Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

English vineyards escape flood damage

Published: 13 February, 2014

The wettest weather in over 100 years has had little effect on English vineyards.

Vinexpo to launch new event in Japan in 2014

Published: 20 December, 2013

Vinexpo, the international wine trade show, is to launch a new event in Japan in November 2014.

Irish on and off-trade warned to look out for fake Smirnoff bottles

Published: 19 December, 2013

Bar and off-licence owners in Ireland have been urged to check Smirnoff vodka bottles following the seizure of a number of fakes.

Former SMWS brand ambassador to join Diageo's Mortlach team

Published: 18 December, 2013

Diageo has appointed Scotch Malt Whisky Society global ambassador Georgie Bell as its global brand ambassador for single malt Scotch Mortlach.

Scotch whisky industry sets itself a zero waste target

Published: 17 December, 2013

The Scotch whisky industry has embraced sustainability measures and it is close to a zero waste target, according to a new report.

Taylor's to release 50 year old Port

Published: 16 December, 2013

The Fladgate Partnership is set to release a collection of 50 year old single harvest Ports under the Taylor's brand

Taylors to release 50 year old Port

Published: 16 December, 2013

The Fladgate Partnership is set to release a collection of 50 year old single harvest Ports under the Taylor's brand.

?Diageo to sponsor free travel on NYE

Published: 12 December, 2013

Diageo is to sponsor free travel on New Year's Eve in London for the third year running. The company will also partner Lothian Buses in Edinburgh for the second year.

?Diageo fires bourbon Bulleit

Published: 11 December, 2013

Diageo has launched a stronger version of Bulleit Bourbon along with new product Bulleit Rye whiskey to the UK market.

Scotch Whisky Association sets up £500,000 to help alcohol-related harm

Published: 10 December, 2013

The Scotch Whisky Association has launched a £500,000 action fund to tackle alcohol-related harm.

Jonathan Simms to be brand ambassador for Pernod Ricard UK Champagnes

Published: 09 December, 2013

Pernod Ricard UK has appointed Jonathan Simms as its new ambassador for its Champagnes brands.

One alcohol free day a week makes no difference hears Wine Vision debate

Published: 21 November, 2013

Having one alcohol free day per week has no health benefits, according to a leading doctor.

Personalised marketing is key to future wine sales says Amazon at Wine Vision

Published: 21 November, 2013

Personalised marketing, customer reviews and product comparisons are key to successfully selling alcohol online, according to Amazon.

Marks & Spencer to launch carbon neutral PET Beaujolais Nouveau

Published: 21 November, 2013

Marks & Spencer is set to launch what it claims is the first carbon neutral Beaujolais Nouveau. The 2013 vintage is to be bottled in PET and launched, in line with tradition, on the third Thursday of November (21).

Go direct and get ambassadors for your brand hears Wine Vision

Published: 21 November, 2013

Selling wine direct to the consumer is one of the best ways of creating brand ambassadors, according to the wine trade.

Wine Vision's leader view: Don St Pierre Jr, ASC Fine Wines

Published: 19 November, 2013

"The US is number one at approximately 315 million cases. Of the 180 million cases consumed in China, 36 million are imported but the imported market has been growing approximately 55% a year since 2007."

Wine Vision's leader view: Simon McMurtrie, Direct Wines

Published: 19 November, 2013

"People focus more on enjoying life when they get older. Wine is part of that and if there are more people getting older, more people will be drinking wine"

Wine Vision's leader view: Paul Symington, Symington Family Estates

Published: 19 November, 2013

"Sometimes people ask me: 'Why do you sell to supermarkets?' I'm astounded by the question. If I didn't, we would have to lay off at least 80% of our staff and sack
more than 90% of our growers."

Wine Vision's leader view: Ted Baseler, ceo Ste Michelle Wine Estates

Published: 19 November, 2013

"I call our approach the 'string of pearls' - we keep each winery separate, with its own manager, its own name and winemaker. Then we have the string through the pearls which is the back-of-house admin"

Wine Vision's leader view: Christophe Salin, Domaines Barons de Rothschild

Published: 19 November, 2013

"I don't like to see amateurs getting into vineyards. They don't realise that it takes a long time for it to be profitable - as the saying goes: "How do you make a small fortune out of a vineyard? Start with a large fortune."