News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New Zealand’s wine industry: Strong global presence amid challenges

Published: 30 September, 2024

The past year has been a “rollercoaster ride” for exports, as noted in The New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Report 2024.

Recipients revealed for The Wine Society’s inaugural Climate & Nature Fund

Published: 30 September, 2024

The Wine Society has named the suppliers it will reward with financial support in the first ever year of its Climate & Nature Programme, with 11 growers now set to benefit across the world.

Catena marks 120 years with Malbec celebration in London

Published: 30 September, 2024

Argentina’s famed Catena family, long credited with putting high-altitude Malbec on the global map, is marking 120 years of winemaking with a new campaign in London. The “120 Years in Love with Malbec” campaign highlights the deep-rooted ties between the family and the Malbec varietal through a series of activities across the capital this October, culminating in a short film that tells the story of the family’s role in the rise of Argentinian Malbec.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 ranking: 50-41 revealed

Published: 30 September, 2024

This week marks the launch of our Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 results, singling out and celebrating the best in the business when it comes to supplying wines, spirits and beers.

New extension opens at Bodegas Faustino Winery with focus on sustainability

Published: 30 September, 2024

The Bodegas Faustino Winery in Oyón, Rioja Alavesa, has inaugurated a new extension designed by Foster + Partners. The project, commissioned by the fourth generation of the Martínez Zabala family, includes a major extension and refurbishment of existing facilities, with sustainability at its core.

Scottish wholesalers praised in Parliament for economic contribution

Published: 30 September, 2024

Scotland’s food and drink wholesalers, alongside the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA), were recognised in the Scottish Parliament for their vital role in supporting the economy and communities nationwide.

Berry Bros and Hambledon raise £170,000 for MND charity

Published: 27 September, 2024

Over 100 employees from Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant, and Hambledon Vineyard took on a 100km walk across English vineyards, raising more than £170,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The foundation funds research to find a cure for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and provides support to those diagnosed, as well as their families.

DrinksOne Brands signs distribution agreement with Equiano Rum for UK market

Published: 27 September, 2024

DrinksOne Brands has announced a new partnership with Equiano Rum, a blend of African and Caribbean rums. Under this agreement, DrinksOne Brands will become the exclusive distributor of Equiano Rum across the United Kingdom, with plans to strengthen the brand’s presence in the UK market.

Bibendum unveils New Bordeaux School for sommeliers

Published: 27 September, 2024

Bibendum Wine has launched its New Bordeaux School, an educational programme targeting sommeliers.

North South Wines hosts 24-Hour peloton ride to support mental health charity

Published: 26 September, 2024

North South Wines, a B Corp-certified wine importer based in Bicester, is holding its first major fundraising event for new charity partner Restore with a 24-hour “Pelotonathon” from Thursday 3 October to Friday 4 October. The team will ride two Peloton bikes non-stop to raise funds for Restore, an Oxfordshire-based mental health charity.

Sotheby’s to auction wines marking 40 years of Domaine Clarence Dillon

Published: 26 September, 2024

Sotheby’s London will host an auction on 7 November 2024 featuring a collection of wines from the cellars of Château La Mission Haut-Brion.

Lay & Wheeler hires Amanda Skinner as commercial strategy director

Published: 26 September, 2024

Lay & Wheeler, one of the UK’s top fine wine merchants, has appointed Amanda Skinner as commercial strategy director. She will report directly to MD James Kowszun.

Yalumba celebrates 175th anniversary with tour of Museum and aged wines

Published: 25 September, 2024

Yalumba Family Winemakers landed in London yesterday (24th September) as part of a global tour to celebrate this venerable Australian producer’s 175th anniversary, proffering a fitting taste of older vintages of their classic wines.

Beverage industry shifts offer new opportunities, says Circana

Published: 25 September, 2024

The beverage industry has undergone significant changes over the past year, presenting new opportunities for both brands and retailers, according to a new report from Circana, an advisor on consumer behaviour.

Hospitality faces financial struggles as national debt hits record high

Published: 25 September, 2024

UK debt has reached 100% of GDP, its highest level since 1961, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Meanwhile, against this national backdrop, new research suggests that the hospitality sector is one of the industries facing significant debt concerns in the current climate.

Portugal hosts OIV Awards as part of centennial celebrations

Published: 24 September, 2024

Portugal, a founding member of the OIV, played host to the 2024 OIV Awards ceremony in Lisbon as part of the organisation’s centennial festivities. The event was co-organised by the OIV, the Portuguese Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (IVV) and Wines of Portugal.

Exclusive: IWC changes hands as Chris Ashton takes over

Published: 24 September, 2024

After 19 years under William Reed’s ownership, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) is now being run by IWC Events Limited, owned by Chris Ashton. This marks the first time in the Challenge’s history that it will operate as a stand-alone business, Harpers can exclusively reveal.

Sweet dreams with the Sugrues at their Sussex winery launch

Published: 24 September, 2024

Winemaking power duo Dermot and Ana Sugrue finally have a permanent home for their Sussex wine project, Sugrue South Downs, with a newly opened winery now sitting at the top of Wivelsfield’s Bee Tree vineyard.

Cockburn’s revamps range with eco-friendly focus

Published: 23 September, 2024

Cockburn’s Port is ‘challenging perceptions in the category’ with a significant redesign which introduces a new lightweight bottle across the core range.

Hospitality insolvencies jump 16%

Published: 23 September, 2024

New company insolvency statistics from auditing firm RSM show insolvencies in hospitality saw a significant increase in the year to July, as an underwhelming summer compounded the challenges facing the sector.