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The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Most Read: New developments for Pernod Ricard, Gonzalez Byass and Carlsberg made headlines this week. And there was good news for the on-trade, with Christmas falling on a weekend spelling increased sales for venues. 

• Pernod Ricard off-loads brandy to focus on spirits
• Carlsberg UK launches low to mid-volume beer dispense solution
• New report backs minimum pricing as consumption rises 42% from 1980
• Bumper Christmas weekend predicted for the on-trade
• French gin partners with London's hotel bars
• Gonzalez Byass UK expands range with new Basque addition
• New Zealand's top red export to take centre stage at annual tasting

Festive Fizz: December is one of the most lucrative times of the year for sparkling wine with sales of Champagne, Prosecco and others regularly hitting year-highs.

This week the demand for bubbles hit the headlines with new launches, a re-brand and predictions for Christmas. 

• New sparkling brand offering "Prosecco" in a can prepares to launch in the UK
• Top of the pops: Fizz leads the top trends for Christmas and beyond
• Blossom Hill puts the emphasis on fizz for fruit wine re-brand

Analysis and Insights: Former MP and current MW Conal Gregory analysed tariffs, legislation and Article 50 in How to meet the Brexit challenge.

People and Opinion: Our columnists Guy Woodward and Tim Atkin give their latest insights on trade movements. 

• Guy Woodward: Shouldn't Rioja just keep things simple?
• Tim Atkin MW: The rise of the counterfeit wine trade around the globe

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