Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Canada’s cool climate calls at annual tasting

Published: 03 May, 2022

The annual Canada trade tasting returns to the UK on 10 & 11 May at Canada House in central London.

Five minutes with James Hocking, James Hocking Wines

Published: 03 May, 2022

Andrew Catchpole catches up with the specialist importer after the launch of The California List to discover what is driving interest in the Golden State’s wines.

Alcohol improves on pre-pandemic growth in multiples

Published: 29 April, 2022

Inflation and price squeezes have impacted sales of FMCG products in the multiples over the past 12 weeks, including alcohol. However, in actual terms, alcohol is still a more profitable sector than pre-pandemic.

Harpers Sustainability Charter hits 30 signatories ahead of Earth Day

Published: 22 April, 2022

Running with the strapline ‘Invest in Our Planet’, 22 April’s annual Earth Day provides an apt backdrop to announce that Harpers recently launched Sustainability Charter has hit a 30-signatory milestone.

Champagne has cause to celebrate

Published: 21 April, 2022

With sales exceeding all expectations, the drink for good times is back on top form, finds James Bayley.

30 Under 30 list to debut at the Harpers Discovery Zone at LWF

Published: 13 April, 2022

30 Under 30, Harpers’ inaugural listing highlighting the industry’s best and brightest young talent, will be officially launched at the London Wine Fair (LWF), with new content also set to tackle some of the key issues around staffing and progression for those in the first chapter of their careers.

Displaced Chinese exports look for new home at ATT

Published: 11 April, 2022

A slew of Australian producers which have been forced to reorient themselves following China’s government-imposed trade tariffs were on show at Australia Trade Tasting (ATT) on Thursday, where a renewed ‘buyer-only’ mentality aimed to find new homes for wineries left with major holes in distribution.

Arribaes: The New frontier of Iberian fine wines

Published: 08 April, 2022

It is known as Arribes del Duero in Spanish, and Arribas Do Douro in Portuguese, but now Iberian producers in this cross-frontier wine region have joined forces to create Arribaes, a new brand of low-intervention fine wines.

Chapel Down announces new cricket partnership

Published: 06 April, 2022

UK wine brand Chapel Down has been welcomed into the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as its official sparkling wine.

Full steam ahead for Harpers Loire Valley competition

Published: 04 April, 2022

Merchants across the UK continue to sign up to the Loire Valley Wines competition, organised in collaboration with Harpers and the region’s promotional body.

Gin and still wine lose momentum in post pandemic new normal

Published: 04 April, 2022

After enjoying a period of meteoric growth, the UK's favourite white spirit has hit a stumbling block, with a drop in hospitality market share in 2021.

Hatch Mansfield and Louis Jadot support the on-trade with Bike to Care

Published: 31 March, 2022

In support of the challenging times faced by the on-trade, Hatch Mansfield and Maison Louis Jadot are standing – or cycling – shoulder to shoulder for the inaugural Bike to Care en Bourgogne.

Concha y Toro goes after greater share of the UK’s most valuable variety

Published: 30 March, 2022

Casillero del Diablo, Concha y Toro’s (CyT) flagship brand, is looking to nab a greater share of the Sauvignon Blanc pie with the launch of a premium coastal wine from Colchagua’s Ucuquer vineyard.

Chris Frederick and Damola Timeyin, Spearhead Spirits

Published: 29 March, 2022

Having launched their all-African Bayab gin range and Vusa vodka – and with more to come – Spearhead Spirits founders and friends Chris Frederick and Damola Timeyin talk Andrew Catchpole through their mission to put African spirits at the top table

St Patrick's Day, weather and sport lift drinks sales to a 2022 high

Published: 28 March, 2022

Last week’s out-of-home drinks sales were 7% up on pre-pandemic levels, CGA’s latest Drinks Recovery Tracker reveals.

Depleted yields create ‘tension’ following a stellar year for Burgundy exports

Published: 28 March, 2022

Burgundy is struggling to keep up with rising demand, as a record revenue-producing year in 2021 now puts pressure on winemakers to make the most of depleted stocks.

Portugal tasting returns to London, riding exports rise

Published: 23 March, 2022

After a two year hiatus due to Covid-19, Wines of Portugal is pulling out all the stops, showcasing over 600 wines and 10 different regions at the annual trade tasting next week.

Drinks industry welcomes new personnel in spring reshuffle

Published: 21 March, 2022

Several headline spirit businesses have announced new staff appointments in March, including the Cotswolds Distillery and Mangrove UK.

Premium sales dominate at Concha y Toro for the first time

Published: 17 March, 2022

Viña Concha y Toro (CyT) has reached a ‘milestone’ in its sales career, with more than half of the company’s wine revenues stemming from higher-value products.

Vinitaly Academy launches Buyer Program in the UK

Published: 15 March, 2022

Vinitaly International Academy, the educational arm of the Verona show which aims to showcase the breath and diversity of the Italian peninsula, is launching a brand new focus in the UK.