News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

UK distribution partnership for top Jura estate Frédéric Lambert unveiled

Published: 24 August, 2026

The wines of Frédéric Lambert are now available in the UK after distributor Cachet Wine announced a partnership with the producer.

Luke Harbor set to join Bolney as general manager

Published: 24 August, 2026

Luke Harbor is set to jump ship from his current role as group beverage director at The Pig Hotels and become general manager at Sussex’s Bolney Wine Estate.

Business rates: Government reviews valuations for pubs and hotels

Published: 24 August, 2026

The government has launched a review into the way business rates for both pubs and hotels are calculated in England and Wales – which could lead to reforms.

Emma Denney: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 24 August, 2026

Claridge’s director of wine Emma Denney adds her perspective to our ongoing summer Q&A series. The top somm reflects here on shifting consumption habits; the steadfast popularity of classic wine regions; and anticipates a busy festive trading for the grand dame hotel.

Gallup poll: US alcohol consumption remains at record low

Published: 24 August, 2026

New figures from American analytics and advisory firm Gallup detail that US drinking levels remains at record lows. In 2026, the proportion of Americans who consume alcohol remains at 54%, the same figure as last year.

Much-awaited DMO appointed for Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme

Published: 21 August, 2026

The Welsh government has announced the appointment of Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which launches in October 2027.

Luke Harbor: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 21 August, 2026

As we press ahead with our summer Q&As, next up is leading sommelier Luke Harbor, group beverage director at The Pig Hotels, who reflects here upon on-trade trends; the exciting prospects for English wine; and why more young people should take a chance at a career in hospitality.

Balfour pens deal with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club

Published: 20 August, 2026

Kent’s Balfour Winery has signed a five-year partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club becoming the Premier League team’s English Wine Partner.

Nyetimber joins English optimism with vintage expectations from earliest ever harvest

Published: 20 August, 2026

Nyetimber is expecting 2026 to be another vintage year – following 2025 – suggesting that its grapes will be of ‘distinctive quality’ despite some challanges along the way.

Brixton Spirits and Brixton Distillery merge

Published: 20 August, 2026

South London’s Brixton Spirits and Brixton Distillery have announced the two businesses have merged to form a single entity. The combined business is set to be known as Brixton Spirits.

Salford Distillery kicks off UK growth push with DOMI Brands partnership

Published: 20 August, 2026

Salford Distillery has announced a partnership with ‘specialist commercial growth partner’ DOMI Brands which will support the producer’s next phase of expansion.

US drinks producers hold breath as Canada tariff deal nears

Published: 19 August, 2026

US President Trump has paused the implementation of a 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods for three days (which were set to be implemented today – 19 August), with the two governments nearing a deal that seeks to avert the heightened export duty.

‘Shocking lack of details’: SIBA pushes for delay to DRS

Published: 19 August, 2026

The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) has called on the government to delay the implementation of its deposit return scheme (DRS), after what it called “a shocking lack of details”.

Equal Measures to host September charity auction

Published: 19 August, 2026

Equal Measures – the non-profit dedicated to delivering equity, diversity & inclusion (EDI) across the drinks sector – has announced a special charity auction set to take place Tuesday 1 September.

Nearly 2,000 jobs at Diageo axed due to restructure

Published: 19 August, 2026

Over the past financial year, Guinness-producer Diageo has cut almost 2,000 people from its workforce as its new CEO – Sir David Lewis – implements his restructuring plan.

Katy Keating: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 19 August, 2026

The MD of Flint Wines is next up in our summer Q&A series, talking stories, the value of rarity, the next generation and being a technicolour option.

Scots engaging with hospitality less as dining patterns shift

Published: 18 August, 2026

Over half of Scottish people (58%) are cutting back on both drinks and meals at hospitality venues, according to a new survey from The Knowledge Bank, the insight hub from trade body Scotland Food & Drink.

Pub-to-housing conversions to be restricted under new rules

Published: 17 August, 2026

Pubs at risk of closure for conversion to another use are set to receive protections under new planning regulations in England, which come into force today (Monday 17 August).

Tom Jones: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 17 August, 2026

The Whalley Wine Shop's founder and MD continues our summer Q&A series, speaking on a postive year, the disappointments of low-value wines, and the continued struggle against climate change.

Sea Change Wine funds seagrass restoration with new charity partner

Published: 17 August, 2026

Sea Change Wine has named the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) as its new core charity partner, with money from every one of the brand’s sales going towards charitable donations.