine importer respectively, have opened a Burgundy oasis in the City, realising a long-held dream.

Great Western partners to offer wine and vinyl subscription service

A Bath-based wine merchant is by teaming up with two craft businesses which will see their wines paired, not with cheese or olives, but with chocolates and vinyl records.

Spotlight on Scottish gin inside the Scottish Parliament

Scotland's contribution to the UK's gin boom took centre stage at a meeting of MSPs and producers inside the Scottish Parliament, where it was recognised for being one of - if not the - biggest gin exporters in the world.

New UK team for the California Wine Institute

The California Wine Institute has put together a new team to raise the profile of California in the UK - its largest European export market.

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

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.