News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Weekend round-up: Alcohol one-third cheaper than 10 years ago

Published: 27 October, 2008

A round-up of stories from the weekend newspapers.

Sign Harpers' No 10 petition

Published: 24 October, 2008

Harpers has put up a petition on the No 10 Downing Street website calling on members of the public to lobby the Prime Minister over any potential drinks legislation.

Fortune Brands announces management change at Beam Global

Published: 24 October, 2008

Fortune Brands, makers of Jim Beam bourbon, has announced that Tom Flocco, president and chief executive officer of its Beam Global Spirits & Wine business is leaving the company to pursue other interests.

Le Manoir team scoop wine and dessert trophy

Published: 24 October, 2008

The assistant chef sommelier and the 1st Commis Pastry chef from Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Oxford have scooped year's Wines of Roussillon Dessert Trophy.

Ambassade de l'Ile appoints new sommelier

Published: 24 October, 2008

Ambassade de l'Ile, the London outpost of Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex's two Michelin-starred l'Auberge de l'Ile in Lyon, has appointed Aurelien Gil-Artagnan as sommelier.

Asda refuses to support minimum pricing bid

Published: 23 October, 2008

Asda will not support government legislation in favour of a minimum price for alcohol, according to its public affairs director Guy Mason. Text

Cash-strapped Irish consumers refuse to ditch wine habits

Published: 23 October, 2008

A poll carried out by an Irish wine merchant suggests that consumers are looking for better value wine purchases rather than ditching it altogether during the credit crunch.

Coca-Cola Zero limited edition James Bond bottle

Published: 23 October, 2008

Coca-Cola Zero gives new meaning to the term Zero Zero 7 as it launches a limited edition bottle to celebrate the release of the 22nd Bond film, Quantum of Solace.
Source: Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd

Powershot gets UK release

Published: 23 October, 2008

Making natural energy compact as a 10ml bottle, Powershot emerges as a premium energy shot with 100% natural ingredients.
Source: Powershot

Irish wine hike could face Euro challenge

Published: 23 October, 2008

The European courts could challenge a 20.2% hike on excise duty on wine unveiled in last week's controversial Irish budget, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned.

Thirsty Planet launches new pack for younger customers

Published: 23 October, 2008

While growth in the bottled water market appears to have come to a halt, the leading charity water brand, Thirsty Planet, is enjoying year-on-year volume sales that have more than trebled (manufacturer's estimate July 2008).
Source: Waterbrands

WSTA calls for compulsory alcohol education for children

Published: 23 October, 2008

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is urging ministers to make education about alcohol a compulsory element of the school curriculum.

'Jumbo' brewery gets royal opening

Published: 23 October, 2008

Heineken has opened a "jumbo" brewery in Seville, Spain.

Tesco launches budget wine range

Published: 23 October, 2008

Tesco has unveiled a range of budget wines, packaged in one-litre Tetra Paks and priced at £2.89.

The Wine Show kicks off in London

Published: 22 October, 2008

More than 800 wines from 17 countries will go on display at The Wine Show in London from tomorrow.

United Brands wins major on-trade deal

Published: 22 October, 2008

United Brands, UK distributor of Gosling's Black Seal Rum, has achieved a listing in the on-trade sector with a prominent retail chain.

ALMR calls for end to "crippling monopoly" over pub TV subs

Published: 22 October, 2008

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has presented to the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group on Ofcom's inquiry into the supply of Sky into pubs. Text