Broadland releases chocolate-flavoured British red wine

Broadland wineries is releasing a chocolate-flavoured British red wine to be known as Chocolate Drop, which has already secured a Sainsbury's listing.

Peter Borg-Neal on developing a regional chain with Oakman Inns

Fiona Griffiths talks to entrepreneur Peter Borg-Neal about his 10-strong (and growing) Hertfordshire-based group of pubs and restaurants, Oakman Inns.

Last chance to win Rising Stars place at Wine Vision

Emerging talents in the wine trade have the chance to attend this month's world leaders' conference, Wine Vision, by winning a special grant as part of Harpers Rising Stars initiative.

Discounters are most "disruptive" force in retailing in 20 years say grocery and drinks chiefs

A poll of top-level food, drink and grocery executives at this week's IGD Convention reveals the rise of the discounters is the most "disruptive" influence on the grocery sector in the last 20 years.

Independents and suppliers question big players that have not signed Harpers Best Practice Guidelines

There is growing frustration amongst both independents and suppliers that have signed up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines over those companies, particularly the large national distributors,  that have not done so.

Transparency and honesty key to good independent supplier relations says Harpers debate

Open communication and a clear channel management strategy are they key to a strong, healthy relationship between independents and suppliers was the key message from yesterday's Harpers debate been leading independent merchants and suppliers.

Angela Mount: supermarket buyers can be forced to renege on supplier deals in hard times

Former Somerfield head wine buyer Angela Mount has said buyers can be forced into going back on supplier deals and bringing money forward when supermarkets face difficult financial situations.

Harpers Special Report: multiple and supplier relations uncovered

Tesco has taken a bit of a battering in recent months, with profits slipping and then the little matter of the £250 million profit overstatement.  But although Tesco is in the spotlight, there are issues for all of the major retailers right now, as the discounters go from strength to strength and the Big Four's choke hold on the market weakens. Harpers.co.uk spoke to some of the wine trade's key suppliers and ex-buyers to find out their views.

Wine suppliers can't complain about tough supermarket deals

A host of leading Tesco wine suppliers have said they are not surprised by the supermarket's £250 million accounting black hole - but say suppliers must "push back" harder against buyer demands.

Proximo Spirits introduces TINCUP American whiskey in to the UK

Barwell & Jones doubles wineries in its portfolio

Wine agency Barwell & Jones is adding 10 wineries to its portfolio after sustaining 30% growth in the last two years.

McLaren Vale perfect for Mediterranean grape varieties, says winemaker

Winemakers at McLaren Vale's Hedonist say the region is perfect for growing Mediterranean grape varieties, after adding a Tempranillo and Sangiovese to its range.

Top merchants and suppliers gather in London to debate ways they can work better together

How wine suppliers can work better and more efficiently with independent retailers will be the subject of a key Harpers debate being held this morning in London between leading figures on both sides.

Mark Dally on driving wine across Fuller's 400 pubs and hotels

Think of Fuller's and you think of beer. The west London-based group owns nearly 400 pubs and hotels, and the guest beer and take-home market has made its London Pride one of the most popular ale brands in the UK, writes Nigel Huddleston.

Bacardi Brown-Forman to distribute Patron tequila in 'critical' UK market

Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands has taken over distribution of Patrón tequilas and liqueurs in the UK after the Mexican brand's seven-year deal with Cellar Trends came to an end.

Gordon Ramsay to open Heddon Street Kitchen off London's Regent Street

Heddon Street Kitchen is to be the latest London opening from the ever expanding Gordon Ramsay Group taking its portfolio of restaurants to 13.

Hallgarten launches Wine Heroes campaign for independent merchants

Hallgarten Driuitt & Novum has launched Wine Heroes - a campaign tailored to independent wine merchants offering winemaker visits, bespoke POS materials and discounted pricing to help engage consumers.

Analysis: how effective has the Crus Bourgeois classification been?

Last week the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois arrived in London for the fifth annual review of the wines deemed worthy to use the Cru Bourgeois seal of approval. Five years into the new incarnation of the classification Heather Dougherty reviews its successes and challenges - and looks at its prospects for the future.

Hallgarten launches Wine Heroes campaign for independents

Hallgarten Druitt & Novum has launched Wine Heroes - a campaign tailored to independent wine merchants offering winemaker visits, bespoke POS materials and discounted pricing to help engage consumers.

Codorníu Raventós appoints senior Percy Fox exec to head UK business

John Hearn, global commercial director for Diageo's wine arm Percy Fox, is to become the new managing director of Codorníu Raventós in the UK.