News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Canada’s cool climate calls at annual tasting

Published: 03 May, 2022

The annual Canada trade tasting returns to the UK on 10 & 11 May at Canada House in central London.

Simpsons’ toasts 10th anniversary with launch of non-vintage Chalklands

Published: 03 May, 2022

Simpsons Wine Estate in Kent has reached a major milestone with the release of its first non-vintage Chalklands Classic Cuvée English sparkling wine.

Global wine exports reach record high

Published: 03 May, 2022

This year 2021 saw a partial recovery of global consumption after the doldrums of 2020, the OIV said in its latest update. However, 2022’s outlook is looking increasingly uncertain due to the turbulence posed by the global supply chain crisis, the war in Ukraine and mounting energy prices.

Alcohol improves on pre-pandemic growth in multiples

Published: 29 April, 2022

Inflation and price squeezes have impacted sales of FMCG products in the multiples over the past 12 weeks, including alcohol. However, in actual terms, alcohol is still a more profitable sector than pre-pandemic.

Rioja rates its 2021 harvest as “very good” and commits to strategic sustainability initiatives

Published: 29 April, 2022

During an annual plenary session, held on 25 April, the Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja rated the 2021 harvest as “very good”. As usual, the evaluation was ratified following an analytical process during which all wines produced under the Designation last year were sampled.

Friday read: Packaging up an eco ecommerce strategy

Published: 29 April, 2022

Santiago Navarro, CEO & founder of Packamama – the climate tech packaging provider spun from Garçon Wines – made his name in the creation and supply of eco-flat bottles which re-launched Accolade’s eco brand, Banrock Station, in the Co-op in 2020. Here, he dives into how wine brands and manufacturers can leverage packaging to capitalise on ecommerce, whilst responding to long-term changing consumer preferences, including sustainability.

WSTA appoints new Chair and Deputy Chair

Published: 29 April, 2022

The Board of Directors of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association has announced a new chair, Mark Riley of Edrington UK. He will be supported by Pierpaolo Petrassi MW from Waitrose in a new position as deputy chair.

The Rum Renaissance: Is Rum the new Gin?

Published: 28 April, 2022

A report by Campari Group UK explains why rum is a key growth area in the on and off-trade, as the category plays into central consumer and shopper trends influencing the market.

Pernod Ricard announces Q3 FY22 results

Published: 28 April, 2022

Pernod Ricard, the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits, has announced its sales for the first nine months of FY22, and the results are very strong despite a volatile global market.

2021 a challenging year for Bordeaux winegrowers

Published: 28 April, 2022

The 2021 vintage once again put Bordeaux winegrowers to the test. But their technical choices, changes in practice, improvements and perseverance were rewarded with beneficial late-season weather conditions.

Portman Group offers marketing training for smaller producers and start-ups

Published: 28 April, 2022

The Portman Group has launched a new online training programme on responsible marketing specifically for smaller producers and start-ups.

Beronia becomes first winery to be awarded sustainable benchmark

Published: 27 April, 2022

Beronia winery has become the first winery in the world to achieve a sustainable construction certification which recognises buildings which are sustainably constructed and have a low environmental impact.

First ever NFTs of South Africa’s finest wines sold for £175k at auction

Published: 27 April, 2022

A collection of five of South Africa’s finest and most historic wines have been sold as NFTs, marking a first for the South African fine wine industry.

Customers are crying out for support when buying wine KAM research finds

Published: 27 April, 2022

New research out this week shows that 1-in-3 customers don’t feel confident ordering wine in pubs, bars and restaurants, with 1-in-9 admitting that they often find the experience intimidating.

Fine wine leads the way for Jascots

Published: 26 April, 2022

Jascots Fine Wine Sector is going from strength to strength following the development of a specialist department in December 2021. Fine wine contributed 8% of total sales value in Q1 2022, up 5% in Q4 2021.

Delivery slips as consumers return to eating out

Published: 26 April, 2022

Britain’s managed restaurant and pub groups’ delivery and takeaway sales remain more than double pre-Covid-19 levels – but trading has dipped year-on-year as consumers resume their out-of-home eating habits.

Inside Hospitality report finds disturbing lack of support for minority ethnic groups

Published: 26 April, 2022

The second edition of the Inside Hospitality report has found worryingly high levels of racism in the workplace, cemented by 28% of Asian, 37% of Black and 39% of mixed ethnicity respondents experiencing or witnessing racism in their current place of work.

Stoli Group announces limited edition Ukrainian-themed vodka

Published: 25 April, 2022

From today (25 April) a limited-edition Ukrainian-themed Stoli vodka is available in the UK, with proceeds going to World Central Kitchen (WCK), a non-profit organisation that is providing thousands of fresh nutritious meals daily to refugees fleeing Ukraine or displaced within it.

Louis Latour Agencies expands portfolio with Provence

Published: 25 April, 2022

Louis Latour Agencies has announced a significant expansion to their portfolio in the shape of Provence wine producers, Château Sainte Roseline Cru Classé and Château des Demoiselles. The wineries will join the Louis Latour portfolio from May 2022.

Taylor's and Quinta do Noval declare 2020 vintages

Published: 25 April, 2022

Taylor's, one of the most historic Port Wine houses of the Douro Valley region has released its Quinta de Vargellas Vintage 2020, following a 2020 season characterised by "extraordinarily high sugar levels".