New MD for Fells

Leading Port and wine distributor Fells has announced strategic changes to the top roles in its leadership team, with Euan Mackay taking on the mantle of MD and Steve Moody transitioning to chairman.

Exclusive: Bewes and Saunders chart the future for Hallgarten and Coterie

The sale of leading specialist importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines from the Pieroth family has been five years in the making, Harpers has learned. Now, as it moves its portfolio of premium on-trade accounts and producers to Coterie Holdings, a new chapter is in store for both businesses as they look to bolster their portfolios and advance their march into the fine wine market, with Coterie, in particular, looking to establish its hold as a key player in the nation’s top restaurants.

Hallgarten acquired by Coterie Holdings

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has been purchased by Coterie Holdings, joining Lay & Wheeler, bonded warehousing Coterie Vaults and wine lender Jera in a growing fine wine portfolio.

Profile: Martyn Rolph, Berry Bros & Rudd

Jo Gilbert catches up with Berry Bros & Rudd’s newest head of buying, to discover what’s next for Britain’s oldest wine merchant.

Flat bottle production set to rise via new ‘cutting-edge’ facility

Packamama, the eco flat bottle company behind the new-look Banrock Station, is upping its capacity via a new product-specific bottling line which looks set to significantly increase the presence of alternative format wines in markets like the UK.

Royal Tokaji makes the leap to Fells

Royal Tokaji, the Hungarian producer known for its botrytised sweet wines, has made the move to John E Fells & Sons, joining the likes of Wiston Estate, Champagne Henriot and Tedeschi in the portfolio.

Elliot Awin embarks on 5000km solo Atlantic row

Elliot Awin, the third-generation wine importer and director of Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies (ABS), will embark on the ‘World’s Toughest Row’ this month.

Accolade appoints Derek Nicol as Europe MD

Australian wine supplier Accolade Wines has announced the appointment of Derek Nicol as its MD for Europe. The news follows the resignation of Caroline Thompson-Hill to pursue an opportunity in the UK retail sector.  

WBWE 2023: Bulk and the path to Cop 28

As the global supply chain continues to operate in a state of flux, bulk shipping is becoming an increasingly attractive – and sustainable – proposition for wine businesses around the world… if only the required number of flexitanks and containers remain in operation.

LWC launches WSET training for its distribution teams

LWC Drinks, the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, is rolling out WSET Wine training for its warehouse and distribution teams to help employees better understand “the journey of each bottle,” in its range.

Justin Liddle appointed as Mentzendorff MD

Mentzendorff, the UK import and agency business of Group Bollinger, has today announced Justin Liddle as its new MD, effective immediately.

Broadland Drinks launches ‘one-stop shop for cutting carbon’

Broadland Drinks, a Harpers Sustainability Charter Signatory, has today (16 November) launched its ‘one-stop shop to cut carbon’ – offering lightweight glass bottles, cans, bag in box (BiB), pouches, kegs and paper bottles to help retailers reduce carbon output.

ABS appoint new national account manager

Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies (ABS), a leading UK-based wine importer, has announced the appointment of Gary Janes as its new national account manager – effective Monday 20 November.

Freixenet Copestick and Wakefield Wines announce distribution agreement

South Australian family-owned winery Wakefield Wines and Freixenet Copestick have today (10 November) announced a strategic distribution partnership covering the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Buckingham Schenk adds Vinca canned wines to portfolio

UK-based wine importer Buckingham Schenk has announced the addition of Vinca, a range of canned organic wines to its growing portfolio.

Pernod launches fast food-focused wine range

Goedhuis and Waddesdon announce merger

Goedhuis & Co and Waddesdon Wine have announced an agreement to merge, with the deal effective from today (3 November). Both companies will initially continue to trade under their existing names, while the two businesses are fully integrated to ensure no disruption to clients or suppliers.

Memorial service for Philip Tuck MW

A memorial service for Philip Tuck MW, co-founder and wine director at Hatch Mansfield for many years, is being held in February.

Drinks One to ‘revolutionise’ drinks brands’ path to market

New drinks agency Drinks One has launched an ecommerce arm aimed at both trade and consumer as part of its disruptive strategy to allow brands to bypass the traditional middleman.

Exclusive: Encirc adds major new rail link for UK wine

Harpers can reveal that glass manufacturer and bottler, Encirc, has begun to make use of the railhead at Elton, Cheshire, as part of a major step towards creating an ‘ultra-sustainable’ intermodal transport network for glass in the UK.