Portman Group calls on government for low & no alcohol consultation

The Portman Group is urging the government to do more to encourage the uptake of low & no alcohol drinks and launch a consultation on low-alcohol descriptors.

China to fast evolve beyond ‘safe’ Bordeaux blends

China’s burgeoning wine industry is set for its next phase of evolution, with dozens of ‘new’ varieties in the offing, according to Christelle Chene, international affairs director at Xige Estate.

Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes awarded knighthood for ‘services to business and equality’

Ivan Menezes, Diageo's Indian-born CEO, has received a knighthood in King Charles' first New Year’s Honours list.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Ben Knollys, Hatch Mansfield

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Ben Knollys, MD at Hatch Mansfield, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Rupert Pritchett, Taurus Wines

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Rupert Pritchett, MD of Taurus Wines, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead  

Tying up 2022: Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas from Harpers

It’s that time of year for Harpers to wish all in the drinks trade a very merry Christmas as we speed towards the final days of another eventful year. 

Domaine Bousquet announces B Corp certification

Domaine Bousquet, Argentina’s largest producer and exporter of organic wines has become a certified B corporation.  

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Michael Saunders, Bibendum Wine

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Michael Saunders, head of partnerships at C&C Group, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Long read: Checking in with Czechia

Fresh from Moravia, David Furer finds a new wave of modernity delivering much promise in an old region.

ABS adds first English wine to Portfolio

Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies (ABS) is partnering with House Coren, to distribute their sparkling wine, Boco – the first English wine to join the ABS portfolio. 

Government extends alcohol duty-freeze for six months

The freeze on UK alcohol duty rates has been extended six months to 1 August 2023, the government announced yesterday (19 December 2022).

Chablis back on track after a challenging 2021

After a ‘complicated’ year in 2021, Chablis winegrowers are now in the mood to celebrate, with the Chablis Commission declaring an overall healthier and higher-yielding vintage in 2022.

Prosecco DOCG launches Green Academy and Wine Tourism lab

To mark its 60th anniversary, the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG has announced the launch of two new initiatives. The first is a research facility called, The Green Academy, which will enable producers to work more efficiently for the benefit of the region environmentally.

Armit strengthens Spanish portfolio in exclusive partnership with Familia Fernandez Rivera

Leading fine wine merchant Armit Wines has expanded its coverage of Spain with a new range from the Familia Fernández Rivera wineries, including the flagship Tinto Pesquera wines.

Nick Gillett: The big boozy, British brain drain

Viña Doña Paula appoints Mauricio Palacios as CEO

Argentine winery Viña Doña Paula has announced the appointment of Mauricio Palacios as CEO of the company, effective from January 1, 2023.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Jon Carson, Carson & Carnevale Wines

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Jon Carson, director at Carson & Carnevale Wines (pictured, right, with co-director Christopher Carson), reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Friday read: Savouring chocolate and wine

It’s always fascinating being taken out of one’s own world of intense focus – wine – and into another somewhat parallel, but also contrasting field of expertise. So when Cocoa Runners approached Team Harpers suggesting a wine and chocolate pairing session – also just ahead of Christmas – we jumped at the chance.

More late stage delay for Scottish DRS

A Gateway Review into the already pushed back Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Scotland has concluded that the scheme won’t be fit to launch by August 2023.

Low & no growth in the fast lane to 2026

Low & no drinks are set to accelerate over the coming years, the IWSR has revealed, with analysts predicting that consumption will increase by a third by 2026, exceeding earlier growth rates.