West Coast oversupply delivers softer prices as consumer demand falls

Prices for both bulk and grape from California and Washington will continue to ‘drop noticeably’, leading to widespread discounting, according to the annual State of the Wine Industry 2020 Report from Silicon Valley Bank.

Saunders pinpoints 2020 as ‘revolutionary’ for The Benevolent

The Benevolent has revealed that there are “significant” plans in place to evolve the drinks industry charity in 2020.

Number of US frequent wine drinkers declines

The number of US consumers drinking wine at least once a month has declined by 11 million, but overall participation in the wine category is up, according to the Wine Intelligence US Landscapes 2020 report.

Randall moves into Australia’s Riverland

The Randall Wine Group (RWG) has acquired its first vineyard in Australia’s Riverland, marking the latest target in a string of acquisitions aimed to fuel its sales in China.

Pol Roger expands Napa portfolio with Kinsman Eades and TOR Wines

Pol Roger has expanded it Napa portfolio with the addition of Kinsman Eades and TOR Wines.

Hallgarten launches apprentice programme

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has today announced the launch of its Head Start apprenticeship programme with its first recruit.

ABS brings Hedonist Ecology range to the UK

Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies (ABS) has announced it is bringing Hedonist Wines’ organic and biodynamic Ecology range to the UK on an exclusive basis.

Diageo appoints chief information officer

Diageo has appointed Benedetto Conversano as its chief information officer.

Harpers launches Think Spirits

The launch on 28 April of Think Spirits will bring together several of Harpers Think events under the one roof, including Think Gin, Think Rum, Think Agave and Think Whisk(e)y, plus the newly launched Think Vodka, at St Mary's Church, London.

Searcys launches no and low somms training initiative

Restaurateur and events caterer Searcys has launched a sommelier training initiative focused on non-alcoholic pairings to match with lunch and dinner menus.

Essex farmer launches first British grown Baijiu

Baijiu, China’s most popular and enduring spirit, has continued its outward march into international markets over the past year with a new London-based spirits body and a global partnership with Pernod Ricard.

Friday Read: The Wild West of cannabis law

Look at any predictions for 2020 and beyond, and odds are that you will see the word ‘cannabis’. Looking back to 2019, a few key things set the tone for the next decade. Constellation Brands led the charge for the gold rush by buying an ever-bigger stake in Canadian cannabis producer Canopy Growth, with other companies clambering to get a piece of what has been called the next .com bubble.

Maison Chapoutier leaves Mentzendorff for Hatch Mansfield

Maison Chapoutier and Mentzendorff & Co have decided to call time on their 25-year partnership.

Harpers ‘HOT 50’ on-trade survey open for nominations

Once again we are inviting you to have your say ahead of our Harpers HOT 50 on-trade influencers feature, which recognises and celebrates those at the top of their game.

South African rising star joins Justerini & Brooks

Justerini & Brooks has announced an exclusive partnership with ‘new wave’ South African producer, Donovan Rall.

BIVB becomes WSET patron

Educator to the wine industry, The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), has new backing in the form of Burgundy’s official wine board.

Hallgarten hosts ‘minerality’ summit and tasting

Importer Hallgarten hosted a multi-media event in London yesterday to explore the subject of 'minerality' in wine. The wide-ranging discussion took place between Hallgarten's head of buying Steve Daniel and journalist Dr Jamie Goode.

Jones closing The Harrow to focus on wine

After 21 years at Michelin-starred wine oasis The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, proprietors Roger and Sue Jones have announced they will take final orders on 28 March 2020.

Former Blue Peter presenter jumps ship to head up Mangrove marketing

Spotlight on 2020: Laure Patry, Pollen Street Social Group

As we prepare for the new decade, Harpers looks back over 2019 and ahead to what the coming year will bring – hopefully full of revived optimism for both politics and the trade.