Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Sichel’s sales to China surge by 15%

Published: 02 February, 2018

Bordeaux winemaker Sichel’s exports to China surged 15% in 2017 as Chinese demand for French wine continues to explode.

Tre Bicchieri heads to London

Published: 31 January, 2018

As UK sales of Italian wine continue to boom, some of Italy’s top winemakers are converging in London next week for Tre Bicchieri Grand Tasting.

Louis Roederer shows its modern face at MMD tasting

Published: 29 January, 2018

Things sometimes move at a glacial pace in the world of fine wine, but even Grande Marque producer Louis Roederer showed it is up for moving with the times at its most recent tasting, showcasing zero dosage and experimentation with organic and biodynamic wines.

Asia’s thirst for Australia drives AU$2.56bn export high, but UK and USA dip

Published: 24 January, 2018

The most recent export figures from Wine Australia, released at the busy Australia Day Tasting (ADT) in London on 23 January, revealed that Australian wine exports to mainland China continue to boom in the wake of the 2015 free trade agreement between the two countries.

ADT suppliers up their Oz bids as competition ramps up from China and the US

Published: 24 January, 2018

A hardy – dare we suggest, typically Australian – attitude to price hikes and supply challenges was the main exhibit at yesterday’s Australia Day Tasting, where plenty of creative and business flair set out the category’s stall for 2018.

Hampshire producers prepare for annual tasting

Published: 23 January, 2018

A group of seven leading Hampshire producers are on their to way to London once again in February for their annual tasting.

How low can you go?

Published: 22 January, 2018

Low- or no-alcohol products are no longer resigned to Dry January. Jo Gilbert reports on how waistband- and hangover-friendly alternatives are fast becoming one of 2018’s top trends

UK bound: French Wine Discoveries

Published: 22 January, 2018

It can be a double-edged sword being a French winemaker.

UK to be overtaken by the US as the world’s bigger importer of sparkling

Published: 19 January, 2018

The UK’s status as the biggest importer of sparkling wines will be challenged over the next three years, with the US due to take the top spot by 2021.

French grapefruit aperitif goes up against Aperol and Campari

Published: 16 January, 2018

UK spirits distributor Mangrove has announced the addition of French aperitif Pampelle to its portfolio – marking the liqueur’s worldwide launch.

Average on-trade red bottle price rises £8 in a year thanks to premium upswing

Published: 05 January, 2018

Wine prices have seen significant upward movement in the on-trade, new research suggests, with red in particular receiving a generous boost from a rise in premium listings.

Catering exec and wine enthusiast dies in tragic plane crash

Published: 02 January, 2018

The foodservice industry is mourning the loss of one of its giants this morning, as the world media reports the tragic loss of Richard Cousins, CEO of catering company Compass Group.

Brexit and bad harvests could dampen supply of fizz

Published: 02 January, 2018

2018 could be the year that Brits’ love of sparkling catches up with them as experts predict a fizz shortage could be about to descend on the UK.

Farr Vintners reports strong trading

Published: 21 December, 2017

Fine wine trader Farr Vintners has reported its turnover for 2017 is up 25.5% hitting £96M.

Matt Pym to lead “ambitious growth” plan at Vintae UK

Published: 18 December, 2017

Majestic’s former head buyer has joined Spanish and Chilean producer Vintae to head-up the producer’s plan to “heavily invest” in the UK and Ireland.

“Bump in the road” predicted for imports of Oz wine

Published: 12 December, 2017

Retailers in the UK are being warned to take care when it comes to securing supply of Australian wine as increased competition from China and the US places pressure on exports.

Schaafsma says major Oz distribution deal makes Broadland "relevant" for the future

Published: 11 December, 2017

Broadland Wineries is aiming to become a one-stop shop for antipodean wines thanks to a new major distribution deal which will see them partner with Australia’s biggest bulk wine supplier.

Leaked documents show UK will stay in single market

Published: 08 December, 2017

The UK will remain a member of the EU's customs union and single market between 2019 and 2021 according to a leaked copy of European Council guidelines for upcoming trade talks.

“Mutual recognition” at borders could help facilitate post-Brexit trade

Published: 05 December, 2017

Brexit talks floundered once again yesterday as PM Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels following a row with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over the status of the Irish border.

DEFRA minister quizzed by trade on timetables and trade-route worries

Published: 01 December, 2017

Disruption at ports like Dover and the impact of drawn-out Brexit negotiations were two of the concerns raised at a meeting of the trade and Defra Food and Drink Minister, George Eustice.