News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Majestic acquires Vagabond Wines

Published: 05 April, 2024

Wine retailer Majestic has bought Vagabond Wines after the business went into administration last month.

Friday read: Perrier-Jouët embraces regenerative viticulture

Published: 05 April, 2024

Maison Perrier-Jouët welcomed a group of European journalists to its new tasting room to introduce the vins clairs of the most recent harvest, revealing the vibrance and resilience of its flagship grape Chardonnay.

How will tequila’s price spiral impact the UK?

Published: 05 April, 2024

Prices for agave are currently in a tailspin as sales of premium products slow in key markets like the US and years of zealous plantings finally catch up – and outstrip – demand.

Broadland makes the case for concentrate via new range

Published: 05 April, 2024

Broadland Drinks has mounted a passionate defence of wine made from grape concentrate as it reveals new research which shows such products can undercut a traditionally made wine’s carbon footprint by up to a quarter.

Co-op launches online tastings for customers

Published: 04 April, 2024

The Co-op has launched online wine tastings for its members, offering customers exclusive access to the producers behind its own-label ranges.

Be Inclusive Hospitality launches winemaking programme with Plumpton College

Published: 03 April, 2024

Be Inclusive Hospitality has launched a winemaking programme with Plumpton College for hospitality professionals who identify as Black, Asian or ethnic minority.

Padstow Distilling joins forces with Thorman Hunt

Published: 03 April, 2024

Young Cornish distillery Padstow Distilling has appointed Thorman Hunt as its sole UK distributor, in a move which will see its range distributed nationwide.

Nyetimber to buy The Lakes Distillery in £46m deal

Published: 03 April, 2024

English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber has agreed a deal in principle to buy The Lakes Distillery in a £46.1m deal.

Fine wine market shows signs of recovery

Published: 02 April, 2024

Signs of economic recovery are starting to appear in the fine wine market after a year of consistent declines. The industry benchmark, the Liv-ex 100 index, has been in freefall since March 2023, dipping 14.6%, whilst the broader Liv-ex 1000 index has fallen 15.3%.

Largest ever increase to minimum wage takes effect

Published: 02 April, 2024

As of yesterday (1 April), employment costs have increased for hospitality businesses following a rise in the National Minimum Wage.

Easter weekend Hospitality bookings up 40%

Published: 28 March, 2024

The latest insight from hospitality technology partner Zonal reveals bookings for Easter weekend are up 40% compared to 2023.

Ticket sales surge for Whisky Exchange in-person events

Published: 28 March, 2024

The Whisky Exchange has revealed a surge in consumer interest towards immersive, educational experiences within the world of wine and spirits.

Australia welcomes removal of Chinese wine tariffs

Published: 28 March, 2024

The Chinese Commerce Ministry has confirmed that China will end three years of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Australian wine from March 29.

Inside Berry Bros. & Rudd's new Spirits Shop

Published: 28 March, 2024

After over one hundred years of being a wine-front merchant, a spirits fascia bearing the name Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) is days away from opening to the public on the hallowed pavements of St James’.

London Wine Fair to host ‘Judgement of Paris’ inspired tasting

Published: 27 March, 2024

London Wine Fair (LWF) will host a homage to the late Steven Spurrier’s (pictured) landmark ‘Judgment of Paris’ blind tasting in 1976, which saw Burgundy and Bordeaux pitched against California, with the latter comparing favourably to the former, sending shockwaves around the wine world.

Trade bodies unite for diversity and inclusion programme

Published: 27 March, 2024

The Drinks Trust, the WSET and the WSTA, are co-ordinating a drinks industry-wide Equity Diversity & Inclusion programme with the stated aim, ‘to create an inclusive and equitable UK drinks industry where everyone feels welcome, safe and supported’.

Rioja launches education programme for UK sommeliers

Published: 27 March, 2024

Launching for the first time this summer, Rioja Wine UK has opened applications for its Rioja Somm’er School, an educational programme based in Logroño aimed exclusively at UK-based sommeliers and on-trade buyers.

WSTA takes aim at Gareth Davies on duty

Published: 26 March, 2024

The government is using public health arguments as a “thin veneer to maintain market distortions” Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, has said in a rebuttal of the claims made by Gareth Davies at the Westminster Hall debate earlier this month.

Orkney Distillery latest to join whisky boom

Published: 26 March, 2024

The production of single malt Scotch whisky is underway at The Orkney Distillery, marking a new era for the business, best known for its award-winning range of Kirkjuvagr gins.

Italy dominates Old Vine Hero Awards winners

Published: 26 March, 2024

The co-founders of The Old Vine Conference announced the second Old Vine Hero Awards winners yesterday (25 March) via a virtual results webinar, with Italian individuals and organisations dominating the winners list.