Business & Finance - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Plumpton push for wine industry careers

Published: 27 February, 2026

Ahead of National Careers Week (2-7 March 2026), Sussex-based Plumpton College has launched a push for those looking for a new career to consider a future in wine.

Diageo slashes dividends as drinks giant struggles

Published: 25 February, 2026

Diageo has unveiled its results for the first half of the financial year up to 31 December 2025, with the company reporting declining sales. Organic net sales were down 2.8% while it has set a new minimum floor for its dividend of 50 cent per year, which compares to the 103.48 US cents per share it paid out for FY25.

Ben Franks appointed CEO of Canned Wine Group

Published: 25 February, 2026

Canned Wine Group has announced that one of its founders, Ben Franks, has been appointed CEO of the company, as the business shifts to a new strategic direction with a focus on increasing UK growth.

Tariff update: Uncertainty for domestic wine and spirits producers

Published: 23 February, 2026

Following the striking down of Trump’s tariff regime by the Supreme Court, the US president announced on Saturday (21 February) that he would introduce a global tariff rate of 15%. This could provide yet another headache for UK drinks exporters who may see duties on products travelling across the pond rise.

Pernod Ricard sees H1 sales slump amid challenging market

Published: 19 February, 2026

French drinks heavyweight Pernod Ricard saw a 5.9% decline in organic sales to €5.25bn in the first half of its financial year. Declines were most concerning in the US and Chinese markets, falling 15% and 28%, respectively.

Diageo expands field sales team with more than 100 new hires

Published: 18 February, 2026

Diageo GB has significantly expanded its field sales team with the recruitment of over 100 new roles.

Treasury Wine Estates hit with $649m AUD loss in H1

Published: 16 February, 2026

Australian industry giant Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has posted significant losses for the first half of its financial year – $649m (all money figures detailed in AUD). This comes after settling its dispute with US distributor RNDC earlier this month and most significantly the writing down of the value of its US business in November of last year.

Tim Brown appointed CEO of Jackson Family Wines

Published: 16 February, 2026

Jackson Family Wines has announced that Tim Brown (pictured) has succeeded Rick Tigner as CEO of the California-based producer.

Ridgeview acquired by consortium led by Quantum Beverage Co

Published: 12 February, 2026

Sussex wine producer Ridgeview Wine Estate has announced that it has been acquired by an investor consortium – QBRidge Ltd – led by Quantum Beverage Co (QBev).

Cult Wines forecasts cautious optimism for 2026

Published: 30 January, 2026

Fine wine investment platform Cult Wines has released its Top Wines of 2025 report, which offers a “cautiously optimistic” look forwards to 2026.

Virgin Wines sees strong Christmas trading period

Published: 27 January, 2026

Online wine retailer Virgin Wines has released its Christmas trading update, which shows a strong performance across the seven weeks to 26 December.

Over 2,000 jobs at risk as Revel Collective files for administration

Published: 27 January, 2026

As reported by the BBC and elsewhere, Revel Collective – the parent company of the Revolution bar chain, Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs – has filed to enter administration.

Study finds price is biggest pressure on alcohol sales

Published: 21 January, 2026

A new study by MMR Research has found that nearly four in ten UK consumers (39%) say they are lowering their alcohol consumption because of affordability.

Majestic sees profits slide amid challenging policy landscape

Published: 09 January, 2026

Wine retail giant Majestic has seen its profits before tax almost cut in half year on year – falling from £14.3m for FY24 to £7.7m for FY25 as detailed in its Companies House filing for the 2025 financial year (ending 31 March 2025).

When in Rome acquired by North South Wines

Published: 22 December, 2025

UK-based wine distributor North South Wines has announced the acquisition of the When in Rome wine brand, marking a significant addition to its range of sustainable and alternative wine brands.

WineCap reveals best-performing Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne wines of 2025

Published: 22 December, 2025

Wine investment platform WineCap has rounded off the year by revealing the best performing wines from the three most important wine regions globally (in terms of demand) – Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne.

Report: Alcohol struggles while private labels gain momentum

Published: 18 December, 2025

According to a new report from market research firm Circana, private labels now account for 42% of the value of all consumer packaged goods (CPG) sold across what it calls the EU6 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK).

New CEO appointed at Direct Wines

Published: 05 December, 2025

Family-owned retailer Direct Wines Ltd – best known in the UK for Laithwaites and the Sunday Times Wine Club – has appointed Philippa Strub as the new group CEO.

Bibendum releases new Vinonomics graph following Budget

Published: 02 December, 2025

The premium wine distributor Bibendum has released a new ‘Vinonomics’ graph (pictured) which breaks down the different costs that make up the price of a bottle of wine, following the Autumn Budget.

WSTA highlights cost of Budget to drinks trade

Published: 27 November, 2025

In the wake of the Budget, the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has released a table (below) revealing just how much the duty increases will impact prices for the consumer, further dampening demand for wines and spirits.