News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New premium packaging for Wood's Old Navy Rum

Published: 20 April, 2016

Wood's Old Navy Rum has undergone an identity overhaul to update its "dated" packaging.

Famed Sonoma Patz & Hall winery sells to Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Published: 20 April, 2016

Sonoma Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer Patz & Hall has been purchased by Washington wine company St. Michell Wine Estates for an undisclosed sum

Whisky Experience returns to Heathrow

Published: 20 April, 2016

Heathrow Airport is launching its month-long Whisky Experience to once again push one of its top-selling products.

Co-op remains tight-lipped on plans to sell off 300 stores

Published: 20 April, 2016

The Co-op has refused to deny rumours that it is planning to sell off 300 of its unwanted shops to manage debt and improve the rest of the chain.

Earliest Rioja vintage in history given official thumbs up

Published: 20 April, 2016

The D.O.Ca. Rioja Control Board has given the 2015 vintage an official Very Good rating.

ACS boss encourages c-stores to make their voices heard in public heath debate

Published: 20 April, 2016

Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) chief executive James Lowman has called on the convenience sector to engage with local decision makers in the wake of stricter alcohol laws and the so-called "sugar tax".

Poland row heats up as Stock Spirits urges shareholders to vote against Western Gate's recommendations

Published: 19 April, 2016

Stock Spirits is recommending that its shareholders vote against Western Gate Private Investment Ltd's recommendations, in an increasingly heated row over loss of market share in Poland.

Crown Cellars launches on-trade exclusive range to win over wine novices

Published: 19 April, 2016

Crown Cellars has launched a new range of on-trade exclusive, own label wines to appeal to new wine consumers.

Tristan Darby of the Bristol Wine School takes the stage with other legends of the trade for Skin Côntact

Published: 19 April, 2016

For a second year in a row the wine trade supergroup Skin Côntact will be taking to the stage next month in an effort raise aid as part of Comic Relief.

Over 14,000 gin and tonic pairings at London's "largest" gin bar

Published: 19 April, 2016

Holborn Dining Room's newly opened The Gin Bar is claiming to have London's biggest selection of gins and tonics.

Rémy Cointreau year results show growth as Asian trading improves

Published: 19 April, 2016

Rémy Cointreau saw net sales grow 8.9% for the 2015/2016 financial year to just over €1.050 billion with strong growth being driven "on the back of improving trends in Greater China."

A sommelier on Spain: Quality wines at value prices

Published: 19 April, 2016

Spain has become the country of choice for one Canadian sommelier working in the UK.

CEO of Stock Spirits takes early retirement following pressure to step down over problems in Poland

Published: 18 April, 2016

Stock Spirits Group PLC has announced today that chief executive officer Chris Heath will be stepping down with immediate effect to take early retirement.

Prosecco sales grow by a third, with retailer own labels taking biggest share

Published: 18 April, 2016

Sales of Prosecco continue to outpace those of Champagne, according to new figures from retail insight leader IRI.

Hallgarten adds Turkey to its country portfolio

Published: 18 April, 2016

Leading UK distributor Hallgarten Druitt has its sights on bringing Turkish wines to the UK market by teaming up with Turkish producer, Kayra.

M&S doubles its range of English wines ahead of English Wine Week

Published: 18 April, 2016

High street stalwart Marks & Spencer will have 20 new English wines on its shelves in time for English Wine Week, boosting its range to a total of 37 wines from 14 counties.

Les Grands Chais de France launches a new range of quality wines onto the UK following acquisition

Published: 18 April, 2016

Les Grands Chais de France is preparing to expand its offering of premium wines to the UK market following the purchase of Château Belles Eaux in the South of France.

Australian wine exports jump 13% by value

Published: 18 April, 2016

According to Wine Australia's Export Report in the last 12 months to March 2016, the value of Australian wine exports jumped 13% to AUD$2.1 billion, it biggest increase since 1999, and volume increase by 3%.

IWC 2016: On the judging trail with this year's 400 judges

Published: 15 April, 2016

The International Wine Challenge 2016 opened the innings of Tranche two, at the Kia Oval, in South London on Tuesday, which will now be home to the IWC organisers, hard-working crew and judges for the next two weeks. With over 15,000 wines to assess across Tranche one, Tranche two, and the Sake Challenge, by more than 400 judges, in panels of up to 5, it's a feat of gargantuan proportions, requiring meticulous planning, and organization on a military scale.