Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

June online retail growth remains negative, but freefall eases slightly

Published: 11 July, 2022

Capgemini has announced its June IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks the online sales performance of over 200 retailers.

Cost-of-living crisis and staff shortages threaten £36bn hospitality and leisure growth

Published: 17 June, 2022

A new report warns today that the cost-of-living crisis could severely hamper the hospitality and leisure sector’s post-pandemic recovery amid a widespread lack of staff.

Managed groups' like-for-like sales flat in May as cost crisis deepens

Published: 17 June, 2022

Like-for-like sales at Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups in May were just 0.1% ahead of the pre-Covid-19 levels of 2019, the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker reveals.

UK Hospitality sets out its vision to support government’s Levelling Up agenda

Published: 23 May, 2022

A new report from UKHospitality, Level up hospitality – level up society, highlights how the sector is uniquely positioned to deliver growth and opportunity across the country and play its part in delivering the government’s and society’s priorities, by generating jobs and economic growth.

Annual Wine GB tasting to return this September

Published: 29 July, 2021

Wine GB has announced that its annual Trade & Press Tasting is to take place on 7 September at RHS Lindley Hall in central London.

Hospitality footfall boosted by ‘Freedom day’

Published: 27 July, 2021

The lifting of all Covid-19 trading restrictions in England on 19 July saw a significant boost in footfall, according to the latest Presence data from Wireless Social, with the UK reaching 80% pre-Covid levels.

A third of fled hospitality workers looking to return

Published: 21 July, 2021

A third of hospitality workers who have left the industry within the last 12 months are looking to return, according to new research by The Burnt Chef Project.

Vinpro interdict hearing to take place Wednesday

Published: 20 July, 2021

Vinpro has confirmed that it is to argue its urgent interim interdict application in the Western Cape High Court tomorrow (Wednesday 21 July).

Severe staff shortages dampen Freedom Day

Published: 20 July, 2021

The number of new job vacancies in the hospitality sector rose by almost 10% in the last seven days, according to new analysis by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM.

On-trade group sales nearly level with 2019

Published: 19 July, 2021

Britain's managed pub, restaurant and bar groups saw sales in June nearly level with the same month in 2019 on both a total and like-for-like basis, according to the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker.

Business leaders optimistic about next 12 months

Published: 15 July, 2021

A majority of business leaders now feel optimistic about market prospects for the next 12 months, while consumers are increasingly confident about going out, according the latest Future Shock report from CGA and UK Hospitality (UKH).

Welsh industry fears staffing issues and tourism confusion

Published: 15 July, 2021

UK Hospitality (UKH) Cymru has said it fears holidaymakers will be confused by Covid regulations in Wales and has heightened staffing concerns as it welcomed plans by the Welsh government to further relax restrictions.

Online BWS sales soar 52%

Published: 14 July, 2021

Online beer, wine and spirits (BWS) sales soared the week commencing 27 June as England prepared to play Germany for a place in Euro 2020.

Room to work from home

Published: 13 July, 2021

As working from home practices become more ingrained, it looks like they will become part of a long-term culture shift, says Jo Gilbert.

Vinpro interdict hearing postponed

Published: 07 July, 2021

Vinpro’s urgent interim interdict application to lift the latest ban on wine sales in the Western Cape has been postponed.

Positive thinking

Published: 07 July, 2021

While the past year has been extremely challenging for alcohol, there’s cause for optimism when it comes to recovery. Lisa Riley crunches IWSR numbers.

Industry welcomes plans to lift restrictions but warns long road ahead

Published: 06 July, 2021

The hospitality industry has welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on the lifting of restrictions on 19 July as a “major milestone”, but warned of a "long road ahead".

WoSA: ‘Industry deeply disturbed by alcohol ban’

Published: 28 June, 2021

Wines of South Africa (WoSA) has voiced deep concern following President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing another total ban on the sale of alcohol yesterday, marking the fourth ban since the start of the pandemic.

Fourth alcohol ban for South Africa

Published: 28 June, 2021

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a total ban on the sale of alcohol for the fourth time since the start of the pandemic.

Staff shortages to hit crisis levels

Published: 23 June, 2021

Staff shortages in the hospitality sector are set to hit crisis levels following the 30 June, when it will become more difficult to hire EU workers, a leading City law firm has warned.