Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

The Harpers team would like to wish all in the trade a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as we dive headlong into the seasonal festivities and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that 2019 will bring.

Looking ahead: Miles Beale, WSTA

Tumultuous political times are offering an interesting backdrop to our latest Looking Ahead series.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

WSTA reiterates ‘duty rise’ and ‘no deal' Brexit concerns to government

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this week reiterated the “bleak picture” a ‘no deal Brexit’, combined with the pending duty rise, would paint for UK wine importers.

Paris top ‘wine consuming city’

Paris has been named the ‘top wine consuming’ city in a new survey researching consumption and distribution in key cities across the world.

The Goring to open restaurant with Nathan Outlaw

The Goring in London’s Belgravia has partnered with chef Nathan Outlaw to launch a seafood restaurant.

Consorzio Franciacorta elects new president

Consorzio Franciacorta has elected Silvano Brescianini as its new president.

Looking ahead: Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia

Once again we are catching up with the trade over the next few weeks to find out how businesses are making the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.

Looking ahead: Talya Roberson, director, Roberson Wine

Once again we are catching up with the trade over the next few weeks to find out how businesses are making the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.

Diageo targets new Scotch fans with voice-activated tech

The traditional world of Scotch whisky and Amazon’s voice-activated Alexa system are due to collide this Christmas.

Former Bibendum buyer joins Berry Bros & Rudd

Matt Smith will be joining Berry Bros & Rudd where he will be taking over responsibility for the company’s Italian portfolio.

German, Brazilian, and English wine top Majestic’s list of tipples to watch in 2019

Wines from Germany, Brazil, and at home in the UK are being tipped as some of the breakthrough trends to open the door to success for the trade in 2019.

Looking ahead: Nik Darlington, Red Squirrel Wine

Once again we are catching up with the trade over the next few weeks to find out how businesses are making the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.

Scotch Whisky Association takes action on alcohol misuse

Thirteen projects set up to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland have been granted awards by the Scotch Whisky Action Fund.

Neil Ellis joins Gonzalez Byass UK

Red Squirrel expands team into Scotland

Red Squirrel has grown its team north of the border with the appointment of a Scottish based account manager.

Looking ahead: Ian Harris MBE, chief executive, WSET

Tumultuous political times are offering an interesting backdrop to our latest Looking Ahead series.

Nomacorc producer to launch “major” recycling partnership

Wine closures giant Vinventions is the latest to re-affirm its commitment to sustainability via several new initiatives aimed at reducing waste and reaching zero carbon emissions.

LWF signs up as WSET Corporate Patron

London Wine Fair (LWF) has signed up as a bronze Corporate Patron of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) as part of a new partnership to push education. 

Looking ahead: Christopher and Jon Carson, Carson Wines

Once again we are catching up with the trade over the next few weeks to find out how businesses are making the most of the all-important Christmas trading period, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities 2019 will bring.