Over the line on duty

So, the deadline has come and gone – and despite an avalanche of criticism, including a letter sent by Hennings Wine owner Matt Hennings to his local MP in June, begging the government to wake up and smell the bonfire, the trade is now facing increases to the tune of 20% or 44p per 75cl bottle.

The WSTA to launch ‘low and no’ alcohol guides

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has spearheaded the development of the UK’s first low and no alcohol guides, amid exponential growth in the burgeoning sector. 

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

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 Owen Morgan, owner of the Bar 44 tapas group, to find out how the year has gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Kate Goodman named Australian Winemaker of the Year

Kate Goodman, head winemaker for Penley Estate Winery, in Coonawarra, South Australia, has been named Australian Winemaker of the Year 2024 by the Halliday Wine Companion.

Curious Vines and Proof Insight to launch women in wine survey

Curious Vines and Proof Insight are to collaborate on the ‘first-ever’ survey to discover how women feel about working in the wine industry.

OIV adds Italian producer to its research consortium

Leading Valpolicella producer Masi Agricola has become the sixth member of the OIV’s technical and scientific consortium.

iDealwine begins shipping to Australia

iDealwine, the Paris-based online marketplace for fine wine and spirits has announced it will now deliver to Australia. 

WineGB appoints sustainability ambassador

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) has appointed Anne Jones as its first-ever sustainability ambassador.

The Whisky Exchange to launch first Chinese Whiskey in UK

Spirits retailer, The Whisky Exchange, has exclusively launched three Goalong Chinese whiskies and a botanical gin on its website and in-store.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Vanessa Stolz, Restaurant Pine

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 Vanessa Stolz, head sommelier at Restaurant Pine, to find out how the year has gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Rioja adds 15 new ‘Singular Vineyards’

The government of Spain has added 15 new wine-growing sites of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin with the qualitative distinction of ‘Singular Vineyard’. 

Reduction in product innovations, as economic pressure bites for drinks brands

Circana, the leading advisor on consumer complexity, has launched its Race for Resilience: Innovation Pacesetters report for Europe. Covering the six largest markets in Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, UK, and the Netherlands), the report reveals declining product innovations for alcoholic drinks brands across the last two years.

Duty changes emphasise the law of increasing returns

The changes to alcohol duty, due to come into effect tomorrow (1 August), are the biggest the UK has seen in nearly fifty years. As businesses make their final preparations, it seems we could see a raft of new changes entering the drinks landscape – including the need to better communicate the law of increasing returns when it comes to wine and the benefits of trading up.

Oxford Wine Group announces new bar opening

Having celebrated its crowning as the number one merchant in Harpers' 50 Best Indies list 2023, The Oxford Wine Group has announced it will open a brand-new city centre venue later this year.

Food prices in hospitality surge again as supermarket prices ease

Inflation in hospitality rose again in June to 22.6% YOY, just shy of the record high of 22.9% in December 2022, as measured by CGA.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Miriam Spiers, Alliance Wine

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, Miriam Spiers, sales director, Alliance Wine, to find out how the year has gone so far and what the remainder may bring.

Professional development and well-being number one priorities for drinks industry

Results from the annual survey conducted by The Drinks Trust revealed that almost all (96%) of the drinks industry want to undertake professional development initiatives to help them in their career in the next 12 months.   

Changyu challenges Moët & Chandon for world’s most valuable wine brand

Château Changyu, China’s oldest and largest wine producer, is second only to Moët & Chandon as the world’s most valuable wine brand.

Friday read: Can sustainability and luxury co-exist?

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Archie McDiarmid, Luvians

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, Archie McDiarmid, manager, Luvians Bottleshop, to find out how the year has gone so far and what the remainder may bring.