Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hallgarten continues portfolio expansion with first cognac

Published: 25 July, 2025

The importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has continued its portfolio expansion apace with the addition of Cognac producer Frapin.

LWC opens sustainable depot in Merseyside

Published: 25 July, 2025

Independent wholesaler LWC has opened a 74,500sq ft state-of-the-art distribution depot in Knowsley, Merseyside, in what it says is “a major investment in the region and setting a new standard for service and sustainability”.

Brand Phoenix partners with Australia’s McWilliam's Wines

Published: 16 July, 2025

Wine agency and distributor Brand Phoenix has unveiled a new partnership with New South Wales-based McWilliam's Wines.

Hallgarten & Novum Wines continues expansion with 18 new staff

Published: 09 July, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has added 18 new team members in a move that means it has boosted its numbers by nearly 50% in the last 18 months.

Hallgarten & Novum Wines partners with Champagne Gosset

Published: 02 July, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has entered a strategic partnership with Champagne Gosset, becoming the exclusive distributor of its portfolio to the UK hospitality and retail sectors.

Provençal rosé estate Château Sainte Roseline partners with North South

Published: 13 June, 2025

North South Wines, the Bicester-based importer, has bolstered its Provençal rosé offering with the addition of Château Sainte Roseline to its range.

Bottle weight update to Hallgarten Eco Standard

Published: 06 June, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has updated its sustainability guide to include analysis of bottle weight and use of recycled materials in wine bottles.

EWGA slashes emissions with HVO fuel switch

Published: 05 June, 2025

Lancashire wine importer and wholesaler EWGA Wines has announced it is switching its entire fleet of vans from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel.

Bibendum-owner C&C Group's operating profit rises with revenue stable

Published: 28 May, 2025

The owner of importer Bibendum, C&C Group has announced its results for the financial year ending 28 February 2025.

Venus Wine and Spirits expansion continues with new Birmingham depot

Published: 14 May, 2025

Venus Wine and Spirits Merchants is poised to open a fifth distribution centre one year after the business was acquired by the Booker Group in 2024.

Profile: Thorman Hunt’s Simon Thorpe MW

Published: 13 May, 2025

Being selfish, please don’t tell the world how good TH are!” As pleas of the ‘don’t spoil the party for those in the know’ go, this comment, from a London-based wine consultant, stands as pretty flattering, whichever way you slice it. And it certainly seems to fit with the image of Thorman Hunt out in the wider trade; namely that this team of self-described ‘wine shippers’ quietly gets on with doing what it does well – shifting great wines without fanfare or fuss. And, as anyone who has attended its tastings will doubtless attest, the French-dominated, generally smaller domaine-led portfolio lands some beautiful organoleptic punches, with subtle and elegant styles being to the fore.

Diageo GB announces new marketing and innovation director

Published: 30 April, 2025

Drinks giant Diageo Great Britain has announced the appointment of Ursula Mejía Melgar as its new marketing and innovation director. The role will see the new director responsible for shaping leading brands including Guiness, Smirnoff and Gordon’s in the UK market.

LWC and MDCV enter new on-trade partnership

Published: 24 April, 2025

Producer of English and Provençal wines MDCV UK has announced a fresh on-trade distribution partnership with wholesaler LWC. The deal will see LWC distribute two of MDCV’s English wine brands: Silverhand Estate and Harlot.

Mangrove expands Japanese whisky offering with Togouchi

Published: 24 April, 2025

UK spirits distributor Mangrove Global has announced the addition of whisky producer Togouchi to its portfolio. The onboarding will see Mangrove’s Japanese whisky ranks swell from two – Akashi and Yamazakura being the existing brands – to three.

Bibendum recruits Corpinnat producer Sabaté i Coca to portfolio

Published: 16 April, 2025

Importer and on-trade specialist Bibendum has announced the expansion of its sparkling portfolio with the addition of Corpinnat producer Sabaté i Coca.

North South Wines appoints new hires amid growth push

Published: 16 April, 2025

Bicester-based importer North South Wines has announced the appointment of two new team members. Holly Ninnes (pictured, left) joins in the newly created role of commercial buyer, with Mark Juggins (right) stepping in as the company’s latest head of off-trade. The new additions are part of a wider five-year growth strategy which seeks to expand the business’s commercial footprint.

Majestic completes acquisition of Enotria&Coe

Published: 15 April, 2025

Majestic has confirmed the completion of its acquisition of wine and spirit distributor Enotria&Coe as part of its drive to become the pre-eminent supplier of wines and spirits across the UK.

Singing the same tune: Hallgarten and Royal Albert Hall partner

Published: 09 April, 2025

Famed London music venue the Royal Albert Hall has announced Hallgarten & Novum Wines as its latest Brand Partner, with the importer continuing to expand its commercial footprint.

Milestone Wines adds sommelier Marcello Colletti to London team

Published: 21 March, 2025

Lancashire–based importer Milestone Wines has added sommelier Marcello Colletti to its London on-trade team. The role will see Colletti head up restaurant sales within the M25.