News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Drinks industry welcomes new personnel in spring reshuffle

Published: 21 March, 2022

Several headline spirit businesses have announced new staff appointments in March, including the Cotswolds Distillery and Mangrove UK.

Ridgeview embraces wine tourism with new hospitality project

Published: 21 March, 2022

One of the UK's most iconic sparkling wine producers has announced plans to develop a tourism centre, offering visitors an immersive wine experience from vine to glass.

Burger & Lobster unveils refugee recruitment drive

Published: 21 March, 2022

Leading restaurant group Burger & Lobster has announced plans to develop a new online portal for Ukrainian refugees seeking hospitality work in the UK.

Round Table: Selling Central & Eastern Europe’s Appeal

Published: 18 March, 2022

The less discovered wines of central and eastern Europe offer a fantastic opportunity for UK buyers, but primarily at a more premium level.

Dermot Sugrue steps down as head winemaker at Wiston Estate

Published: 18 March, 2022

It is the end of an era at Wiston Estate following the announcement that Dermot Sugrue will be stepping down as head winemaker after 16 years with the estate.

Santa Rita Estates predicts record production in Molina, Pumanque, and Cauquenes in mid-harvest report

Published: 17 March, 2022

Santa Rita Estates (SRE) has published its mid-harvest report, and it’s good news for Chile, along with Santa Rita and Carmen.

Rueda DO celebrates heritage with launch of Gran Vino de Rueda

Published: 17 March, 2022

If Rueda is not on your radar, it should be - the white grape-producing region has become one of Spain’s most popular sources of wine.

Premium sales dominate at Concha y Toro for the first time

Published: 17 March, 2022

Viña Concha y Toro (CyT) has reached a ‘milestone’ in its sales career, with more than half of the company’s wine revenues stemming from higher-value products.

Hospitality can help the cost of living crisis, new report finds

Published: 16 March, 2022

A report compiled by UKHospitality and CGA highlights the vulnerable state of the UK’s pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It also demonstrates how hospitality can help solve the cost of living crisis.

2022 London Wine Fair almost sold out after increased investment

Published: 15 March, 2022

The London Wine Fair is back in physical form after a two-year hiatus, with increased investment in the event reflecting renewed confidence in the UK wine market.

Strong alcohol proposition key to targeting 65+ in food delivery services

Published: 15 March, 2022

Over the last 24 months, food and drinks deliveries became one of the only routes to market for operators across the UK, which continues to grow despite coronavirus restrictions easing.

Vinitaly Academy launches Buyer Program in the UK

Published: 15 March, 2022

Vinitaly International Academy, the educational arm of the Verona show which aims to showcase the breath and diversity of the Italian peninsula, is launching a brand new focus in the UK.

Virgin Wines subscription sales grows 23% in H1 2022

Published: 15 March, 2022

Virgin Wines, one of the UK’s largest direct to consumer online wine retailers, announced its interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2021.

Jascots adds two highly-rated Australian agencies to growing portfolio

Published: 15 March, 2022

Jascots has announced the addition of two new Australian agencies to its portfolio – Thousand Candles in the Yarra Valley and Dalfarras from the Tahbilk winery in Victoria.

Vinexpo New York marks post-Covid return with Drinks America debut

Published: 14 March, 2022

Re-opening last Wednesday 9 March, at Manhattan’s Javits Center, Vinexpo America returned following a year’s pandemic closure. For the first time, this trade-only, France-based gathering expanded its reach by debuting Drinks America, which added to its 380 exhibitors with products from 30 countries including spirits, beers, and a range of Japanese products.

Accolade Wines launches new format with Jack Rabbit 20cl Prosecco

Published: 14 March, 2022

Jack Rabbit, the leading on-trade wine brand from Accolade Wines, is launching a new 20cl, single-serve version of its increasingly popular Prosecco 75cl format.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society celebrates its 150th distillery release

Published: 14 March, 2022

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) presents its landmark 150th distillery bottling this month – and it’s not a Scotch.

Wines from Spain Awards Return for 2022

Published: 14 March, 2022

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the first Wines from Spain Awards competition since 2019 will return this Spring to highlight the best Spanish wines available to the UK trade and press.

Hospitality sales above pre-pandemic levels, but cost of living looms large

Published: 14 March, 2022

Britain’s managed restaurant, pub and bar groups raised sales above pre-pandemic levels in February, thanks mainly to the removal of Covid-19 restrictions. Still, high inflation continues to make real-terms growth challenging.