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The week that was

Published:  15 February, 2019

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

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Liberty adds Chinese winery

Published:  14 February, 2019

Liberty Wines has added Chinese winery Kanaan to its portfolio.

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William Grant & Sons appoints chief people officer

Published:  14 February, 2019

William Grant & Sons has appointed Kerry Christie as its chief people officer. Christie will start in June, be based in Scotland and will join the executive board.

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British drinkers in the pink on Valentines Day

Published:  14 February, 2019

The UK has fallen in love with pink drinks, according to the WSTA.

It said the popularity of pink gin is a major contributor to the surging sales of gin, which recorded a 41% jump year on year, with flavoured gin driving over “half of all growth in gin sales in the last recorded 12 months, despite only making up one fifth of total sales. Almost three quarters of the flavoured gin sector’s growth has been driven by pink gin.”
 
Meanwhile 2018 sales of rosé were up on the previous year for the first time in five years. Brits bought over 100 million bottles of rosé in the off trade in the last recorded 12 months, over two million more bottles than in the previous year, with value growth of 5%.
 
And while red wine sells in much larger quantities, volumes decreased slightly, whilst white wine sales stayed stable.

“Pink drinks are increasingly popular thanks to our innovative distillers and wine makers who are responding to consumer demands for quality drinks with a splash of colour,” said Miles Beale, WSTA chief executive.

“We have seen a massive increase in the choices of pink and flavoured gins, there are signs of a renewed fondness in rosé wines and liqueurs like Campari and Aperol mixed with sparkling wine have boosted Brits love of pink cocktails.”

He also said the ‘instagrammable’ nature of pink drinks, and big sales of pink drinks on Valentine’s Day, will deliver “another pink spike. There is no doubt that the pink category has benefited by consumers love for sharing vibrant, colourful drink trends on social media.”

Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi, said “We usually see a rise in rosé sales as the weather gets warmer and we move into Spring, but recently we’ve started to see an increased demand for rosé all year round.”

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Impressive growth in Asia delivers strong results for TWE

Published:  14 February, 2019

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) delivered its strongest organic growth to date as it released its interim results for the six months ending December 31.

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Australian Vintage invests $11 million in new bottling facility

Published:  14 February, 2019

Australian Vintage Limited (AVL) has invested $11 million in a new state-of-the-art bottling facility at its Merbein site in Victoria.

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Winetraders introduces Bellone and Nero Buono to the UK

Published:  13 February, 2019

Winetraders has added a Bellone and a Nero Buono from the Cincinnato winery to its portfolio.

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Peter Lehmann winemaker named Dux of the 2018 Len Evans Tutorial

Published:  13 February, 2019

Tim Dolan, senior winemaker for Peter Lehmann Wines, has been named Dux of the 2018 Len Evans Tutorial.

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Gin and Scotch exports hit record highs

Published:  13 February, 2019

UK gin export sales exceeded £600 million in 2018 - a new record and up 15% on the previous year, according to new figures released by HMRC.

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FMV adds Napa estate Rudd

Published:  13 February, 2019
 

Fields, Morris & Verdin (FMV) has expanded its Napa Valley portfolio with the family-owned and run Rudd Oakville Estate.

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Trial scheme to plant vines on prison land is finalised

Published:  13 February, 2019

The search for new terroir in Washington State took a surprising turn last month, when plans to plant vines inside the Walla Walla State Penitentiary were finalised.

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Brunello di Montalcino appoints marketing director to target UK

Published:  12 February, 2019

Francois Colas has been appointed marketing director at the Brunello di Montalcino estate, La Fiorita.

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Nominations open for WSET & IWSC ‘Future 50’ Awards

Published:  12 February, 2019

A new award has been announced that will recognise and celebrate leading lights in the wine and spirits industry.

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Howard’s Folly launches Touriga Nacional 2015

Published:  12 February, 2019

Howard’s Folly Wines has announced the addition of Touriga Nacional 2015 to its portfolio.

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Quinta do Noval revamps dry wines

Published:  12 February, 2019

Quinta do Noval has released new table wines, and completely redesigned its packaging to reflect the redevelopment of its vineyard over the last few years. 

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Luvian’s St Andrews' Archie McDiarmid blogs from Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough

Published:  12 February, 2019

The major focus of the final day of Sauvignon 2019 was ‘Pursuit’ – both of new customers and of new styles – as New Zealand looks to broaden the appeal of its hero grape without losing the affection of the millions of customers worldwide who have super-charged the country’s remarkable growth as a winegrowing power.

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Berkmann announces plan to protect prices as Brexit looms

Published:  11 February, 2019

Berkmann Wine Cellars has revealed its pricing strategy for 2019, which it says includes a “proactive plan to protect customers from potential Brexit fall out".

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Graham’s launches first premium White Port

Published:  11 February, 2019

Graham’s Port is launching its first premium white port, Blend No.5, in order to capitalise on the surging popularity of the drink.

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Malbec legend Georges Vigouroux dies aged 83

Published:  11 February, 2019

Georges Vigouroux has passed away, aged 83. The funeral will take place on 11 February at 10am in the Cathedral Saint Etienne of Cahors in Cahors, France.

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Dublin’s first alcohol-free bar gears up for launch

Published:  11 February, 2019

Dublin's first alcohol-free bar is set to open later this month, with plans to export the concept to the UK if the brand proves successful.

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