Local retailers take call for changes to business rates to Westminster

Local retailers from across the country are descending on Westminster today to fight their corner for improvements in the system of business rates.

Stephen Forward: why fine wine prices won't recover anytime soon

It doesn't matter how much you flog it, the horse is dead! I'm talking of course about wine investment. We're unlikely to see this mule recover its losses anytime soon.

Leading suppliers take the initiative to promote Best Practice Guidelines

Bordeaux to launch first global marketing campaign to address falling sales

The Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) is launching its first global marketing campaign to help counter falls in sales by both volume and value. Its seven priority markets - China, USA, UK, Japan, Germany,  Belgium and France - will soon be flooded with new atmospheric images drawn up by leading British advertising agency, Isobel.

Kleine Zalze launches Cleefs wine range for independents

South African wine estate Kleine Zalze is targeting independents with a new range of wines under the Cleefs banner.

The Week That Was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, financial news for the drinks trade, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Last chance to win Rising Stars place at Wine Vision

Emerging talents in the wine trade have the chance to attend this month's world leaders' conference, Wine Vision, by winning a special grant as part of Harpers Rising Stars initiative.

Independents and suppliers question big players that have not signed Harpers Best Practice Guidelines

There is growing frustration amongst both independents and suppliers that have signed up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines over those companies, particularly the large national distributors,  that have not done so.

Transparency and honesty key to good independent supplier relations says Harpers debate

Open communication and a clear channel management strategy are they key to a strong, healthy relationship between independents and suppliers was the key message from yesterday's Harpers debate been leading independent merchants and suppliers.

Adnams adds Karen Hester as executive director

Suffolk brewer and distiller Adnams has added Karen Hester to its main board as an executive director.

Top merchants and suppliers gather in London to debate ways they can work better together

How wine suppliers can work better and more efficiently with independent retailers will be the subject of a key Harpers debate being held this morning in London between leading figures on both sides.

Christmas part 2: Key players weigh up the role of sparkling wines as the festive season approaches

The festive season is still the key trading period for sparkling wines. What do producers, brand owners, multiples and merchants expect from sparkling wines this year?

Hallgarten launches Wine Heroes campaign for independent merchants

Hallgarten Driuitt & Novum has launched Wine Heroes - a campaign tailored to independent wine merchants offering winemaker visits, bespoke POS materials and discounted pricing to help engage consumers.

Analysis: how effective has the Crus Bourgeois classification been?

Last week the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois arrived in London for the fifth annual review of the wines deemed worthy to use the Cru Bourgeois seal of approval. Five years into the new incarnation of the classification Heather Dougherty reviews its successes and challenges - and looks at its prospects for the future.

Hallgarten launches Wine Heroes campaign for independents

Hallgarten Druitt & Novum has launched Wine Heroes - a campaign tailored to independent wine merchants offering winemaker visits, bespoke POS materials and discounted pricing to help engage consumers.

Pays d'Oc IGP names Fiona Taylor UK ambassador for 2014

Christopher Piper Wines' Fiona Taylor has been named Pays d'Oc IGP ambassador of the year for the UK market.

Luxury pop-up wine merchant Vinorium launches on London's Southbank

A luxury pop-up wine merchant - built out of two 20 ft shipping containers - is set to launch on London's Southbank.

Chance for "Harpers Rising Stars" to win a grant for Wine Vision

Harpers is giving talented, rising stars in the global wine industry the chance to take part in this November's Wine Vision conference by applying for a special Harpers grant.

Shortlist for Harpers French Wine Awards announced

The shortlist for the 2014 Harpers French Wine Awards are released today with the likes of Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, The Sampler, Daniel Lambert, Tim Atkin MW and Gerrard Basset MW MS fighting it out for the main awards.

Today's SITT London tasting offers masterclasses on Italy and the Rhône