News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Drake & Morgan raises £500k for cancer charity Maggie’s

Published: 04 March, 2026

Bar and restaurant group Drake & Morgan has raised £500,000 for Maggie’s cancer charity.

Morellino di Scansano DOCG introduces Superiore designation

Published: 04 March, 2026

The Superiore designation for Morellino di Scansano DOCG has been officially published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale, fulfilling the production regulations approved by the Members’ Assembly in 2025.

Henkell Freixenet secures 100% ownership of Freixenet

Published: 04 March, 2026

Sparkling wine giant Henkell Freixenet has unveiled it now has full ownership of Freixenet SA, becoming its sole shareholder.

Calvados holds out against contracting spirits background

Published: 03 March, 2026

French apple spirit Calvados recorded a sales volume contraction of 5.6% in 2025, representing a moderate drop compared to the more significant deceleration happening in global spirits.

Five wines gain top Cava designation

Published: 03 March, 2026

DO Cava has announced that five new wines have received the ‘Guarda Superior Paraje Calificado’ designation, the premier Cava categorisation the body gives out.

Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards returns for third year

Published: 02 March, 2026

The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards has returned for its third consecutive year, with its intensive judging week due to take place from 6 to 10 March.

Laurent-Perrier gallops into partnership with Newbury Racecourse

Published: 02 March, 2026

Champagne house Laurent-Perrier and Berkshire’s Newbury Racecourse have unveiled a three-year partnership.

Humble Grape launches Women in Wine campaign

Published: 02 March, 2026

Humble Grape – an independent with a number of wine bars, shops and restaurants – has launched its “Women in Wine: Smashing Grapes and the Patriarchy” campaign for International Women’s Month.

LWC becomes Harpers Sustainability Charter signatory

Published: 02 March, 2026

Independent drinks distributor LWC has become the latest signatory of the Harpers Sustainability Charter. The goal of the initiative is to build a network of sustainably-minded drinks businesses and act as a reference for companies looking to work with sustainable partners.

Friday Read: Indigo Wine’s authenticity ethos aligns with premium trends

Published: 27 February, 2026

At specialist importer Indigo Wine’s portfolio tasting, Harpers caught up with MD Regine Lee MW who believes the importer’s philosophy is aligning well with market trends in the premium on- and off-trade.

Plumpton push for wine industry careers

Published: 27 February, 2026

Ahead of National Careers Week (2-7 March 2026), Sussex-based Plumpton College has launched a push for those looking for a new career to consider a future in wine.

Drinks industry survey reveals widespread safety concerns

Published: 27 February, 2026

A new survey by Drinks United – a collaboration between the WSTA, WSET and The Drinks Trust – has found that there are widespread concerns about safety, discrimination and inclusion across those who work in the drinks trade.

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.

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.

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.

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.