News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Codorníu launches first still wine range in the UK

Published: 18 December, 2023

Sparkling juggernaut Codorníu is officially expanding its portfolio in the UK with the launch of the brand’s first-ever still wine collection.

Lidl boasts best-selling wine in three categories

Published: 18 December, 2023

Lidl GB has revealed that it has the bestselling wines across three categories – Montepulciano, Saint Emilion and Nero D’Avola, with prices starting from £5.

Scottish hospitality businesses ‘hang in the balance’ without government support

Published: 18 December, 2023

New analysis has revealed that thousands of Scottish hospitality businesses will be left unsupported if a rates relief isn’t included in the Scottish Budget tomorrow (19 December).

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Graham Hall, Drake & Morgan

Published: 18 December, 2023

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, Graham Hall, director at Drake & Morgan reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Allegrini divides its business as the reigns pass to the next generation

Published: 15 December, 2023

Francesco, Giovanni and Matteo Allegrini, heirs of Franco Allegrini, are due to acquire the majority shareholding of the famous north Italian winery and its holdings in a move which will effectively see the two branches of the Allegrini family divide their responsibilities and ownership between Verona and Tuscany.

UK bars roll out drink spiking test kits

Published: 15 December, 2023

With the festive season in full swing, police and businesses have joined forces to crack down on drink spiking across the UK.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Michael Awin, ABS

Published: 15 December, 2023

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, Michael Awin of Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies (ABS) reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

WSTA debunks pesticide report

Published: 15 December, 2023

Recent results from a UK government testing programme have suggested a dramatic increase in the proportion of wine that contains multiple pesticide residues – up from 14% in 2016 to 50% in 2022.

Campari steps into ‘super premium’ cognac category

Published: 15 December, 2023

Campari Group is set acquire Courvoisier from Beam Suntory, adding what the company describes as a “fourth major leg” to its spirits portfolio.

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.