News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

"Chaotic" weather threatens Bordeaux vineyards

Published: 02 April, 2020

Growers in Bordeaux have resorted to exceptional measures to protect their vines from “chaotic” weather conditions, the CIVB has reported.

FDF job app deal to help ‘hidden heroes’ in food-and-drink sector

Published: 02 April, 2020

The Food and Drink Federation has announced a new partnership with recruitment app Syft in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Berkmann launches new scheme to support hospitality sector

Published: 02 April, 2020

Berkmann Wine Cellars has launched a new online platform to raise funds for the hospitality sector through consumer sales.

#VirtualHappyHour releases promotional video

Published: 02 April, 2020

Following its launch two weeks ago, #TheVirtualHappyHour has partnered with events business Team Spirit to create a video in support of the campaign.

WSTA survey reveals ‘overwhelming’ support for tax break

Published: 01 April, 2020

Almost 95% of companies taking part in a new members survey by the WSTA have agreed with the industry body’s call on the government to suspend excise duty for six months.

French wines weaken on fine-wine market

Published: 01 April, 2020

France’s premier wine regions continue to weaken on the fine-wine market, according to the first-quarter 2020 trading data released this morning by Liv-ex.

Coronavirus could kickstart "radical change in stagnant" wine trade, tech entrepreneur predicts

Published: 01 April, 2020

The coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis could kickstart radical change in the wine trade, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur has predicted.

Enotria goes into bat at Lord's

Published: 01 April, 2020

Enotria & Coe has announced a new three-year partnership with MCC which will see it become the official suppliers of wine and spirits at Lord’s Cricket Ground.  

Chapel Down says “very well placed” to weather the crisis but temporarily stops beer production

Published: 01 April, 2020

Chapel Down has said it believes it is “very well placed to weather the crisis and thrive in the aftermath”, but has temporarily closed its beer and cider arm, Curious Brewery.

Early harvest for Santa Rita as heat wave bites

Published: 31 March, 2020

A heat wave in South America has had a dramatic impact on the country’s grape harvest, according to a mid-harvest report from leading producer Santa Rita.

The Drinks Trust raises over £400,000 via coronavirus campaign

Published: 31 March, 2020

The Drinks Trust has fundraised over £400,000 to date via its campaign launched earlier this month to support the people of the drinks industry who have been left in financial crisis as a result of coronavirus (Covid-19).

Beaujolais UK sales skyrocket

Published: 31 March, 2020

Beaujolais has continued its revival in the UK, with 2019 exports up 17% by value and 22% by volume year on year, according to new figures from Inter Beaujolais.

Restructured Armit comes out fighting

Published: 31 March, 2020

Significant restructuring at Armit Wines following new MD Brett Fleming’s appointment has seen improved performance, stemming a decline in the second half of FY2019 with far reaching change to its business strategy.

Bibendum and Matthew Clark launch new app to help virus-hit on-trade

Published: 31 March, 2020

Bibendum and Matthew Clark has introduced a new app aimed at helping the virus-hit on-trade.

Stockpiling and on-trade closure send off-trade BWS sales through the roof

Published: 31 March, 2020

Off-trade sales of beer, wine and spirits (BWS) surged 67% in the week to 21 March - the week the government announced the closure of the on-trade.

Distil and BHC end new joint venture

Published: 31 March, 2020

British drinks companies Distil and British Honey Company have folded their recently launched joint venture.

Distell reverses course on premium division

Published: 31 March, 2020

South African drinks giant Distell has shuttered its premium wine division Libertas Vineyards and Estates after little more than a year.

Gusbourne expands still wine offer

Published: 30 March, 2020

Kent-based sparkling-wine producer Gusbourne is to make available a number of limited-release still wines this year.

Wine Intelligence updates Global Report post-virus

Published: 30 March, 2020

Wine Intelligence has updated its Global Report post-coronavirus (Covid-19), first launched in January, to highlight both the short and long-term effects the pandemic is likely to have on wine consumption.

Sparkling dominates online wine searches

Published: 30 March, 2020

Nearly half of all wine-related online searches in the UK are for sparkling wine, according to new research from Italian wine specialists Independent Wine.