News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Indies Survey: What’s the deal with duty?

Published: 17 August, 2023

Harpers wants to hear from indie retailers as to how the 1 August duty rises – and associated costs – are impacting business.

Gallo embraces premium Oz with Wirra Wirra partnership

Published: 17 August, 2023

Wirra Wirra has signed a distribution agreement with California giant E. & J. Gallo to boost the Mclaren Vale winery’s presence in the US.

Vacancies fall while prices rise for hospitality

Published: 16 August, 2023

The rate of overall UK inflation experienced a sharp fall to 6.8% in July – the same month which marked the fourth consecutive reduction in vacancies for hospitality. However, the sector is still facing numerous challenges.

Global beverage industry lags behind green targets

Published: 16 August, 2023

A new report has said the global beverage industry could achieve its emissions reduction goals by 2028 if a clear plan is put in place. However, it is not currently on course to meet either its 2030 or 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) targets.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Mark Bedford, Caviste and The Spirits Room

Published: 16 August, 2023

Midway through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Mark Bedford, owner and director, Caviste and The Spirits Room, to find out how the year as gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Gosset Matchmakers 2023 finalists announced

Published: 15 August, 2023

The Champagne Gosset Matchmakers competition has revealed the top sommelier/chef teams who have made it to the final stages for 2023, where they will be battling out to be crowned top of the class.

Thracians target UK market

Published: 15 August, 2023

The Ancient Thracian Lowlands PGI has launched a three-year campaign aimed at raising the profile of its wines in the UK.

Enotria & Coe welcomes new COO

Published: 15 August, 2023

Enotria & Coe has announced the appointment of Julian Momen as its new chief operating officer (COO), who has joined the company after holding several top jobs across the industry.

Burnt Faith buddies with Proof Drinks for brandy drive

Published: 14 August, 2023

Burnt Faith has joined forces with premium drinks specialists, Proof Drinks, in a move which is hoped will drive interest in British brandy houses across the UK.

Indies short-changed in government duty consultation

Published: 14 August, 2023

Independent merchants, long considered the backbone of the quality drinks trade in the UK, were woefully underrepresented among those consulted by government over the duty changes now hitting businesses.

Takeaway sales for pubs and bars extended

Published: 14 August, 2023

Pubs and bars in England and Wales will be able to continue selling takeaway drinks beyond the September deadline, meaning the on-trade will be able to continue to benefit from ‘hatch sales’ without having to apply for council permission.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Matteo Furlan, The Dorchester London

Published: 14 August, 2023

Mid way through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Matteo Furlan, head of wines, The Dorchester London, to find out how the year as gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Bird In Hand Wine appoints Sam Harrop MW

Published: 11 August, 2023

Top Aussie estate Bird In Hand has added a string to its feathery bow via the appointment of Sam Harrop MW, in the role of consultant winemaker.

Codorníu taps into crémant sparkle

Published: 11 August, 2023

Leading Spanish cava producer Codorníu has launched a new Gran Cremant Brut Cava, initially into the Co-op.

Duty hikes: Details of government consultation revealed

Published: 11 August, 2023

The alcohol duty hikes on 1 August 2023 were the biggest the UK has seen in nearly fifty years and the changes will impact all wines across the country.

Majestic partners with Uber Eats

Published: 10 August, 2023

In a significant endorsement for alcohol delivery sales, Majestic, the UK’s number one wine retailer has partnered with Uber Eats.

Bibendum appoints Valeria Rodriguez as head of Fine Wine

Published: 10 August, 2023

Bibendum Wine, the premium wine specialist, has appointed Valeria Rodriguez as head of its Fine Wine division.

Mangrove expands spirits team following French buyout

Published: 10 August, 2023

Mangrove Global, the independent spirits distributor, has expanded its marketing team and collective expertise by appointing four new spirits specialists. The expansion of ‘team purple’ comes soon after Mangrove was bought by French conglomerate, Groupe Bernard Hayot (GBH), bringing it into the fold of the SPIRIBAM portfolio.

Lipstick effect brightens up sales of alcohol – until reality (duty) bites?

Published: 09 August, 2023

Economic depression tends to lead consumers to splash out on little luxuries. This is the idea behind the ‘lipstick effect’, coined by Estée Lauder’s Leonard Lauder to describe the rocketing rise of lipsticks in 2008, post the 9/11 attacks in New York and while global markets teetered on the brink of financial meltdown. By extension – and with the cost of living and wage stagnation pushing prices higher – alcohol still seems to fall within a comparatively ‘affordable luxury’ bracket.

Majestic to expand at a rate of ‘one new store per month’

Published: 09 August, 2023

Majestic, the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, has opened the doors to its newest store in Rugby as it accelerates its bricks-and-mortar expansion.