Leading independents hit out at major wine suppliers for their "lazy" service

Leading independent wine merchants have stepped up to the plate today to strongly criticise the quality of service that they are receiving from many of the major UK national wine suppliers and distributors.

Harpers Design Awards relaunches as global competition

The Harpers Design Awards are being relaunched for 2014 as a global competition, inviting entries for wines, spirits, beers, ciders and soft drinks from anywhere in the world - providing they are already on sale in the market.

France Summit to focus on how the country is adapting to UK consumer needs

Harpers will once again be turning the spotlight well and truly on the ins and outs, ups and downs of the French wine category as the French Summit returns for its second year on October 21 at London's St Ermin's Hotel.

World Cup memories from Nik Darlington, Robin Copestick and Rachel Davey

England may have nothing but disappointment to bring home from Brazil, but here we turn to some friends in the trade to remind us of past glories and happy memories from World Cups gone by. If you would like to share your World Cup memories then send to richard.siddle@wrbm.com.

Wine Vision to focus on how industry must adapt to millennials' needs

Wine Vision's return to London in November will examine key issues affecting growth in the industry as relationships between wine brands and consumers change and competition from spirits and beer intensifies.

Beer drives Constellation Brands to increase financial expectations for 2015

Constellation Brands first quarter results for fiscal year 2015 beat expectations primarily due to its Crown Import beer distribution acquisitions last year and based on the results increased its fiscal year outlook.

Treasury Wine Estates appoints Coca-Cola exec to lead Asia and Europe

Constellation Brands hits 52-week high ahead of Q1 2015 results

Constellation Brands (STZ) closed yesterday $88.13 just shy of the 52-week high of $88.55 it hit on June 25, and analysts are optimistic about tomorrow's Q1 results.

Mentzendorff boosts premium Australian wine range with Kilikanoon

Mentzendorff is looking to ramp up its premium Australian wine offering and has taken on distribution of Clare Valley's Kilikanoon as a first step.

Major global speakers lined up for Wine Vision 2014

An international line up of major global wine players is being built up for the second Wine Vision event, being run in association with Harpers, in London between November 17 and 19.

Copestick Murray strengthens overall team as Rachel Archer moves to Off Piste Wines

Copestick Murray has announced a number of staff changes that sees it strengthen its national accounts, sales and marketing teams, but at the same time it has lost I Heart brand manager, Rachel Archer, who is taking up a new role at Off Piste Wines.

Tough fiscal year end closes for drinks industry's biggest players

There won't be many corks popping across the drinks industry this week as the summer marks what has been tough fiscal year for the sector dominated by a slowdown in growth in China.

Will Oatley of Louis Latour Agencies on poor harvests and on-trade trends

Will Oatley, managing director of Louis Latour Agencies, talks the on-trade, poor Burgundy harvests and  putting the spotlight on Champagne.

Treasury changes Penfolds release dates as it writes down AU$260m

Treasury Wine Estates says 2015 will be a "reset year" as it writes down AU$260 million for 2014 and prepares to consolidate Penfolds' release dates to October to better manage allocations.

Burgundy needs two strong harvests to ease stocks and prices

Burgundy needs two strong harvests to get stocks back on track and stabilise prices, says Will Oatley, managing director of Louis Latour Agencies.

Ex Codorníu boss Nick Mantella moves to United Wineries

Nick Mantella, former Codorníu boss, has taken a new role as business development director at United Wineries.

Australia must continue to push its premium wines, says Negociants

"There will always be cheap wine in the market - that shouldn't detract or deviate the Australian wine industry from its premium message", says Negociants managing director Simon Thorpe MW.

Fledgling New Zealand wine brand Te Pa says UK is top priority

Fledgling New Zealand wine brand Te Pa is aiming to harvest a million plus cases per year within the next five to 10 years and is targeting the UK first.

Oxford Landing's ad campaign demonstrates 'absolute' commitment to UK

Australia's Oxford Landing wine brand is launching a 'significant' advertising campaign across London's underground stations, streetscapes and black cabs.

Bodegas Campillo moves from Cellar Trends to Inverarity Morton

Spain's Bodegas Campillo has switched its UK distribution from Cellar Trends to Inverarity Morton to push sales in premium on-trade venues.