News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Vodka heads past £2 billion

Published: 01 May, 2009

The UK's annual vodka sales are likely to reach the £2 billion mark according to a new Mintel report.

Burgundy launches biodiversity project

Published: 01 May, 2009

Burgundy is taking a lesson from the New World in launching its first large-scale biodiversity project.

SNP reports licensee support for minimum pricing

Published: 01 May, 2009

The SNP government in Scotland is claiming that its controversial plans for a minimum price for alcohol have gained widespread trade support.

Parker scores could halt Bordeaux en primeur campaign

Published: 30 April, 2009

Robert Parker's high scores for the Bordeaux 2008 vintage could bring a premature end to the en primeur campaign, warns UK fine wine specialists Berry Bros.

Foster's EMEA - the European, Middle Eastern and African division of Foster's Group Limited and a leading producer and distributor of wine in the UK - has announced it is the first wine company to join a major initiative from the Waste and Resource's Action Programme (WRAP).

UK Sommelier of the Year 2009 announced

Published: 30 April, 2009

The 2009 UK Sommelier of the Year was awarded last night to 27-year-old Laura Rhys from Hotel TerraVina in Southampton.

Social responsibility award for Sauza

Published: 29 April, 2009

The Sauza tequila distillery has been recognised for its commitment to social responsibility issues.

Russian Standard's new market

Published: 29 April, 2009

Russian Standard vodka has continued its quest for world domination by signing a distribution agreement in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan.

Foster's pledges to cut waste

Published: 29 April, 2009

Foster's EMEA has become the first wine company to join the WRAP Courtauld Commitment.

Recession bites food and drink

Published: 29 April, 2009

The recession continues to bite the food and drink industries, new research into British eating and drinking habits has revealed.

Harpers Design Awards 2009

Published: 29 April, 2009

The 2009 Harpers Wine & Spirit Trades Review Design Awards are awarded to the best launches and redesigns of the past 12 months. They are judged by a panel of experts drawn from both the drinks and the design and packaging industries.

LIWF Press Release

Published: 29 April, 2009

I LOVE South-West France
With a strong sense of place, and unique native grape varieties, South-West wines have
always championed their regional identity. In Gascony, the Basque country, Pyrenean
Piemont, Aveyron or the Lot Valley, wine is at the heart of culture, an integral part of the
way of life, along with local gastronomy, and the love for rugby.
Bored with bland wines? Head for the region where winemakers proudly cultivate their
difference.

Hearty welcome on stand I50

The regional stand (I50) will be home to a range of distinctive South-West ACs and Vins
de Pays and will provide an overview of the richness of terroirs and styles offered by the
South-West region.
Dr Helen Savage, The Journal (Newcastle), will share her expertise on South-West
wines and producers. She will guide you through a selection of wines including Côtes de
Gascogne, Côtes du Tarn, Gaillac, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, Cahors, Saint-Mont,
Marcillac, Fronton, Madiran, Irouleguy and Jurançon. Passionate about South-West
France she spends a lot of time in her second home in the region visiting producers and
keeping up to date with well-known industry figures and up-and-coming vignerons.
Three producers - Cave de Crouseilles, Cave de Labastide de Lévis and Producteurs
Plaimont - will also present their latest ranges.
South-West France at heart
For a chance to gain a deeper insight into the intriguing native grape varieties and the
remarkable health benefits associated with South-West wines, an informative seminar
will take place on Wednesday 13 May at 11.30. (South Gallery rooms 9 & 10). The
seminar will be followed by a buffet lunch.
Roger Corder, Professor of Experimental Therapeutics at the William Harvey Institute,
will discuss red wine polyphenols and the French Paradox. He will unveil his latest
research demonstrating the positive effect of red wines from South-West France on
blood vessels.
Anthony Rose of The Independent and thewinegang.com, will explore the South-West
indigenous red varieties and take you through a selection of some of the region's most
inspiring wines and appellations.
With a commitment to quality, and spirited personality, wines from South-West France
have no problem to distinguish themselves from the crowd. Colourful and versatile, their
freshness and acidity give them a natural propensity to complement food from aperitif
nibbles to dessert. Wines from South-West France also offer phenomenal value for
money at all price points making them all the more relevant at this time of economic
gloom.

For further information please contact Sabine Cleizergues on 0207 312 3641
sabine.cleizergues@sopexa.co.uk

The seminar will be followed by a buffet lunch. Places are limited (50 people) and seats
will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please RSVP to sabine.cleizergues@sopexa.com before 6 May 2009.

Further information on Southwest Wines can be found at www.vins-du-sud-ouest.com/

Maison Trimbach joins Enotria

Published: 28 April, 2009

Maison Trimbach, one of Alsace's most famous wine producers has announced it is joining agents Enotria's portfolio from May 1 in a move to up its profile in the UK market.

Jean Trimbach, 12th generation of the founding family, said: "We are not in the habit of changing agents - this is the first change for us in 35 years. But we saw in Enotria the capability to really develop our On Trade presence in the UK. Enotria's reach, as well as their strong wine credentials, make them an ideal partner for us."

SPAR wine team is expanded as sales are on the up

Published: 28 April, 2009

Local independent retailer SPAR is bucking the recession by reporting above average wine sales of over 9% for the first quarter of the year.

Beer sales plummet

Published: 28 April, 2009

The British pub is under renewed threat with the release of figures that reveal that beers sales have slumped by more than 8% over the last year.

Critics April 24-26

Published: 28 April, 2009

Highlights of what the wine critics have to say in the press.

Walders takes on Europe

Published: 27 April, 2009

UK Creamy liqueur producer Walders is expanding into continental Europe and has hired Deveurop SA to handle distribution.

Adnams rebuts investor criticism

Published: 27 April, 2009

A shareholder in Adnams has launched a campaign for the company to restructure its shares and change its strategy after disappointing profits in 2008.