News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

BBR continues to roll with thirst for sake

Published: 08 May, 2024

Berry Bros. & Rudd is to repeat its en primeur sake offer this year, reflecting the ongoing growth in this spirits category.

Rate of hospitality closures slows

Published: 08 May, 2024

The latest data from CGA shows that closures in Britain’s hospitality sector slowed from eight sites a day in 2023 to four a day in the first quarter of 2024.

Nominations now open for Top 50 Sommeliers

Published: 08 May, 2024

Harpers is delighted to open this year’s round of nominations for Top 50 Sommeliers.

Joint WSTA, Drinks Trust and WSET initiative aims to create ‘meaningful changes’ on EDI

Published: 07 May, 2024

The WSTA, The Drinks Trust and the WSET are currently coordinating an industry response to the issues identified around safeguarding and equity for those working in drinks, with the next step on the journey being a seminar at this month’s London Wine Fair (LWF).

Champagne faces off against sparkling Riesling

Published: 07 May, 2024

Champagne’s supremacy was put through its paces last week when it went head to head with a ‘lost and forgotten world-class category’ of sparkling wines in a blind tasting.

Fortnum & Mason Awards 2024: Henry Jeffreys wins Drink Book of the Year

Published: 03 May, 2024

Food and drink industry figures gathered yesterday (2 May) at The Royal Exchange in London for the annual Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards. The awards honour UK writers, publishers, photographers, broadcasters and personalities in the food and drink sectors.

Roussillon ‘Coup de Coeur’ dozen unveiled

Published: 02 May, 2024

Roussillon may be a tenth the size of its sprawling Languedoc neighbour, but this diverse corner of France has increasingly been pushing its own credentials as a vibrant and innovative source of wines.

Wine industry leaders share SEO strategies for success

Published: 02 May, 2024

In the rapidly changing world of wine marketing, digital visibility is crucial for brand success, with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) playing a pivotal role. Harpers has explored strategies shared by industry leaders for unlocking SEO success.

Private label growth for wine & Champagne continues

Published: 02 May, 2024

Private label is stealing a march across Europe, with retailer’s own offerings outperforming national brands across all the major alcohol categories in terms of value.

Majestic enhances own-label range with La Rioja Alta and Kanonkop

Published: 02 May, 2024

Majestic has revamped its Definition wines, now known as the Definition by Majestic range, with the additions of La Rioja Alta, Kanonkop and La Commanderie de Peyrassol.

Beam Suntory rebrands as Suntory Global Spirits

Published: 02 May, 2024

Beam Suntory has rebranded to Suntory Global Spirits, marking its evolution into a global leader in spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails.

Buckingham Schenk introduces Hatch Wines to UK

Published: 01 May, 2024

Buckingham Schenk Family has announced its exclusive partnership with Australian winery Hatch Wines, founded by veteran winemaker Chris Hatcher.

Moët & Chandon employs autonomous spraying robot

Published: 01 May, 2024

Yanmar Vineyard Solutions, a viticulture technology arm of Yanmar, has partnered with Champagne house Maison Moët & Chandon to enhance vineyard work efficiency and safety. The collaboration centres on advancing robotic solutions, notably the YV01 autonomous vineyard robot.

Christopher Martin MW joins Wine Scholar Guild as director of education

Published: 01 May, 2024

In a recent announcement, the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) welcomed Christopher Martin MW to its team as director of education. Martin, one of the most recent achievers of the esteemed Master of Wine certification in February 2024, brings over 18 years of extensive teaching experience across various educational levels.

Campari completes $1.2bn acquisition of Courvoisier

Published: 30 April, 2024

Campari Group has finalised the acquisition of Beam Holding France, the owner of Courvoisier Cognac House, in a deal valued at $1.17bn. This transaction, the largest in Campari's history, marks a significant milestone for the group, signalling its commitment to expansion in the spirits industry.

Sogevinus Group declares four 2022 Vintage Ports

Published: 30 April, 2024

The Sogevinus Group has announced the release of four 2022 vintage ports: Kopke Quinta de São Luiz 2022, Burmester Quinta do Arnozelo 2022, Calem 2022 and Barros 2022.

Ridgeview takes off with Gatwick Airport

Published: 30 April, 2024

When arriving in the likes of Bilbao or Florence, it’s not unusual to see billboards depicting nearby vineyards scattered around the airport. Given Gatwick’s proximity to the UK’s burgeoning wine scene, it is remiss that it too wouldn’t advertise nearby vineyards.

Bacardi announces new leadership in the UK & Ireland

Published: 30 April, 2024

Bacardi has announced two new major appointments, with Steve Young taking on the newly created role of business unit director for the UK & Ireland, while Amanda Almond becomes MD of northern Europe.

Harpers’ columnist Guy Woodward launches Grand Cru Creative

Published: 30 April, 2024

Harpers’ columnist Guy Woodward is embarking on a new venture, introducing his creative agency aimed at crafting compelling content for wine and spirit brands.

Global wine consumption hits 27-year low amid inflation

Published: 29 April, 2024

In a challenging year marked by inflationary woes, global wine consumption saw a significant dip, plunging to its lowest levels since 1996, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).