Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Le Beast wines takes duty lobby to Number 10

Published: 26 March, 2009

Le Beast Wines is organising a trade delegation next week to hand in its "A Pound A Bottle" petition directly to the front door of Number 10 Downing Street.

Anne Krebiehl, wine writer's blog from the New Zealand harvest

Published: 25 March, 2009

Kia Ora from New Zealand and welcome to the first instalment of my Kiwi wine adventure: I have come here from London to harvest grapes at the illustrious Felton Road estate -- one of the world's most southerly vineyards -- in Central Otago on New Zealand's South Island. To make the most of this long journey I decided to come early and taste my way through the various wine regions to give my shamefully Eurocentric palate a real understanding of Kiwi wines and their huge success on the world stage.

Constellation to axe one job in 20

Published: 25 March, 2009

Constellation has blamed the deteriorating drinks market in the UK and Australia for a reduction in its earnings forecasts for the current financial year - and says it will shed 5% of its global workforce to cut costs.

Tax stamps to curb smuggling

Published: 25 March, 2009

Tax stamps on alcohol and tobacco products are being proposed as a way to raise extra revenues and clampdown on smugglers according to the results of the first Tax Stamp Forum held in Budapest this week.

W&M to host Twitter whisky hunts

Published: 25 March, 2009

Whyte & Mackay is claiming to be the first drinks company to use the social networking service Twitter and mobile tracking application Google Latitude to create a UK-wide promotional event.

PLB takes Grove Mill from Paragon

Published: 24 March, 2009

PLB has picked up another wine agency from Paragon Vintners, which recently announced its closure due to adverse market conditions.

Shepherd Neame profits hit by high costs

Published: 24 March, 2009

Kent-based brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame has reported a 7.2% rise in turnover for the six months ending December last year.

Specialist wine theft

Published: 24 March, 2009

Police are hunting those behind a theft of two pallets of premium wines belonging to specialist French small domaine importers, Vine Trail.

India hears calls for cohesion

Published: 23 March, 2009

The Indian wine industry must share research and educate the Indian consumer about wine if it is to survive.

Wine importers urged to stall Indian investment

Published: 23 March, 2009

Foreign importers are being urged not to invest in the Indian wine market until at least 2010 or risk becoming "frustrated" and out of pocket.

England set for first single malt whisky

Published: 23 March, 2009

England will have its first whisky release in December of this year, Harpers Wine and Spirit can reveal.

West Eleven Cocktails launch new brand extensions

Published: 20 March, 2009

West Eleven Cocktails has re-launched its ready to drink cocktail range for the off trade by changing its bottle size and reducing its abv.

Recession 'could help Champagne'

Published: 20 March, 2009

The recent fall in Champagne sales caused by the global financial crisis could help Champagne producers to balance their stocks, according to the head of the Union of Champagne Houses.

Hallgarten Druitt announce new commercial director

Published: 19 March, 2009

Hallgarten Druitt has announced its new commercial director, Andrew Bewes.

Berry Bros & Rudd release a Michael Jackson whisky

Published: 19 March, 2009

Berry Bros and Rudd have released a new limited edition whisky which has been created in honour of one of the industry's most respected professionals - Michael Jackson.

France Under One Roof Claire Hu wine

Published: 18 March, 2009

More than 50 importers and producers will be exhibiting at the France Under One Roof tasting next Tuesday (March 24) at Lord's Cricket Ground between 10am and 5.30pm.

France Under One Roof

Published: 18 March, 2009

More than 50 importers and producers will be exhibiting at the France Under One Roof tasting next Tuesday (March 24) at Lord's Cricket Ground between 10am and 5.30pm.

Campari looks to Skyy for growth

Published: 18 March, 2009

Skyy vodka and the Aperol aperitif were among the brand highlights for Gruppo Campari, which posted organic sales growth of 2.7% in 2008, and saw net profit rise 1.1% to Euros 126.5 million.

Blog 4: Mario Pablo Silva, managing director Vina Casa Silva

Published: 17 March, 2009

Blog number four from Mario Pablo Silva, managing director of Viña Casa Silva March 16 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Diageo Introduces New Pimm's Half Bottle

Published: 17 March, 2009

Diageo Great Britain is to introduce a new 35cl bottle of Pimm's and will put greater emphasis on the Pimm's "keggy" as part of its "Bring Home the Spirit of Summer," campaign.