Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

McWilliams launches low alcohol wine range

Published: 04 August, 2011

Australian producer McWilliam's is launching Beachcomber, a range of lower alcohol wines with a 5.5% abv, alongside importer PLB.

Waitrose poaches Asda wine buyer

Published: 04 August, 2011

Waitrose has appointed former Asda wine buyer Katie Mollet to its team ? she will have special responsibility for Italian, bag-in-box, small bottle and low alcohol wines.

Trade tasting of South West France wines

Published: 03 August, 2011

A date for your diary: Monday September 12, 2011

Bars offer a taste of Tennessee

Published: 03 August, 2011

September will see a month of festivities taking place in pubs and bars across the UK to celebrate Jack Daniel's birthday.

Wine retailers shortlisted for Business Awards

Published: 03 August, 2011

Three leading wine retailers have been nominated for accolades at this year's Orange National Business Awards.

Pound hits all-time low against Swiss franc

Published: 03 August, 2011

Sterling fell to the lowest level for two weeks against the US dollar as data showed UK construction weakened amid mounting concern that US spending cuts may curb global growth.

Alcohol sales hit travel retail high

Published: 02 August, 2011

Wine and spirits sales in the travel retail sector have hit their highest levels since 1999, according to a new report.

Spar launches Cider Festival

Published: 02 August, 2011

Spar is to roll out its first Cider Festival, following its Wine Festival campaign which saw its core range of wine sales grow by 11%.

Rising dollar hits New Zealand winemakers

Published: 02 August, 2011

New Zealand winemakers are warning that the strong Kiwi dollar could make exports unviable for some producers.

Sterling falls as UK manufacturing data drops to two year low

Published: 02 August, 2011

Sterling fell by 1% against the US dollar yesterday after UK manufacturing data dropped to the lowest level in two years.

Suppliers hit back at Hutchinson's 'leakage' claims

Published: 01 August, 2011

Suppliers have hit back at Jamie Hutchinson's claims they have not been supporting independents, and say there are enough wines for all sectors to choose from.

Jamie Hutchinson calls for suppliers' charter

Published: 01 August, 2011

Independent wine merchant Jamie Hutchinson has called for a suppliers' charter to be set up for any business serious about servicing the independent sector.

River Cottage opens new canteen and deli

Published: 01 August, 2011

The River Cottage - originally set up by food writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall on the Channel 4 TV series - is opening a new canteen and deli in Plymouth this October.

WSTA defends trade over "drinks industry bias"

Published: 01 August, 2011

The WSTA has jumped to the trade's defence after criticism that a government advisory group is heavily biased towards the drinks industry.

Sterling above $1.64/£1 due to weak US data

Published: 01 August, 2011

Sterling has started the week above $1.64/£1 against the US dollar after weak US data and the ongoing deadlock over its debt ceiling.

Diners less interested in money-off vouchers

Published: 01 August, 2011

Consumers have cut back on eating out, and money-off vouchers are becoming less important when it comes to choosing a venue, according to new research.

Stress is main excuse for adults drinking at home

Published: 01 August, 2011

Adults are using stress as an excuse to consume up to four drinks a night at home, according to research from Drinkaware.

Diageo launches Gordon's 'Let's get Started' campaign

Published: 01 August, 2011

Diageo Great Britain (GB) has launched a marketing campaign for its gin brand Gordon's, that aims to inspire consumers to turn to its gin and tonic at the start of the evening.