Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The week that was

Published: 10 May, 2019

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinion and features.

Vineyard Cellars appoints Dave Allen as new director

Published: 09 May, 2019

Vineyard Cellars has appointed Dave Allen to the role of director as the Californian fine wine merchant looks to grow its portfolio.

Guy Woodward: On good breeding in wine

Published: 07 May, 2019

From the moment visitors touch down at Lexington’s Blue Grass airport, they are confronted with stylised images of two of Kentucky’s most prominent industries. The local tourist board seems keener, funnily enough, to promote the state’s whiskies and horses than its other famous export. Compliant stooge that I am, I took in both pursuits over the course of a whistle-stop tour last month.

Côtes du Rhône targets 30-45 age group for new global campaign

Published: 25 April, 2019

The trade body for France’s Côtes du Rhône has unveiled plans to target consumers in their thirties and forties, with a new logo and marketing strapline that highlights the region’s quality, heritage and provenance.

Californian wine under £20 boosts UK sales

Published: 09 April, 2019

US wine exports to the UK have seen a slip in value but a rise in volume, thanks largely to a growth in buyer interest in a previously difficult-to-source section of the market.

Shift from shop to showroom is vital for the future of retail, says Majestic CEO

Published: 27 March, 2019

The chief executive of the newly rebranded Naked Wines has defended the decision to trim down its 200-store estate while shifting investment focus to the online side of the business.

China and the US drive boom in global premium wine consumption

Published: 13 March, 2019

Wine priced between $10 and $20 will be the biggest driver of value growth for still and sparkling wine over the next couple of years.

Climate change leaving Beaujolais in fear of being priced out of the market by cereal and milk

Published: 11 March, 2019

The temperature is rising in Beaujolais, leaving producers to worry their products will be edged out of consumers’ repertoires by rival crops.

Thc could replace abv as consumers look to cannabis for an “intoxicating buzz”

Published: 28 February, 2019

Experts have warned that alcoholic drinks is the FMCG category most likely to be under threat from cannabis, which will be at the heart of a “global paradigm shift” over the next decade.

Post-Brexit trade deals could pressure Government over duty rises

Published: 28 February, 2019

Major New World exporters to the UK could bring pressure to bear on the UK Government over duty rises on wine as part of negotiations over future free trade agreements.

Aussie backstop will safeguard Australian wine exports post-Brexit

Published: 22 January, 2019

Australia will continue to trade with the UK, its biggest export market by volume and third by value, on its current terms post-Brexit.

Rhône wines shine in the US

Published: 09 December, 2018

Sales of Rhône wines continue to decline in traditional markets, while the US east coast is showing “unprecedented levels of consumer interest,” according to leading sommeliers.

Tim Atkin MW: How low can you go?

Published: 06 December, 2018

Wine critic, broadcaster, co-chair of the IWC

Looking Stateside

Published: 06 November, 2018

US wines have been generating an unprecedented buzz in the UK. Andrew Catchpole discovers why

Demand for craft spirits in the US shows no sign of slowing

Published: 24 October, 2018

The appetite for craft spirits in the United States - arguably the nation behind the boom in craft drinks worldwide - still packs a major punch new research suggests.

Pernod hails dynamic UK growth

Published: 29 August, 2018

Pernod Ricard has revealed “strong results” for the most recent financial year, while chalking up 6% growth in the UK.

Cognac sets new export record

Published: 14 August, 2018

Cognac exports have achieved their fourth consecutive year of growth, driven by continued thirst for the historic French brandy in the US.

Gin exports on track to reach £600m in 2018

Published: 14 August, 2018

The UK has further cemented its status as the largest exporter of gin in the world with yet another record-breaking start to the year.

Wine set to help global alcohol consumption to reach £830bn by 2022

Published: 08 August, 2018

A relatively sunny outlook is being forecast for the global alcohol industry over the next five years, with the wine set to see the largest portion of growth.

Molson Coors chases the buzz with joint marijuana venture

Published: 02 August, 2018

Molson Coors is the latest mega-brewer to announce plans to make hybrid beverages with one of Canada’s leading cannabis producers, further signalling the march of smoke products into the alcoholic sector.