WSTA strengthens board with two new appointments

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has added two new members to its board - Tesco’s commercial director, Kari Daniels and The Wine society’s Robin McMillan.

UK alcohol prices the fourth most expensive in Europe

Britain has been revealed as the fourth most expensive country in Europe when it comes to alcohol.

Frizzenti expands on tap offering with cocktails

Justerini & Brooks takes on distribution of Swartland producer David & Nadia

Justerini & Brooks has signed a deal as UK distributor for Swartland producer David & Nadia.

Halewood acquires Dead Man’s Fingers as rum sales soar

Halewood Wines & Spirits has acquired spiced rum brand Dead Man’s Fingers for an undisclosed sum.

Mar de Frades appoints Enotria & Coe as UK distributor

Mar de Frades, the Albariño-specialising Rías Baixas sister to Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao, has appointed Enotria & Coe as its UK distributor with immediate effect taking over from Cellar Trends.

Dark Horse posts ‘outstanding’ UK performance

E&J Gallo has reported a 54% hike in UK sales of its Dark Horse Californian wine brand for the year ending 31 December, 2017.   

Moldovan winery Chateau Vartely sets sight on UK

Moldovan Chateau Vartely has revealed a new strategy to target the UK market.

Chilean Malbec continues rise as UK Roadshow ramps up focus on diversity

Sales of Chilean Malbec increased 51% in 2017, accounting for 12% of all Malbec sold in the UK, spearheading the fast growth of several of Chile’s emerging varieties.

Think Rum reveals this year’s winners

Think Rum revealed the winners of this year’s awards at the second annual event held last week, with Sly Augustin taking the prestigious Rum Champion of the Year gong and the Best Individual Rum Bar award.

‘Time running out’ for wine & spirits free trade warns WTSA

Representatives from the UK and European drinks industries have called on politicians to ensure the cross border free trade of wine & spirits remains post Brexit.

Sichel’s sales to China surge by 15%

Bordeaux winemaker Sichel’s exports to China surged 15% in 2017 as Chinese demand for French wine continues to explode.

Rosé, port and boozy gifts drive Virgin Wines’ 15% festive growth

British drinkers knocked back significantly more rosé, port and Eastern European wine last Christmas as the nation’s drinking habits continue to change.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Craft distiller guns for global giants with new Classics duo

A London distiller is gunning for the global drinks giants with the launch of a new duo of affordable craft spirits aimed at the pub trade.

Cellar Trends wins global health & safety standard

Cellar Trends has been certified by a global consumer protection agency for meeting a set of stringent quality, safety and traceability standards.

Cult Wines appoints new finance director

Cult Wines, investment manager in fine and rare wine, has appointed a new finance director to assist the company’s next phase of expansion.

Former JP Morgan man Chris Hancock steps up as Wine Intelligence chairman

Market research consultancy Wine Intelligence has appointed chartered accountant Chris Hancock as its chairman.

Tre Bicchieri heads to London

As UK sales of Italian wine continue to boom, some of Italy’s top winemakers are converging in London next week for Tre Bicchieri Grand Tasting.

Rousset heads to Champagne for first in wine tour series

Master sommelier and restaurateur Xavier Rousset is preparing to host a guided tour of Champagne that will include tastings, blending sessions and access to the region’s most prestigious producers.