News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Amber Beverage UK appoints Pavel Verblyudenko as MD

Published: 26 February, 2026

Spirits distributor Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has unveiled a new MD with Pavel Verblyudenko (pictured) taking on the role.

New format Taste Spain delivers gastronomic lift

Published: 26 February, 2026

From Jamón Ibérico to perfect paella, by way of masterclasses on extra virgin olive oil, Vinos de Pagos and Ferrán Centelles’ (of El Bulli fame) cava and sherry session, the new look Taste Spain event in London this week (24 February) certainly delivered on the palate.

Enotria: Jobs at risk as importer puts 50 employees into consultation

Published: 26 February, 2026

Majestic-owned wine importer Enotria is set to put the roles of 50 employees into consultation. This represents around one-in-five of the Park Royal-headquartered firm’s workforce.

Wine merchant and former restaurateur Joseph Berkmann passes away

Published: 25 February, 2026

Joseph Berkmann, the founder of Berkmann Wine Cellars, died two weeks ago aged 94 at his home in St Tropez.

Diageo slashes dividends as drinks giant struggles

Published: 25 February, 2026

Diageo has unveiled its results for the first half of the financial year up to 31 December 2025, with the company reporting declining sales. Organic net sales were down 2.8% while it has set a new minimum floor for its dividend of 50 cent per year, which compares to the 103.48 US cents per share it paid out for FY25.

Ben Franks appointed CEO of Canned Wine Group

Published: 25 February, 2026

Canned Wine Group has announced that one of its founders, Ben Franks, has been appointed CEO of the company, as the business shifts to a new strategic direction with a focus on increasing UK growth.

OurWhisky Foundation opens applications for career development course

Published: 24 February, 2026

Nonprofit the OurWhisky Foundation has announced that applications are now open for the 2026 edition of its professional development course for women in whisky. The Atonia Programme is open to women and non-binary people based in the UK and Ireland seeking to progress their career in the sector.

North South Wines launches charity challenge for Drinks Trust and Restore

Published: 24 February, 2026

B Corp wine importer North South Wines has announced that it has launched a company-wide initiative to raise money for The Drinks Trust and mental health charity Restore.

New EU wine policy framework sees impressive sustainability support

Published: 23 February, 2026

The European Council has today (23 February) announced a “modernised policy framework” to support the EU wine industry. The legislation covers a raft of measures including enhanced sustainability support, new no-alcohol wine definitions and updated labelling practices.

Premiere Napa Valley: Auction dips, but plaudits for 2024 vintage

Published: 23 February, 2026

The week-long celebration that is Premier Napa Valley saw $3 million being raised at its concluding auction on Friday (20 February), confirming the ongoing popularity of this charity fund-raiser.

IMW unveils details for Adelaide Symposium

Published: 23 February, 2026

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has confirmed further details for its 11th International Symposium, which is to take place in Adelaide in April 2027.

Tariff update: Uncertainty for domestic wine and spirits producers

Published: 23 February, 2026

Following the striking down of Trump’s tariff regime by the Supreme Court, the US president announced on Saturday (21 February) that he would introduce a global tariff rate of 15%. This could provide yet another headache for UK drinks exporters who may see duties on products travelling across the pond rise.

Austrian sustainable viticulture reaches record high

Published: 23 February, 2026

The extent of Austrian vineyards which are sustainably farmed has reached an all time high for the country, with 28% of its total area under vine now in compliance with the independent Sustainable Austria programme.

Friday read: Romané Basset on charity, Champagne Scholarships and enabling the good to rise

Published: 20 February, 2026

The co-founding trustee and head of operations at the Gérard Basset Foundation talks Andrew Catchpole through the work of this remarkable charitable organisation.

Report: Widening gap between on-trade engagement and consumption

Published: 20 February, 2026

Market intelligence firm The Oxford Partnership has released its ‘snapshot’ of January 2026 for hospitality venues, which highlights what it called a “widening gap between engagement and consumption”.

Pernod Ricard sees H1 sales slump amid challenging market

Published: 19 February, 2026

French drinks heavyweight Pernod Ricard saw a 5.9% decline in organic sales to €5.25bn in the first half of its financial year. Declines were most concerning in the US and Chinese markets, falling 15% and 28%, respectively.

Flint Wines adds Bodega Noemía to its portfolio

Published: 19 February, 2026

Flint Wines has announced that it has partnered with the acclaimed Patagonian producer Bodega Noemía as its exclusive UK distributor.

Tejo region terroir Serras recognised

Published: 19 February, 2026

CVR Tejo has announced the recognition of the Portuguese region’s fourth terroir, Serras, after a regional soil study completed in 2025.

‘Blindfold is off’: Optimistic outlook at Fells portfolio tasting

Published: 18 February, 2026

At Fells’ busy annual portfolio tasting at the Thames-side IET London, a positive mood was on display, particularly from MD at the importer, Euan Mackay. After a year of government-induced challenges, he believes the business is now well adapted to recent changes.