News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Rioja shipments to UK hit all-time high

Published: 23 July, 2008

Rioja shipments to the UK reached a record high of 22.9 million litres last year, a growth of 19% on 2005.

Bacardi considers bid for V&S

Published: 23 July, 2008

Bacardi, the maker of the world's leading rum brand, has contacted the Swedish government, saying it wants to buy Vin & Sprit (V&S), the owner of Absolut vodka.

Classification row rages in St Emilion

Published: 23 July, 2008

The owner of St Emilion property Grand Corbin-Despagne has slammed the three chteaux in the region that have challenged last year's classification following their demoted status.

Sparkling wine sales set for 26% growth

Published: 23 July, 2008

The UK sparkling wine market is expected to grow faster than that of any other European country according to new research.

Champagne shipments double

Published: 23 July, 2008

A huge jump in December imports for Champagne lifted the UK out of a negative showing for 2006.

Montgolfier accepts UMC president role

Published: 23 July, 2008

Ghislain de Montgolfier, president of Champagne Bollinger, has been appointed as the new president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). He will take up his position on 15 March, the day of the UMC's annual general assembly.

Premium brand demand shrinking'

Published: 23 July, 2008

Paul Walsh, chief executive of UK spirits company Diageo, has said demand for premium brands is shrinking'.

Tour de France

Published: 23 July, 2008

When: Wednesday 14 March, 10am-5.30pm
Where: The Nursery End Pavilion, Lord's Cricket Ground, London NW8
Contact: Tina Coady on 01638 614 775 or register at www.franceunderoneroof.co.uk

California calling

Published: 23 July, 2008

Venue: Royal Horticultural Halls, London
Date: Tuesday 13 March, 10.30am-5.30pm

The Interview: Jorge Fernandez and Rick Wells, Proprietors, Fernandez and Wells, Soho, London

Published: 23 July, 2008

Jorge Fernandez, a Londoner of Spanish parentage, has spent most of his career conceptualising and running coffee bars. He opened the Caf at Foyles, which his wife now runs, and for several years was the general manager at the Monmouth Coffee Company. Rick Wells was born in Zimbabwe, where he lived until he was 10. He has spent his career to date reporting on Africa for the BBC, and a few years ago, pursuing his passion for wine, he started a small business sourcing and importing wines for friends. A regular Monmouth customer, Wells got to know Fernandez and realised that both dreamed of opening up a shop. Fernandez and Wells, a deli-cum-wine shop focusing on wine, cheese and cured meat from France, Italy and Spain, opened in January, and a new venue specialising in coffee, cake and chocolate will open later this year. Some wines are specially sourced by Wells, others are supplied by John Armit and Enotria .

Third region joins Austria appellation

Published: 23 July, 2008

A new region has joined Austria's growing appellation system as the country moves further to promote its wines by area rather than variety.

What's the attraction?

Published: 23 July, 2008

Can magnets affect the flavour of wine? A MW student stands to in a prize of US$1 million if his dissertation proves that controversial magnetic wine-improving devices actually work as claimed.

Yquem sale makes 775,000

Published: 23 July, 2008

The most extensive collection ever of Chteau d'Yquem has been sold for a record-breaking 775,000.

Malts make the mix

Published: 23 July, 2008

Blended Scotch accounts for around 90% of total Scotch whisky sales, which sounds great, but blends have been experiencing a gentle, sustained decline in the UK. There's a particular lack of understanding and appreciation among younger consumers, who are focused on vodka and its amazing mixability.

Foster's could be takeover target

Published: 23 July, 2008

Only two years after it took over Southcorp, Australia's largest wine producer, Foster's could itself become a takeover target. That is the conclusion of some analysts Down Under following publication of disappointing figures from Australia's leading drinks producer.

Phylloxera strikes in New Zealand

Published: 23 July, 2008

A wine estate in Wairarapa has been hit by phylloxera, making it likely that the entire region will become infected.

Record exports for France

Published: 23 July, 2008

French wine and spirit exports hit an all-time high in 2006. According to the Fdration des Exportateurs de Vins et de Spiriteux de France (FEVS), exports were up 12.9% in 2006, representing a total value of 8.74 billion.

New direction for United Brands

Published: 23 July, 2008

United Brands is under new management, and major changes have already been made.

Mdoc chteaux part company with Rolland

Published: 23 July, 2008

Michel Rolland is giving up his consulting work on 15 Mdoc and Graves properties as the left bank pushes for a more recognisable, Cabernet-focused style. Chteaux Kirwan in Margaux and de Fieuzal in Graves are among those that Rolland is leaving, but he will remain at Malescot, despite reports to the contrary. Rolland also wished to make it clear that he has never been associated with Chteau Branaire.

New 8.5% abv wine set for pubs

Published: 23 July, 2008

A new wine brand with an alcohol level of 8.5% by volume is to hit pubs in mid-April, and is likely to herald the emergence of a mid-strength wine category in the UK.