News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

InBev deal creates world's largest brewer

Published: 18 November, 2008

InBev has completed its $52 billion (£35 million) takeover of Anheuser-Busch, creating the world's largest brewer.

Indian drinks giant Indage acquires Norfolk winery

Published: 18 November, 2008

Indage UK, part of India's largest wine producer the Indage Group, has made an offer to buy a Norfolk based winery as it seeks to expand its UK presence.

Popularity of British food and drink reaches "record heights"

Published: 18 November, 2008

The global popularity of British food and drink has hit record heights, with annual exports on track to exceed £13bn for the first time in history, according to new figures released this week.

Heineken launches responsible drinking campaign

Published: 18 November, 2008

Heineken has become the latest drinks company to launch a responsible drinking campaign.

Wines in the Press: Jancis Robinson stars on Wine Library TV

Published: 18 November, 2008

Jane MacQuitty considers the benefits of the world's largest mountain vineyard and Jancis Robinson MW stars on Wine Library TV. Victoria Moore wants to see more variety coming out of Australia and Tim Atkin MW examines a shifting trend in Portugese wines.

New look launched for Arniston Bay wine range

Published: 17 November, 2008

The Arniston Bay Original South African wine range is being re-launched in the UK market. The re-launch is designed to "upgrade" the range, and will include screwcap closures and updated packaging on all varietals.

Grand Marnier launches supermarket sampling campaign

Published: 17 November, 2008

Grand Marnier has launched a sampling programme as it bids to enhance the liqueur's usage during the autumn and winter months. Text

Lanson Champagne reveals 2009 promotional plans

Published: 17 November, 2008

Lanson Champagne has appointed Phipps PR as its retained PR agency after a two way pitch. The six figure account kicks off before Christmas and will run throughout the whole of 2009.

Weekend round-up: Turn down the volume to combat binge drinking

Published: 17 November, 2008

The Guardian
Diageo, which makes Smirnoff and Guinness, has confirmed it is in discussions with Vijay Mallya, the well connected Indian billionaire owner of Kingfisher beer, about a partnership deal which the British firm hopes will help it better access the subcontinent with its whisky brands."Diageo can confirm it is reviewing a collaboration with United Spirits. There is no certainty at this stage that these discussions will result in a transaction," the company said last night. A deal is likely to involve the London-listed firm taking a stake in Mallya United Spirits. Reports in the Indian media suggest Diageo will acquire close to 15% of the company.

Famous Grouse returns for festive TV campaign

Published: 14 November, 2008

Scotch blended whisky brand The Famous Grouse is making its traditional festive return to the TV screens in December in a £1.5m winter advertising campaign.

SPI Group and William Grant sign Stolichnaya deal

Published: 14 November, 2008

Drinks company SPI Group, owner of the Stolichnaya vodka brand, has entered into an agreement with William Grant & Sons for the distribution of Stolichnaya in the United States.

Regent Inns sees sales drop by 13%

Published: 14 November, 2008

Regent Inns, the UK pub group, has reported a 13% fall in like-for-like sales.

Condé Nast Johansens Champagne Taittinger wine winners unveiled

Published: 13 November, 2008

The Bell at Skenfrith inn in Monmouthshire, Wales, has been named overall winner of the Condé Nast Johansens Champagne Taittinger Wine List Award 2009.

Binge drinkers will be forced to get help

Published: 13 November, 2008

Binge drinkers arrested for alcohol-related offences are to be forced to see a counsellor who will offer them advice on how to cut down.

Licensing Act is "fit for purpose" says ALMR

Published: 12 November, 2008

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has addressed MPs on the effectiveness the 2003 Licensing Act.

Sir Cliff switches distributor for Portuguese wine range

Published: 12 November, 2008

The distribution of singer Sir Cliff Richard's Vida Nova and Onda Nova range of wines in the UK are being switched with immediate affect to Chalié Richards, the premium wine arm of drinks company Halewood International.

Argentina sweeps the board at fairtrade wine awards

Published: 12 November, 2008

The results of the 2008 Fairtrade Wine Competition were announced today at the Third Annual Fairtrade Wine Tasting at Vinopolis.

Waitrose lists nectar of the "God"

Published: 12 November, 2008

The arrival in the UK of one of Sweden's most famous beers - God Lager, from the Nils Oscar Micro-brewery - is certainly cause for celebration.
Source: God Lager

Community Alcohol Partnerships win retail award

Published: 12 November, 2008

The Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) approach to combatting underage drinking has won an award for best initiative in this year's Responsible Drinks Retailing Awards.

Wells & Youngs 'broke rules' on advert

Published: 12 November, 2008

Brewing company Wells & Youngs has had one of its ads banned by an advertising watchdog after falsely claiming that two of its flavoured beers were the country's top performing.