News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Friday read: The other Caucasus contender

Published: 15 December, 2023

Armenia has a thriving wine industry, as Jacopo Mazzeo discovers, but faces an uphill battle to establish itself on the world stage.

Chivas Brothers dispute over as workers agree new offer

Published: 14 December, 2023

Unite the union has confirmed that its 500-strong Chivas Brothers membership has overwhelmingly accepted an improved pay offer over two years.

Welsh hospitality calls for business rates relief

Published: 14 December, 2023

UKHospitality Wales has called on the Welsh government to boost beleaguered pubs, hotels and restaurants in Wales and provide vital business rates relief in next week’s Budget.

SMEs owed £22,000 on average in late payments

Published: 13 December, 2023

Following a review of business payments and cash flow, the government has found that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were owed on average £22,000 in late payments in 2022.

Hospitality sales up 4% YOY in November

Published: 13 December, 2023

Britain’s leading hospitality groups achieved year-on-year (YOY) sales growth of 4% in November, the new CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker has revealed.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Robert Maynard, Chanctonbury Wines

Published: 13 December, 2023

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, we hear from Robert Maynard, partner in Hove’s Wild Flor and now director of Steyning’s newest indie, Chanctonbury Wines, on the highs and lows of 2023, plus hopes and plans for the year ahead.

BBR achieves 11% sales growth in FY23 Results

Published: 13 December, 2023

Fine wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) has announced its financial results for the financial year ending 31 March 2023, reporting a sales growth of 11.1% on the previous year to £254.3m.

Ecommerce set to swell alcohol sales, even as growth slows

Published: 13 December, 2023

The value of alcohol e-commerce is set to see slowed growth over the next five years as sales normalise following Covid. However, value is still forecast to increase by a hefty $7.5bn as online growth continues to outstrip traditional sales.

IWCA takes aim at COP28 in open letter

Published: 12 December, 2023

International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) has penned an open letter to wine trade CEOs and press regarding the forthcoming resolutions at COP28 in Dubai.

Curious Vines launches higher education support platform

Published: 11 December, 2023

Curious Vines, the online community connecting women in wine, has launched a support programme focusing on MW, MS, WSET Diploma and CMS Advanced qualifications.

Flat bottle production set to rise via new ‘cutting-edge’ facility

Published: 11 December, 2023

Packamama, the eco flat bottle company behind the new-look Banrock Station, is upping its capacity via a new product-specific bottling line which looks set to significantly increase the presence of alternative format wines in markets like the UK.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Nik Darlington, Graft Wine

Published: 11 December, 2023

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, Nik Darlington, marketing director at specialist importer Graft Wine, reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus hopes and plans for the year ahead, in our annual Q&A series.

Royal Tokaji makes the leap to Fells

Published: 11 December, 2023

Royal Tokaji, the Hungarian producer known for its botrytised sweet wines, has made the move to John E Fells & Sons, joining the likes of Wiston Estate, Champagne Henriot and Tedeschi in the portfolio.

The Cotswolds Distillery signs with Illva Saronno

Published: 11 December, 2023

The Cotswolds Distillery has signed a distribution agreement with Italian drinks group Illva Saronno Holding, which owns Disaronno and Tia Maria.

Nick Gillett: A festive ‘through the keyhole’ look at our columnist’s home bar

Published: 11 December, 2023

As MD of a spirits distribution company, you might imagine that my home bar is huge. And guess what – you’d be absolutely right. As someone who genuinely loves a good, stiff drink, learning about new producers and brands is one of the biggest perks of the job. And as a result of that perk, I’m now the proud owner of the best stocked bar in Woodford Green. So, in case it’s of any interest at all to the booze enthusiasts among you, here’s exactly what I’ve got stocked on my own bar at home.

Fine wine no longer ‘pillar of stability’ in tumultuous market

Published: 11 December, 2023

In 2022, fine wine established itself as a powerful alternative amidst times of economic turmoil, a pillar of stability in an otherwise volatile equities market.

Aidy Smith launches mentorship program for aspiring drinks writers

Published: 11 December, 2023

Founded by drinks presenter and journalist Aidy Smith, DRINKLUSIVE aims to support aspiring drinks writers and content creators from diverse communities. The scheme boasts the support of several industry leaders including Global Brands, Jancis Robinson MW and the WSET.

Survey estimates £7.4bn will be spent on Christmas partying

Published: 08 December, 2023

A survey of 2,000 UK adults by tonics and mixer brand, Double Dutch, has estimated £7.4bn will be spent in UK hospitality during the festive period – a significant threefold increase compared to the previous year.

Harpers Design Awards 2023: The results

Published: 08 December, 2023

Good and great design can only enhance the liquid in the bottle, while communicating much to the consumer. Andrew Catchpole reports back from Harpers Design Awards 2023.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Owen Morgan, 44 Group

Published: 08 December, 2023

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, Owen Morgan, director of Spain-focused 44 Group, reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus hopes and plans for the year ahead, in our annual Q&A series.