Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Logistical nightmares: Conflict’s profound impact on drinks supply chains

Published: 18 May, 2026

Logistics has been a difficult business in recent years. While there are many complex reasons for this, the broad-brush picture is clear – global tensions are on the rise, and with them, supply-side shocks. The most recent manifestation of this is, of course, the US and Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iran, which has resulted in the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz – an incredibly important passage for maritime trade.

Regulation: The perks and drawbacks of closer UK-EU alignment

Published: 05 May, 2026

In defiance of the axiom about reopening old wounds, Labour has brought Brexit back into the headlines. According to a recent BBC report, the UK and the EU are exploring a potential deal to more closely align food and drink standards – including wine – within the single market framework.

Sustainability 101: Challenges in being environmental

Published: 01 December, 2025

Members of the Harpers Sustainability Charter outline current and likely future challenges on the road to a greater green profile. Oliver Catchpole reports.

Greencroft Two wine bottling facility opens with focus on sustainability

Published: 04 October, 2024

Greencroft Two, a new £21m wine bottling plant, has opened in the UK, promising to raise the bar for sustainability in the industry. The 240,000 sq ft facility, now home to Greencroft Bottling, can handle up to 400 million litres of wine annually once fully operational.

Tony Cleary of Lanchester Group wins ESG Award

Published: 19 October, 2023

Lanchester Group founder Tony Cleary has won The ESG Award as part of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders programme for 2023.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Andrew Porton, Lanchester Group

Published: 14 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Andrew Porton, wine division managing director at Lanchester Group, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead

Culling carbon - how to face the challeneges of Net Zero

Published: 06 July, 2022

Harpers drew together a panel at LWF to discuss Meeting the Challenges of the Net Zero Journey, which delivered compelling insights into the demanding but critical journey ahead.