News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hospitality insolvencies up by one fifth in 2011

Published: 03 February, 2012

The hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit by insolvencies last year - they grew by 19% - and experts predict the situation will worsen in 2012.

Mark Riley appointed Maxxium UK off-trade sales director

Published: 03 February, 2012

Premium spirits company, Maxxium UK has appointed Mark Riley as sales director off-trade.

Drink less resolutions likely to fail today, says Drinkaware

Published: 03 February, 2012

A survey by alcohol education charity Drinkaware says that new year's resolutions to drink less are most likely to be broken today.

Glenfiddich releases rare malt to auction

Published: 03 February, 2012

Glenfiddich is to auction of one of its rarest-ever whiskies, the Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve.

Sterling in favour due to ongoing euro zone issues

Published: 03 February, 2012

This week sterling has seen sterling trend in favour against the euro, due to a lack of resolution surrounding the ongoing euro zone issues.

Record-breaking year for Cognac sales

Published: 02 February, 2012

Cognac had a record-breaking year in 2011 spearheaded by a rise in Chinese consumption - global sales grew 6.4% on the previous year.

Tesco lighter wine sales up

Published: 02 February, 2012

Customers' growing concerns about the effects of alcohol on health boosted lighter wine sales at Tesco by 100,000 bottles last year.

Fine wine prices up for first time in six months

Published: 02 February, 2012

There's been a "definite lightening of the mood" as the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 index has posted an increase of 3.97 points, or 1.39%, in January, after six months of decline.

Nicolas sells UK franchise to Spirited Wines

Published: 02 February, 2012

Nicolas has sold its UK stores to Spirited Wines - to be operated under franchise.

Enomatic machines up for grabs at SITT 2012

Published: 02 February, 2012

The Specialist Importers Trade Tasting SITT, is to offer two visitors a chance of winning an enomatic machine on a 12 week trail basis.

Merchants debate value of Italian wine investment

Published: 02 February, 2012

Are investors looking to Italian wines as the next big thing? Merchants are reporting growth, but whether the wines are being bought as investments remains to be seen.

Sterling slips against euro

Published: 02 February, 2012

Sterling started the day poorly against the euro due to negative UK Nationwide house price data which was released on top of an increased positive outlook in the Euro zone.

Majestic chairman says high street's in 'death spiral'

Published: 02 February, 2012

The high street is in a "death spiral", says Majestic's new chairman Phil Wrigley, who recommends using empty shops for residential accommodation.

Merchants and sommeliers to have their say at Harpers Champagne Summit

Published: 01 February, 2012

Harpers Wine and Spirit is limbering up for its 2012 Champagne Summit, taking place on February 28 at London's Chiswell Street Dining Rooms.

Berkmann's revamps Australian wine portfolio

Published: 01 February, 2012

Berkmann Wine Cellars has revamped its Australian agency portfolio, having replaced 85% of the current lines.

Changing weather impacts vintages, say top winemakers

Published: 01 February, 2012

Winemakers around the world are noticing huge vintage variation thanks to changing weather patterns.

WSTA offers Olympic tips for the drinks trade

Published: 01 February, 2012

The WSTA has produced a practical guide on how to get your business ready for London 2012, including tips on how to make sure staff and deliveries can make it on time.