News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Pays d'Oc IGP names Fiona Taylor UK ambassador for 2014

Published: 03 October, 2014

Christopher Piper Wines' Fiona Taylor has been named Pays d'Oc IGP ambassador of the year for the UK market.

Luxury pop-up wine merchant Vinorium launches on London's Southbank

Published: 03 October, 2014

A luxury pop-up wine merchant - built out of two 20 ft shipping containers - is set to launch on London's Southbank.

No 3 Gin cocktail winner turns to Beatrix Potter's Mr Tod for inspiration

Published: 03 October, 2014

Let's be honest the average top bartender is not the kind of person who would admit turning to Beatrix Potter for inspiration. Let alone the kind of bartender who would be allowed to play along the back bar of the uber cool City Social in Old Broad Street in London.

'Mild alcoholics' to be prescribed new drug nalmefene to help them cut back

Published: 03 October, 2014

People who drink more than two large glasses of wine per night or three pints are to be prescribed the drug nalmefene to help them cut back, according to new guidance for doctors.

The Week That Was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 03 October, 2014

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

Codorníu Raventós appoints senior Percy Fox exec to head UK business

Published: 03 October, 2014

John Hearn, global commercial director for Diageo's wine arm Percy Fox, is to become the new managing director of Codorníu Raventós in the UK.

Morrisons goes head to head against other grocers with new price-matching scheme

Published: 03 October, 2014

Morrison's announced it is newest strategy in taking on discount grocers Aldi and Lidl for the first time with the introduction of the a new price-matching loyalty card scheme called 'Match & More.'

Tim Atkin on why modern winemaking is a breath of fresh air

Published: 03 October, 2014

"To thine own self be true." Polonius' advice to his son Laertes in Hamlet is arguably easier to give than to follow. Most of us make regular compromises in our personal and professional lives. We don't lie to ourselves exactly, but we fall short of the absolute standards to which we aspire.

Guy Woodward: Hegarty's right - we need to follow Top Gear to sell wine

Published: 03 October, 2014

It didn't come as a huge surprise when Sir John Hegarty used his WSTA conference key note speech to deliver a withering assessment of the wine trade's relationship with its audience. One of the foremost marketing exponents of his generation, Hegarty knows a thing or two about generating headlines. 'Appalling', 'pathetic' and 'mad' were among the politer descriptions aimed at his audience. 'Confusing' and 'impenetrable' were daggers to the heart - a stinging critique of the public's perception of the world of wine. Why so stinging? Because the words ring so true...

Harpers Design Awards picks out winners from all over the world

Published: 02 October, 2014

The first Harpers Global Design Awards to recognise excellence in wine and spirits label and bottle design saw 62 medals awarded, including 17 gold medals for designs the judges felt were showing the way for the rest of the industry.

English wine Digby's signs deals with Coe Vintners and British Bottle Company

Published: 02 October, 2014

Digby Fine English wine has signed distribution deals with Coe Vintners across the UK, and the recently-formed British Bottle Company for international export.

Will Constellation Brands continue its winning streak?

Published: 02 October, 2014

Constellation Brands is set to release its second quarter financials today, and with over 51.9% share-price growth over the past year, the question on everyone's mind is can it continue?

Screwcap manufacturer Guala Closures opens US design studio

Published: 02 October, 2014

Screwcap manufacturer Guala Closures has opened a design studio in California which will allow wineries to choose design and have it printed in one location.

Ribera del Duero should shun powerful wines for more classic style says Pingus founder

Published: 02 October, 2014

The biggest threat to the future of wines from the Ribera Del Duero is consumers turning their back on the signature ripe and powerful style of the region, according to Pingus founder Peter Sisseck.

Bargain Booze owner Conviviality strengthens buying team

Published: 02 October, 2014

Bargain Booze and Wine Rack owner Conviviality Retail has boosted its buying team with Andrew Dorricot and Emma Breslin.

Disaronno liqueur releases Versace-designed bottle

Published: 02 October, 2014

Amaretto liqueur Disaronno has partnered with fashion house Versace to create a designer look for its bottle.

Ex-Tesco wine technical head Andy Gale joins Concha y Toro

Published: 01 October, 2014

Concha y Toro UK has appointed Tesco's former technical manager for wine, Andy Gale, to head up its new business and technical development.

The Benevolent's Northern Ball is a must for all James Bond fans

Published: 01 October, 2014

You may not get the chance to dine out with Daniel Craig anytime soon, but if you fancy a night dressing up like him and taking your chances on the roulette wheel then the Benevelont Northern Ball is the place for you.

Sainsbury's to switch to a mid-low pricing strategy as sales continue to fall

Published: 01 October, 2014

Sainsbury's is to start comparing and benchmarking its pricing levels against Asda rather than Tesco as it looks to switch to a new mid-low pricing strategy following a fall in sales for the third quarter in a row.

UK wine buyers warn Burgundy will struggle to regain market share as exports plummet

Published: 01 October, 2014

Top UK wine buyers warn Burgundy will struggle to regain shelf space as figures reveal exports to the UK have halved in 2014, following last year's short harvest.