News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

50 Best Indies 2025: The full list

Published: 10 January, 2025

Once again we reveal our 50 Best Indies, highlighting the most dynamic merchants in the wine and spirits world.

Noble Rot sommelier jumps ship to Burgundy

Published: 10 January, 2025

Stephanie Wangui, erstwhile sommelier at Noble Rot Mayfair and a Sommelier Wine Awards judge, has relocated to the Cote d'Or to work as a trainee viticulturist with Domaine Guy Roulot.

Amber Beverage UK adds Orsadrinks (ODK) to portfolio

Published: 10 January, 2025

Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has become the exclusive UK distributor for a Piedmont-based manufacturer of fruit purees, syrups and RTDs, after being impressed by the company's “unrivalled sourcing, quality, authenticity and design”.

50 Best Indies 2025: Watch the Top 10 reveal at our winners lunch

Published: 10 January, 2025

This week has seen the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Restless River joins Liberty Wines

Published: 10 January, 2025

South African winery Restless River has become the latest member of the c being renowned for its cool climate varietals.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Erik Simonics, Sunset Hospitality Group

Published: 10 January, 2025

Rounding off our end of year talking heads is Erik Simonics, head of wine & beverage UK for Sunset Hospitality Group, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

50 Best Indies 2025 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 09 January, 2025

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Bancroft appoints new sales director

Published: 09 January, 2025

Bancroft Wines has announced the appointment of Tony Schendel to its governance board, joining the team as sales director following an illustrious career in the trade.

Domaine Lafage becomes latest member of Hallgarten family

Published: 09 January, 2025

A leading producer in the Languedoc-Roussillon has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Hallgarten & Novum Wines, adding further clout to the importer's expanding portfolio of French wineries.

WSET joint bursary scheme open for entries

Published: 08 January, 2025

Applications are now open for a joint bursary programme designed to “widen access to drinks education”, organised by the WSET in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Distillers (WCD) and The Drinks Trust.

Latest YouGov report uncovers a surge in UK abstinence

Published: 08 January, 2025

A new survey commissioned by The Portman Group, undertaken in partnership with YouGov, suggests that the moderation trend is gaining significant traction, as “more people are drinking low and no alcohol alternatives than ever before”.

50 Best Indies 2025 ranking: 30-21 revealed

Published: 08 January, 2025

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

UK trade rallies behind Curious Vines 'in support of gender diversity'

Published: 08 January, 2025

A diverse cross-section of importers, distributors and merchants have pledged their financial support to Curious Vines, the UK-based support group for women and non-binary people set up by Queena Wong.

Ellis Wines switches to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel in major sustainability drive

Published: 08 January, 2025

A London-based wine merchant has become the first independent to run the majority of its delivery fleet using sustainable HVO fuel, with a minimal reliance on fossil fuels expected to be phased out in the near future.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Dean Pritchard, Gwin Llyn Wines

Published: 08 January, 2025

Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Dean Pritchard, owner of Gwin Llyn Wines, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

50 Best Indies 2025 ranking: 40-31 revealed

Published: 07 January, 2025

This week marks the launch of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Premium sales receive a boost as Christmas shoppers splash out on festive fizz

Published: 07 January, 2025

Household spending at the multiples hit a record high in Christmas 2024 as December became the busiest month for footfall since the pre-lockdown rush in March 2020, according Kantar. Overall take-home sales at the grocers rose by 2.1% over the four weeks to 29 December compared with last year.

Food & Beverage programme relaunches to help 'struggling hospitality sector'

Published: 06 January, 2025

Leading restaurateur Neville Abraham CBE is encouraging applicants of all backgrounds to apply for his innovative F&B Manager Development Programme, initially launched in October last year.

50 Best Indies 2025 ranking: 50-41 revealed

Published: 06 January, 2025

This week marks the launch of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Vivat Bacchus join forces with Africa College Foundation to ‘empower South African youth’

Published: 06 January, 2025

London-based South African restaurant Vivat Bacchus has unveiled a new partnership with the charity Africa College Foundation, forging a pact to “support education for disadvantaged youth in South Africa”.