News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

ProWein May reschedule to clash with LWF

Published: 20 January, 2022

Messe Düsseldorf, the body responsible for organising ProWein, has confirmed that the trade fair will not take place in March as originally planned.

South African packaged wine exports to UK rise 25%

Published: 20 January, 2022

In a massive boon for South Africa's quality-led growers, total exports of South African wine to the UK rose 20% by value and 12% in volume in 2021 according to the latest figures released by industry body SAWIS.

Hospitality sector expands in fourth quarter, despite unprecedented challenges

Published: 20 January, 2022

Britain’s hospitality sector grew modestly in the last quarter of 2021, according to the latest CGA Market Recovery Monitor.

Scottish government confirms that hospitality restrictions will end

Published: 19 January, 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told the Scottish parliament that the vast majority of Covid-19 restrictions issued before Christmas 2021 will end on 24 January.

Ex-Accolade alumni Ade McKeon joins Blackfish Brands

Published: 19 January, 2022

Blackfish brands have welcome former Accolade Wines boss, Ade McKeon, into their governing board as non-executive director.

Graham Beck appoints new cellar master

Published: 19 January, 2022

South African sparking wine brand Graham Beck has appointed Pierre de Klerk as their new chef de cave, replacing the incumbent Pieter Ferreira, who has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer.

Waitrose expands bulk buying team

Published: 19 January, 2022

The UK's leading supermarket retailer of premium wines has appointed Barry Dick MW to its BWS bulk buying team.

Bordeaux Index announces record sales growth in 2021

Published: 19 January, 2022

Leading fine wine and spirits merchant Bordeaux Index posted a record sales value of $174m (£128m)in 2021, with turnover rising by almost 50% year on year.

Time to act as alcohol duty review consultation deadline looms

Published: 18 January, 2022

Calls for the drinks trade to voice its concerns over the government’s alcohol duty review have ramped up as the consultation period nears its close on 30 January, potentially adding a £220 million additional tax burden on wine.

Ribera del Duero launches inaugural indie promotion

Published: 18 January, 2022

The Consejo Regulador of Ribera del Duero has unveiled plans to run a ‘Reach for Ribera’ promotion in February, involving 25 independent wine merchants across the UK.

Upbeat mood at Vindependents tasting

Published: 18 January, 2022

Signs that life is returning to something closer to normal, at least for the UK’s independent merchants, were borne out in London yesterday (17 January) at a well-attended Vindependents tasting in Camden.

St James Bar announces new head bartender

Published: 18 January, 2022

One of London's most iconic addresses has appointed Angelo Sparvoli as its new head bartender, joining the team at Sofitel London St James hotel.

Bancroft welcomes new English wine agency

Published: 18 January, 2022

UK distributor Bancroft has expanded its English wine portfolio with the addition of Lyme Bay Winery.

Rising consumer confidence suggests hospitality recovery in 2022

Published: 18 January, 2022

New research undertaken by CGA Strategy has recorded a strong desire from consumers to visit on-trade venues, indicating that the sector has successfully allayed fears concerning the Omicron variant.

New customs checks worsening logistical 'nightmare'

Published: 17 January, 2022

The introduction of full customs checks on non-excisable goods (such as fruit & veg) is greatly exacerbating the logistical challenges facing the industry, according to the trade.

Demand for no and low products becoming ‘year round phenomenon’

Published: 17 January, 2022

The demand for no/low alcohol brands surged across key global markets in 2021, with consumer interest no longer confined to seasonal trends like Dry January.

Last call for 30 Under 30 nominations

Published: 17 January, 2022

The final week for nominations is now upon us, with less than five days left to highlight the work of a colleague or to nominate yourself to be in with a chance of appearing in Harpers’ inaugural 30 Under 30 list.

Bolney Wine Estate acquired by major international

Published: 17 January, 2022

Sussex-based Bolney Wine Estate has been sold to sparkling wine behemoth Henkell-Freixenet via Freixenet Copestick in the UK.

ProWein postponement likely

Published: 14 January, 2022

It looks almost certain that ProWein is being postponed, with several German publications apparently confirming that the show is being pushed back from March to May, along with a number of exhibitors.