Scotland’s minimum unit alcohol pricing may not be curbing drinking in those most vulnerable

The introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol may not be curbing drinking habits of those most at risk, according to a new report.

Looking ahead: Doug Wregg, Les Caves de Pyrène

With the first half of 2022 already history, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities.

English wine comes of age at the UK’s wine ‘BAFTAs’

English and Welsh wine appears to have entered a new era of maturity, as ‘newcomers’ to the scene continue to rake in accolades alongside more established names.

WSET course providers now able to resume activities in mainland China

Following a suspension of business in mainland China in 2021, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) will once again offer courses.

Government extends off-sales licence after backlash

The government has announced that it will extend the alcohol off-sales easement, introduced during the pandemic, to September 2023, following a campaign led by UKHospitality and other sector bodies.

Zweigelt waltzes into town as red counterpart to Grüner

Austria’s Zweigelt may be 100 years old, but on the evidence of a tasting laid on by Neusiedlersee DAC at London’s Trivet restaurant, the variety is as fresh as they come.

Cadman Capital launches new-look website with crypto payment option

Following research earlier in the year to better understand its customer’s needs, Cadman Fine Wines has announced the launch of a new website for its wine retail businesses, complete with crypto payment functionality.

Friday read: Why bulk is the hot ticket in the face of climate change

In a rapidly warming world the wine industry needs to modernise and that means embracing bulk, argues Richard Lloyd, general manager at The Park, Europe’s largest wine packaging facility.

Bordeaux Day 2022: Uncovering hidden gems

Now in its second year, Bordeaux Day returned to Manchester and London this week for two days of tastings, meetings and conversations. 

Majestic re-enter En Primeur market with Bordeaux ‘21 campaign

After a fourteen year absence; the UK’s largest specialist retailer, Majestic, is reentering the en primeur market with a new campaign for Bordeaux’s 2021 vintage.

Justerini & Brooks in South African Expansion

Hospitality sector recovery stymied by labour shortages, rising costs, and a drop in consumer confidence

A new report, Future Shock – Leaving Covid Behind, shows sales are back to pre-pandemic levels, but 15% of roles remain vacant, costs are spiralling, and the cost of living challenges is impacting consumer spending.

Herdade dos Grous joins IWCA

Herdade dos Grous has joined the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), committing to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions annually and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Artesian launches Artesian Atelier

Award-winning London bar, Artesian, will launch Artesian Atelier this month, a workshop and guest bar series for mixologists.

Exton Park Announces New CEO Appointment, Robin McMillan

Hampshire-based Vineyard, Exton Park, has announced the appointment of Robin McMillan as its new CEO.

June online retail growth remains negative, but freefall eases slightly

Capgemini has announced its June IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks the online sales performance of over 200 retailers.

African spirits group Spearhead announces $3million investment

Spearhead, the Black-owned African spirits group, has raised $3 million.

Low and no moves to the mainstream as moderate drinkers drive boom

New research has shown how the booming low and no category has established a new middle ground, where moderate drinkers are increasingly the ones pushing the category to new levels of growth.

Ardbeg enthusiast buys one-of-a-kind 1975 Islay single malt for £16million

A one-of-a-kind 1975 cask of Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky, which survived the distillery’s two brushes with closure, has sold to a private collector in Asia for £16million. 

Study predicts growth in UK wine production due to climate change

New research has revealed how climate change is likely to increase potential wine production in the UK, with conditions projected to resemble those in famous growing regions of France and Germany.