Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Friday read: Prosecco Superiore DOCG makes UK return

Published: 13 October, 2023

After an absence of well over 10 years, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG staged a press and trade tasting in London this week.

Italian sparkling round table

Published: 28 September, 2023

Amid a buoyant and still rising sparkling wine category, Harpers invited a top panel to assess the positioning and full potential of Italian sparkling wine and Trentodoc Metodo Classico wines.

Future-proofing Prosecco

Published: 31 May, 2023

Prosecco continues to build momentum in the UK and power onwards on a global scale. Lucy Shaw looks at the trends that continue to revitalise this seemingly invincible category.

Harpers Taste Off: Adding more ‘oomph’ to sparkling sales

Published: 06 February, 2023

Everyone loves a glass of fizz and nowhere is this evidenced more than in the rise and rise of English sparkling. But it’s not just English bubbly that is buoying sales of wine. As Harpers recently reported, analyst firm IRI’s most recent FMCG Demand Signals report confirmed that across six major European markets, sparkling wine sales remain in robust shape, set against a 4% off-trade decline in wines, beers and spirits.

Jerry Lockspeiser: On honesty, transparency and trust in business relationships

Published: 29 November, 2022

Here’s a quiz question for the work Christmas party: what have Amazon, the cost of bottling wine and Ofgem got in common?

Headline heroes: Prosecco – the jewel in the crown

Published: 24 November, 2022

Affordable and trendy, Italy’s famous sparkler has been in the fizz category’s driving seat for some time.
James Lawrence reports

Prosecco preferred to Champagne for UK wedding ceremonies

Published: 12 August, 2022

The old adage goes, ‘spare no expense’ for your big wedding day. However, in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, those tying the knot are seeking cheaper alternatives for their lavish ceremonies.

Prosecco DOC announces trademark protection in New Zealand

Published: 04 August, 2022

The Consorzio di Tutela Prosecco DOC is now a recognised trademark in New Zealand following a bilateral agreement with the European Trademark office.

Accolade Wines launches new format with Jack Rabbit 20cl Prosecco

Published: 14 March, 2022

Jack Rabbit, the leading on-trade wine brand from Accolade Wines, is launching a new 20cl, single-serve version of its increasingly popular Prosecco 75cl format.

Prosecco opens doors for Italy

Published: 12 January, 2022

David Kermode delves into the world of Italian sparklers as the category covers new ground, from the march of rosé Prosecco to the increasingly popular high-quality fizzes of Franciacorta and Trento.

SPAR launches new range of vegan wines

Published: 07 January, 2022

SPAR has become the first UK grocer to market a range of private label vegan wines, including a vegan Prosecco and SPAR Vine & Bloom rosé.

Sparkling wine delivered bumper Christmas sales

Published: 06 January, 2022

The sparkling wine category was the clear winner of the Christmas retail bonanza, with both merchants and analysts reporting bumper sales.

Friday read: Prosecco DOC Rosé's future prospects

Published: 26 November, 2021

After years of intense lobbying by producers, the Prosecco Consortium finally allowed blended sparkling wine styles to be bottled under the 'Prosecco DOC Rosé' designation in 2020. Exports began in November last year, although there have been reports of a Pinot Noir shortage in 2021. Nevertheless, the category has got off to a flying start, with buoyant sales and an enthusiastic consumer reception. But how sustainable is this growth, and will it affect sales of 'ordinary' Prosecco?

Prosecco Superiore Consorzio appoints new director

Published: 18 November, 2021

Leading agricultural scientist Diego Tomasi has been appointed as the new director of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG.

Prosecco Superiore reports ‘excellent quality’ harvest

Published: 05 October, 2021

Producers in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG in Veneto are reporting an excellent quality 2021 harvest.

Prosecco elects new president

Published: 26 July, 2021

Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG has elected a new president, Elvira Maria Bortolomiol.

Former I Heart bods launch own wine business

Published: 15 June, 2021

Two former senior members of Freixenet Copestick’s I Heart team have joined forces to launch their own mainstream wine brand.

Prosecco partners with Eataly

Published: 09 June, 2021

Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG has partnered with Italian gourmet superstore Eataly.

Freixenet hits £100m milestone

Published: 25 May, 2021

Freixenet has hit £100m in RSV (retail sales value), doubling its brand value in a couple of years.

Langham claims first with English Col Fondo

Published: 05 May, 2021

Langham Wine Estate has announced it will release kegs of a Col Fondo wine later this month, a move the winery claims to be a first for a UK producer.