Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Bibendum predicts the top wine trends for 2024

Published: 29 November, 2023

Bibendum has revealed its top wine trends for 2024 based on analysis from PROOF Insight, the drinks insights agency.

More hospitality closures in 2022 than Covid-hit 2021 reports CGA

Published: 20 January, 2023

In a new report published by CGA, inflation in energy bills and other costs led to a net decline of 1,611 licensed premises in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Bibendum’s Bordeaux Collection grows as new chateaux join the fold

Published: 20 July, 2022

Bibendum, the premium wine specialist, announced that new estates will join its Bordeaux Collection.

The trade reacts to the government’s VAT increase

Published: 24 March, 2022

Today, the government has officially returned the VAT rate for the hospitality and tourism industry to 20% (24 March).

On-trade in northern England could shut

Published: 08 October, 2020

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to announce additional lockdown restrictions across parts of England early next week.

Quarter of businesses think they will fail by end of year

Published: 24 September, 2020

Almost a quarter (23%) of hospitality businesses think their businesses will fail by the end of the year without further government support.

Harpers ‘HOT 50’ on-trade survey open for nominations

Published: 10 January, 2020

Once again we are inviting you to have your say ahead of our Harpers HOT 50 on-trade influencers feature, which recognises and celebrates those at the top of their game.

French strikes damaging for Paris on-trade, says leading Champagne brand

Published: 13 December, 2019

The ongoing nationwide French strikes, combined with declining tourist numbers, are causing misery for Paris' restaurant and bar sector, according to Champagne Palmer's communication manager Francois Demouy.

Sogrape takes majority stake in Liberty Wines

Published: 28 June, 2019

Sogrape is ramping up its investment in Liberty Wines, in a move that will increase its 2017 investment to a majority share in the business.

UK still ‘litmus test’ as global benchmark for wine brands

Published: 28 January, 2019

The UK market continues to be the shop window for the world of wine, with the on-trade driving premium sales.

Rhône wines shine in the US

Published: 09 December, 2018

Sales of Rhône wines continue to decline in traditional markets, while the US east coast is showing “unprecedented levels of consumer interest,” according to leading sommeliers.

New dawn for on-trade training

Published: 07 December, 2018

It’s been a good year for education in the on-trade, with a number of new initiatives being launched in the UK recently.

UK hospitality sector continues to grow despite Brexit concerns

Published: 26 October, 2018

The UK hospitality sector has turned over in excess of £100bn for the first time and now employs 2.35 million people.

Gaucho brought back from the brink by investors

Published: 05 September, 2018

Ailing Argentinian steak chain Gaucho has been saved by its lenders, after falling into administration back in July.

The Hot 50

Published: 11 July, 2018

Welcome to our Hot 50 2018, recognising and celebrating the key influencers, innovators and drivers of quality drinks offers in the on-trade.

Guy Woodward: Are sommeliers followers or leaders?

Published: 11 June, 2018

It had been a long day. The panel discussion, as they are wont to do, had dragged on. The moderators, as they are even more wont to do, had dominated. And, at the back of the room, having negotiated a full day of the London Wine Fair, and sat quietly through an hour-long debate (Wine & Dine: How chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers build their wine lists), Ben Drury was mad as hell. And he wasn’t going to take it any more.

Wine list innovation

Published: 04 September, 2017

Being presented with a lengthy country-ranged wine tome can be intimidating for any punter which is why the best and most engaging drinks offers have moved far beyond a static listing.