London on-trade groups see festive sales uplift

Restaurant group D&D London and Davy's Wine Merchants have seen solid uplifts in performance over the Christmas trading period.

Big four grocers face 'unprecedented' competition, says Kantar

Christmas sales figures are neck-in-neck across the grocery market, according to Kantar's latest data, which shows the retailers are the closest they have ever been since the market research firm began keeping records 20 years ago.

Festive figures: Grocers celebrate small victories despite minimal growth

Despite "modest growth" of 0.6% across the grocery market during the festive period, Kantar Worldpanel says this gives cause to celebrate - representing the biggest boost across the sector since August 2014.  

Greenall's Gin signs £3m horseracing sponsorship deal

Greenall's Gin has invested £3 million in a three-year sponsorship deal plus marketing with horseracing's Jockey Club, which will see the brand take top billing at Cheltenham and the Grand National.

Harpers Awards 2015 are open for entry!

 The entry process for the Harpers Awards 2015 is well and truly underway with the opportunity for businesses and individuals from across the UK on and off-trades to receive recognition for their hard work and achievements.

Morrisons pulls plug on CEO Dalton Philips amid disappointing Xmas sales

Morrisons saw like-for-like sales fall 3.1% in the six weeks to January 4 - making it the worst supermarket performer over Christmas  - as the board pulled the plug on embattled chief executive Dalton Philips.

Treasury Wine Estate's Dan Townsend becomes Benevolent chairman

Dan Townsend, UK chief of Treasury Wine Estates, will take over from Porter & Laker boss Chris Porter as new chairman of the Benevolent.

Buckingham Schenk promotes Craig Durham to MD

Wine supplier Buckingham Schenk has promoted Craig Durham from sales director to managing director as current chief Jon Pepper MW prepares for his move to Enotria.

Eating out to see 2% growth in 2015, says Horizons

The eating-out sector is likely to continue growing at the same rate as 2014 in the coming year, says foodservice consultancy Horizons.

Tesco's credit rating downgraded to 'junk' status

Global credit rating agency Moody's has further downgraded Tesco long-term credit rating from Baa3 to Ba1, which is considered "junk" grade for investments that are considered 'high risk'.

Spanish glass manufacturer Vidrala to buy Encirc business

Spanish glass manufacturer Vidrala is expected to purchase Encirc - the former Quinn Glass business - in a deal worth up to €400 million.

Wine Relief kicks off consumer tasting in March to raise funds for Comic Relief

The Comic Relief Wine Fair 2015 will be selling tickets for a consumer tasting which will be held on March 12, 2015 to help raise money for Wine Relief, an official part of the UK's Comic Relief charity.

Sparkling wine supplier Frizzenti hits back over Prosecco legal battle

Daniel Spinath, director of sparkling wine supplier Frizzenti, has hit back at claims that selling Prosecco on tap will be "illegal" if Italian producers of the wine win the legal right to fine bars and pubs that sell the drink by the keg instead of bottles.

Wine closure firm Nomacorc bought out by founder and Bespoke Capital

Synthetic wine closure firm Nomacorc is set for long-term growth after being bought out from Summit Parnetrs by its current founder and chairman Marc Noël along with Bespoke Capital.

Falling oil price unlikely to cut wine and spirits distribution costs

The wine and spirits sector can expect to see little relief on distribution costs despite the plummeting oil price, say logistics experts.

Top 10 crowdfunded drinks trade initiatives

The rise in crowdfunding proves that in today's business world, the customer is more powerful and more vocal than ever before - and the drinks trade has been quick to capitalise. Laura Vickers reports on 10 recent stand-out fund-raising initiatives of the past two years

So what were those snowmen talking about? Winning cartoon caption revealed

In the December issue of Hapers we set you a challenge to come up with a witty caption for this cartoon by our resident cartoonist, Rob Murray.  Well many of you were brave enough to give it a go and we recieved plenty of entries over the festive period to choose a winner from.

Comité Champagne under attack for its "vindictive" legal dispute against Champagne Jayne

Guy Woodward, Harpers columnist and former Decanter editor, has attacked  the Comité Champagne today for its on-going legal battle against freelance broadcaster and educator, Jayne Powell, over the use of her "Champagne Jayne" monicker.

How did you do in our Christmas Quiz? Answers revealed...

Up to 95% of suppliers demand retailers change the way they work with them

Up to 95% of the 200 suppliers who took part in our survey into the behaviour of major UK retailers want them to change. Here Gemma McKenna reveals what suppliers really think of the big multiples