Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Diageo reports 8.3% jump in sales

Published: 29 July, 2021

Diageo has reported an 8.3% jump in sales to £12.7bn with strong organic growth offset by an adverse foreign exchange impact in the year to 30 June 2021.

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.

Overall BWS supermarket sales continue to slide

Published: 27 July, 2021

Beer, wine and spirits (BWS) sales through supermarkets continued to slide in the last four weeks to 17 July, down 6% compared with the same period last year, according to Total Till data from NielsenIQ released today.

‘Freedom day’ provides lift for bars

Published: 27 July, 2021

The long-awaited easing of Covid restrictions on 19 July saw like-for-like drinks sales at a GB level dropping by just 5% on the same day in July 2019, according to CGA’s Drinks Recovery Tracker.

Venue closures and reduced service looming for hospitality

Published: 26 July, 2021

The hospitality sector is facing a summer of venue closures and reduced service following the government’s decision to leave the industry off the self-isolation exemption list, UK Hospitality (UKH) has warned.

'Easing of restrictions does not mean easing of challenges'

Published: 22 July, 2021

The scale of the challenges facing hospitality businesses as they look to rebuild from the effects of the pandemic means government support continues to be essential, key industry bodies have said.

Court reserves judgement on Vinpro interdict application

Published: 22 July, 2021

The Western Cape High Court has reserved judgement on Vinpro’s urgent interim interdict application that would afford the Premier of the Western Cape the power to adopt deviations to the national ban to enable off- and on-consumption sale of alcohol in the province.

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).

Supermarkets record drop in BWS sales

Published: 20 July, 2021

Take-home sales of alcohol over the four weeks to 11 July were down by 3% compared with the previous month, according to the latest figures from Kantar.

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.

Waitrose further supports SA wine industry

Published: 13 July, 2021

Waitrose has announced it is offering a one-off virtual tasting in order to further support the beleaguered South African wine industry.

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.

Industry welcomes lifting of social distancing measures

Published: 13 July, 2021

The industry has welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s confirmation that social distancing measures will be lifted next week, a move that UK Hospitality (UKH) said would bring “huge relief” for the hospitality sector.