News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hospitality industry hit by 63% cost surge

Published: 11 March, 2024

Research conducted by the price comparison website money.co.uk has found that the hospitality industry has been the most affected by cost increases.

Nick Gillett: When celebrity spirits deliver substance over style

Published: 11 March, 2024

We’re seeing an increase in the number of celebrities entering the spirits industry. And who can blame them – our industry is vibrant, fun, and full of top-notch people who are creative and love what they do. George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, Matthew McConaughey and Kendall Jenner are just a few of the household names who have gone and produced their own booze brand. And it’s not restricted to spirits, with big names like Kylie Minogue and even Graham Norton entering the wine industry.

Rioja launches educational camp

Published: 11 March, 2024

A new training programme in the heart of Rioja has been set up by the DOCa for leading wine professionals around the world.

Trade celebrates International Women’s Day

Published: 08 March, 2024

Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) is one of the many businesses celebrating women in wine today, 8 March, International Women’s Day.

North South celebrates ‘Ten Years Young’ anniversary

Published: 08 March, 2024

North South Wines marked its first decade yesterday (7 March) with its most comprehensive portfolio tasting to date, capped by a lively party at Covent Garden’s Bunga Bunga.

Calls to the LTC helpline increased by 43% in 2023

Published: 08 March, 2024

The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC), which supports drinks professionals in need of emotional support, specialist advice and financial assistance, experienced a 43% jump in calls to its helpline in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Double Dutch reveals scholars for Bartending Scholarship Programme

Published: 07 March, 2024

Double Dutch, the manufacturer of premium tonics and mixers, has revealed the 12 women set to join its Female Bartending Scholarship Programme.

Trade and national press divided on duty

Published: 07 March, 2024

Taking a glass-half-full approach, much of the right-wing press applauded Jeremy Hunt’s extension of the alcohol duty freeze till February 2025, described as a ‘victory for drinkers’ up and down the country by one tabloid.

Simpsons’ exports on the rise

Published: 07 March, 2024

Kent-based Simpsons’ Wine Estate is flying the flag for English wine exports following news of further expansion in the Scandinavian market.

Vagabond under ‘no threat of closure’ despite appointing administrators

Published: 07 March, 2024

A spokesperson for Vagabond Wines, the popular ‘self-pour’ wine bar chain founded by Stephen Finch in 2009, has confirmed the business will continue to trade as usual despite running into financial difficulties.

Disaronno UK adds to growing whisky portfolio

Published: 07 March, 2024

InchDairnie Distillery, producers of RyeLaw Fife Single Grain Scotch Whisky have signed a three-year distribution agreement with Disaronno International UK.

Alcohol duty frozen till February 2025

Published: 06 March, 2024

The government dashed hopes of a cut to alcohol duty following the announcement of the Spring Budget today (6 March) by chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

The Wine Society marks 150 years with limited-edition fine wine range

Published: 06 March, 2024

More than a decade in the making, The Wine Society has released a limited-edition collection of fine wines from some of the world’s most iconic producers.

Only A Pavement Away helps hundreds into employment

Published: 06 March, 2024

Hospitality charity Only A Pavement Away is celebrating a major milestone as reaches its five-year anniversary, by helping to place over 450 people into employment.

London hospitality poised for off-peak tube and rail fare Fridays

Published: 06 March, 2024

From this Friday (8 March), London Underground and rail fares on pay-as-you-go and Oyster will be off-peak all day on Fridays, as part of an initiative to encourage businesses to return to the office five days a week.

Jancis Robinson Collection announced as partner of SWA 2024

Published: 05 March, 2024

Returning after a post-pandemic hiatus, the Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA), a competition for wines in the on-trade, has revealed its official glassware partner – the Jancis Robinson Collection.

Novel Wines closes shop amid wholesale expansion

Published: 04 March, 2024

Bath-based wine merchant Novel Wines has announced it will shut its brick-and-mortar shop as it pursues wholesale expansion and online sales.

Mentzendorff adds two new shareholder producers under new MD

Published: 04 March, 2024

Mentzendorff has swelled the ranks of its shareholder brands since new MD Justin Liddle took the top job in November, with two new additions which include the Fladgate Partnership’s first foray into light wine.

C&C unveil new London distribution depot

Published: 04 March, 2024

C&C Group, the UK’s largest drinks distributor, has unveiled its new London distribution depot, Orbital West, in Heathrow. The new flagship facility will increase capacity for its portfolio of branded beer, cider, wine, spirits, and soft drinks.