Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

American whiskey challenges Johnnie Walker lead in alcohol power list

Published: 10 June, 2015

Johnnie Walker has retained its title as the world's leading alcohol power brand - but risks losing the crown in future years.

Villa Maria hands top winemaking role to Picone

Published: 10 June, 2015

New Zealand wine producer Villa Maria has promoted Nick Picone to the role of group chief winemaker.

Bruno Paillard Champagne seeks clarity with pack revamp

Published: 09 June, 2015

Champagne house Bruno Paillard has redesigned the packaging for its range including putting its Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs into clear glass for the first time.

Trust is "huge for brands" according to Sir John Hegarty

Published: 08 June, 2015

The FIFA scandal that has shaken the global game of football is an important reminder that "trust is the very foundation that brands are built on" according to brand guru Sir John Hegarty.

Villa Maria winemaker Alastair Maling moves to Foley Family Wines

Published: 01 June, 2015

Alastair Maling MW, the general manager winemaking at Villa Maria is set to leave the New Zealand winery at the end of June to join Foley Family Wine.

Gusbourne Estate set to raise £3.57m from share to boost investment

Published: 28 May, 2015

English wine producer Gusbourne Estate is looking to raise more than £3.57m to invest in its winery and brand.

Off-Piste Wines launches varietal-led range, from the creator of 'I Heart' brand

Published: 26 May, 2015

Off-Piste Wines has launched a new mid-tier range of varietal-led wines that is targeting younger consumers in the convenience sector.

South Africa confidence returning as winemakers concentrate on quality, Kleine Zalze boss says

Published: 21 May, 2015

South Africa needs to evolve its premium wines and offer wines better suited to the terroir, leading South African producer has said.

Cloudy Bay returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show kicking-off its summer campaign

Published: 01 May, 2015

The iconic New Zealand wine brand Cloudy Bay returns to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the third year with a show garden designed by brothers David and Harry Rich.

Australian Vintage to release new sparkler

Published: 01 May, 2015

Australian Vintage will be rolling out its new release McGuigan Frizzante at this year's London Wine Fair in May.

Yellow Tail to launch a 12-week marketing campaign in the UK

Published: 30 April, 2015

Australian-based Yellow Tail is set to launch a 12-week marketing campaign with the goal of reaching 11m UK consumers.

Jacob's Creek launches wine and snack pairing to eliminate 'snobbery' associated with wine

Published: 20 April, 2015

Jacob's Creek is launching a wine and snack pairing 'wheel' with the help of celebrity foodie Jo Pratt to help consumers pick wines that compliment some of the UK's most favourite snacks and remove some of the 'snobbery associated with wine selection.'

Alcohol trends now shifting at a rate similar to other lifestyle categories

Published: 20 April, 2015

Alcohol trends are evolving at much more rapid rate than in the past and while they don't follow the fashion industry's seasonal six month cycles, the on-going shifts within the drinks categories are changing at a similar pace as other lifestyle industries, according to Euronmonitor International.

Record passenger traffic in UK airports could signal growing opportunity for wine and spirit brands

Published: 14 April, 2015

Three major airports across the UK hit record breaking traffic numbers last month, according to the most recent Moodie's Report figures, signalling the opportunity for wine and spirit brands in the travel retail channel could not be stronger.

Casillero de Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon overtakes Wolf Blass in off-trade

Published: 01 April, 2015

Casillero del Diablo Reserva had grabbed the top spot for cabernet sauvignon in the UK market.

Wine technology company VinTank bought by W20 Group

Published: 31 March, 2015

VinTank, the US technology company that helps wine companies manage their social media presence, has been purchased by San-Francisco-based digital communications agency, W2O Group.

Concha y Toro's new research centre set to benefit wine industry throughout Chile

Published: 26 March, 2015

Concha y Toro hopes its new multi million pound research and innovation centre it has built in the heart of Chile's wine growing country will help the whole Chilean wine industry better understand what is possible from the country's wine producers.

CyT joins Chile's fledgling DOC organisation

Published: 25 March, 2015

Concha y Toro, one of Chile's largest international brands, had joined Vigno, a society of small winemakers dedicated to promoting Carignan producers in the Maule Valley.

Fine Wines Direct wins Chilean brand contract as it steps up its operations

Published: 24 March, 2015

Fine Wines Direct UK has won a new contract to represent Chilean brand Viña Casa Tamaya SA in the UK.

Dedicated Wines looks to kick back against range cuts with new Les Incroyables wine range

Published: 23 March, 2015

Dedicated Wines is kicking back against wine range cutbacks in the major multiples by launching a new wine range, Les Incroyables, that it hopes will bring genuine interest to consumers and offer something different at a time of new product stagnation.