The Week That Was: news, views and opinions on Harpers.co.uk

If you have been out and about a lot this week enjoying the build up to Christmas, or busy trying to cash in on some festive sales, here is a round up what you might have mised here on Harpers.co.uk:

Chiefs of the Week: Plucky members of Skin Côntact - live March 9, Vinopolis, London

EWGA acquires Heritage Wines and strengthens distribution across south west and London

Two of the UK's largest regional wine wholesalers have come together in a deal that sees Heritage Wines and its bonded warehouse acquired by EWGA.

Minister backs call for lower duty tax band for reduced alcohol wines

The UK's public health minister has expressed "frustration" with a lack of flexibility around introducing a lower tax band for lower end wines, but the WSTA warns such a step would discriminate against wine from warmer climes.

COPY: Harpers new consumer report reveals key wine trends in the UK on-trade

In the second of our exclusive consumer reports, Harpers turns the spotlight on drinking trends in the UK on-trade and finds out what the average Brit thinks of the wine in their glass and what attracts them, or not, to ordering wine when out and out about compared to other drinks

Codorniu continues search for UK chief

Spanish wine company Codorniu Raventos is still on the look-out for a UK managing director, after senior Diageo wine executive John Hearn failed to take up the post.

UK needs to 'take off blinkers' when it comes to bulk wine, says top broker

Seventy percent of all wines are traded at least once in bulk, says leading broker Daniel Murphy, who believes the UK trade needs to wake up to the reality of trading in bulk.

Tesco shares plummet as retailer warns on profits

Tesco has issued a warning flagging full-year trading profit will not exceed £1.4 billion - 20% lower than analysts' expectations.

Restaurateur Marlon Abela buys into wine merchant OW Loeb

High profile restaurateur Marlon Abela has taken a majority ownership interest in wine merchant OW Loeb.

Fine wine merchant AWC appoints David Murphy operations manager

Fine wine and spirits merchant AWC has appointed David Murphy, formerly of Wine Networks and Liberty Wines, operations manager, as its business grows. 

Naked Wines is UK's most popular specialist online wine retailer, says Harpers new report

Naked Wines is the most popular specialist online wine retailer in the UK, according to a new Harpers report published today that examines the online shopping habits of British consumers.

Over 40% of Brits will buy wine online this Christmas, says Harpers new e-commerce report

Wine and spirit industries to unite in combined campaign for 2% duty cut in 2015 Budget

The wine and spirits industry is to unite under a combined campaign and consider calling for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the 2015 Budget.

Spirit Cartel drives growth through its premium range of spirits for the on-trade

Too often the world of high-end spirits can be a very grown-up affair, but not at Spirit Cartel, which is having great fun making a name for itself with an award-winning range of premium spirits.

Wine Fusion launches Conviviality exclusive NZ wine

The Wine Fusion has created New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Bay of Plenty especially for Conviviality's Bargain Booze and Wine Rack stores.

Jago to highlight Middle Eastern cuisine at new opening in Shoreditch

Brothers James and Richard Manning are doing their bit to shake up juice bars

Brothers James and Richard Manning started out in the industry selling fresh British juices made at their Herefordshire farm. Little did they know that their old wooden apple crates would transform their business, says Bernadette Costello, and they are now looking to work with wine and spirits brands.   

Enotria appoints Hallgarten's Helen Munday as marketing director

Hallgarten's marketing director Helen Munday is jumping ship to take up the same role at Enotria, starting in January 2015.

Chinese importer Summergate bought by Australia's Woolworths Liquor Company

Woolworths Liquor Group has bought Summergate, one of the China's most influential wine importers, in a move that considerably strengthens the Australian retail drinks giant's position in the country.

Scotch Whisky Association confirms Pernod chief Pierre Pringuet as new chairman

Pernod Ricard's chief executive Pierre Pringuet is the new chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association.