Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New firm North South Wines ramps up activity

Published: 16 September, 2014

Newly-created North South Wines is planning to boost its team as it gets ready for a series of product launches in the coming months.

Your view: the impact of Scottish independence on the drinks trade

Published: 15 September, 2014

With only three more days to go until the big Scottish independence vote we ask the UK wine and spirits industry what it thinks will be the best outcome for individual businesses and look at some of the big issues that might arise after the Yes/No vote. Will alcohol duty rates differ in an independent Scotland? And how would drinks firms cope with trading in separate currencies north and south of the border? What do you think is the right future for Scotland and the rest of the country. Take part in our poll and let's find out...

South African wines 'gaining momentum' in UK market

Published: 15 September, 2014

The hard work put into growing the UK market by South African producers is beginning to pay off, but the country still needs to bring prices in line with market, says Wines of South Africa.

Hallgarten signs South Africa's Lismore Estate

Published: 15 September, 2014

Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines has signed South Africa's Lismore Estate to its portfolio, with the wines now available to the on-trade and independents and the on-trade.

Spain's wine industry must restructure but avoid 'trashing vinous treasures', warns MW

Published: 15 September, 2014

Spain has to be very careful not to trash its vinous treasures, warned Justin Knock MW, as the country faces a restructure following a wine glut.

Seckford Agencies toasts sales growth

Published: 12 September, 2014

Seckford Agencies has seen sales grow by 10 to 15% in the past year, says director David Cartwright.

Tesco expands Dan Jago's global wine role to include beer and spirits

Published: 11 September, 2014

Tesco's UK and group wine director Dan Jago is to increase his responsibilities with the addition of the beer and spirits portfolio.

Pernod Ricard UK chief to be new WSTA chair

Published: 11 September, 2014

Pernod Ricard UK's managing director Denis O'Flynn has been selected as the new chairman of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Les Grands Chais de France moves into Costières de Nimes

Published: 11 September, 2014

Les Grands Chais de France has acquired Château de la Tuilerie in the Costières de Nimes region for an undisclosed sum.

Argentina's total wine exports to UK rocket 36%

Published: 11 September, 2014

Argentina's total wine exports to the UK have soared 36% on last year for the first six months of 2014, says Wines of Argentina's European and Asia director Andrew Maidment.

Ehrmanns 'galvanised and recharged' by recent changes

Published: 11 September, 2014

Wine supplier Ehrmanns has had a "lively" few months, but says recent changes have left it "galvanised and recharged" and looking to the future with confidence.

Bruce Jack on the challenges and opportunities for South African wine

Published: 10 September, 2014

Bruce Jack is a key figure in the Accolade Wines South African winemaking team. His direct responsibilities cover the Kumala, Fishoek and Flagstone ranges, Tesco Finest, The Rustler, Stumble Vineyards, Breakers Point and Lost Ostrich, as well as strategic NPD. He talks to Gemma McKenna about how he is working with the Kumala winemaking team to help reposition the Kumala brand and ensure the quality of the wine shines through to customers.

Sangre de Toro wine gets design revamp for 60th birthday

Published: 10 September, 2014

Bodegas Torres has relaunched its famed Sangre de Toro brand with a sleeker design that harks back to the wine's 1950s origins.

De Bortoli Wines closes UK office

Published: 10 September, 2014

Australian wine estate De Bortoli Wines has closed its standalone UK distribution office - instead opting for an equity stake in newly-founded North South Wines distribution firm.

Ex-Ehrmanns directors form new wine distribution company

Published: 09 September, 2014

Three high profile UK wine professionals, including two former Ehrmanns directors, have launched their own distribution company in partnership with three wineries, including De Bortoli wines, which is closing its UK office as a result.

Ribera del Duero wine region ramps up UK activity

Published: 09 September, 2014

Spain's Ribera del Duero wine region is looking to raise its profile in the UK with the launch of its first promotional campaign in this country.

Wines of Chile plans major new consumer event

Published: 09 September, 2014

Wines of Chile is planning a major new consumer event for 2015 to raise awareness about the South American country as a whole, says new UK director Anita Jackson.