Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Inside London's super distillery

Published: 24 January, 2017

In case anyone was in doubt, the opening of new London hotspot, Portobello Road's The Distillery, is proof that the gin renaissance is alive and well in London.

Gifting and corporate sales leads to better than expected Christmas at Virgin Wines

Published: 20 January, 2017

Gains in its gifting business and expanding it loyalty membership by over a third helped Virgin Wines to pull in bumper sales this Christmas.

A look back at May's Brexit speech: What does it mean for the trade?

Published: 20 January, 2017

As we hurtle towards the hard Brexit scenario outlined by Theresa May in her speech earlier this week, there are two main concerns affecting our industry.

WSTA calls on industry to help prevent wine being "singled out" at next budget

Published: 20 January, 2017

The body which represents the wine and spirits industry is calling on the industry to make sure that wine is looked on favourably at the next budget.

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

Published: 20 January, 2017

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.

WSTA calls UKVA's application for English fizz PGI a "side-show"

Published: 19 January, 2017

The UK Vineyards Association (UKVA) has revealed plans to apply for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for English sparkling wine, using the term "British Fizz".

Barwell & Jones prepares to re-launch Marqués de Riscal in the UK

Published: 19 January, 2017

Historic Spanish winery Marqués de Riscal will be the focus of a new marketing and sales push to promote its presence in the UK.

Future trends: Technology turning "going out" into "staying in" and replacing planning with spontaneity

Published: 19 January, 2017

A new report from drinks giant Diageo which identifies three key social trends for the year ahead, shows that technology will increasingly become be a driving factor in how consumers spend their time.

Peer calls for law amendment to offer greater protection for pubs

Published: 18 January, 2017

Lord Roy Kennedy of Southwark, shadow spokesperson for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), has confirmed his support for strengthening planning laws to protect vulnerable pubs across England.

New Zealand - pushing the premium

Published: 18 January, 2017

Premiumisation is the trend that is sweeping the world globally, with not just beers, wines and spirits, but also FMCGs like milk and beauty products taking the international market by storm according to Nielsen.

Regionality and terroir: The battle for New Zealand Pinot Noir

Published: 18 January, 2017

Away from its Burgundian origins, Pinot Noir has found a home from home in the cool climates of New Zealand's Marlborough, Nelson and Wairarapa regions.

New World Trading Company moves to new home following £50m sale

Published: 18 January, 2017

Hospitality group The New World Trading Company (NWTC) has settled into its new home on King Street, Knutsford following the sale to private equity firm Graphite Capital last year.

Cognac sales reach value and volume highs in 2016

Published: 17 January, 2017

Sales of Cognac reached their highest level in terms of volume and value in 2016, the body which oversees the Cognac industry has reported.

Think Rum Awards winners 2017 announced for Harpers' inaugural event

Published: 17 January, 2017

Rum's top advocates were recognised for their contributions to this increasingly popular and sometimes misunderstood spirit when Harpers celebrated its inaugural Think Rum event yesterday (January 16).

New chairman announced for The Benevolent

Published: 16 January, 2017

The Benevolent, the charity for the UK drinks industry, has a new chairman.

Pinkster Gin follows Matthew Clark listing with first special edition bottle

Published: 16 January, 2017

With Majestic Retail and others reporting bumper sales of premium gin over the festive trading period, one gin brand in particular is looking to make the most out of the UK's next significant commercial holiday.

Multi-million dollar R&D project aims to bring "international recognition" to Australian Shiraz

Published: 16 January, 2017

5.3 million AUD is being invested to better understand - and promote - Australian terroir to international markets.

Liberty Wines to distribute Sogrape in the UK

Published: 16 January, 2017

Sogrape and Liberty Wines have announced they will be partnering with the hopes of expanding the Portuguese company's presence in the UK, specifically the premium on-trade.

Weaker pound and Brits staying in the UK over Christmas gave trade welcome boost ahead of Brexit-laden 2017

Published: 13 January, 2017

Analysts have suggested that struggling sterling swaying Brits to stay in the UK over the festive season 2016 is the reason that outlets are celebrating record sales this week.

Matthew Clark adds beer and spirits to new circus-themed annual tasting concept

Published: 13 January, 2017

Preparations for the spring trade tasting season are well underway, as is the case with Matthew Clark, which is ramping up its annual tasting by showcasing a wider proportion of its portfolio.