Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Majestic unveils national cork recycling scheme

Published: 07 September, 2021

Majestic has unveiled details of a nationwide cork recycling scheme in over 200 of its stores.

Continued plantings spell new growth for English vino at Wine GB

Published: 06 September, 2021

Continued plantings across England and Wales are expected to insulate the growing England and Welsh wine industry against climate issues and smaller-than-usual crop sizes.

Billecart-Salmon appoints Crosby UK MD

Published: 02 September, 2021

Billecart-Salmon UK has appointed its current vice president Chris Crosby as its new MD of the UK.

Long read: Are hard seltzers over before they really began?

Published: 02 September, 2021

Richard Horwell, owner of specialist food and drink marketing and branding company Brand Relations, anticipates a hard year ahead for a fledgling drinks trend.

No-shows cost sector £17.6bn

Published: 01 September, 2021

Customers not turning up for their bookings are costing the hospitality sector £17.6bn each year, according to a new CGA and Zonal report.

Majestic launches new subscription club

Published: 01 September, 2021

Majestic has revealed details of its new subscription model — Wine Club’ by Majestic.

'Experience-first' reopening: How hospitality came back with a bang

Published: 17 August, 2021

Since July’s fuller reopening of the on-trade, UK venues are determined to come back with a bang in order to coax punters away from well-stocked home bars. Jo Gilbert takes flight into the new world of ‘experience first’ hospitality

‘Pingdemic’ eases as self-isolation rules change

Published: 16 August, 2021

Hospitality workers who are double-jabbed will no longer have to self-isolate at home for 10 days after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid.

Trivento takes the top spot for Argentine wine

Published: 22 July, 2021

Concha y Toro's Trivento is celebrating becoming the leading Argentine wine brand in the world, with sales of over US$256.2m a year according to a new report from the IWSR.

Cask whisky specialist eyes Asian market

Published: 05 July, 2021

London-based Cask Trade is opening an outpost in Hong Kong following an “unprecedented” spike in demand from the region.

Hospitality predicted to bounce back and exceed 2019 sales in 2022

Published: 10 June, 2021

The total eating and drinking out market is expected to see 44.7% YOY growth in 2022, the equivalent value of almost £92bn and surpassing its 2019 value growth as pent up demand is set to give the sector a boost in its recovery from the pandemic.

Retail gin sales hit all time high

Published: 10 June, 2021

Sales of gin in the retail sector have continued to soar during the pandemic, up 30% over the past 12 months.

Association of Wine Educators announces new chairperson

Published: 27 May, 2021

The Association of Wine Educators (AWE), which brings together specialist wine educators from all over the UK and around the world, has announced Mandy Stevens as its new chairperson.

Digital strategies and synergies continue to rise in importance as businesses physically reopen

Published: 13 May, 2021

Online services continue to grow in importance, key sources have highlighted this week, as online retail sales continue to strengthen despite physical stores reopening, and as digital strategies and e-booking becomes more important than ever for bars and restaurants re-launching to demob-happy crowds.

Draycott to take helm at Gonzalez Byass UK

Published: 26 April, 2021

Melissa Draycott has been appointed MD of González Byass UK, effective from 1 September 2021, taking over the roll from Martin Skelton.

Portman research predicts “cautious return” to pubs post lockdown

Published: 08 April, 2021

Pubgoers look set to tailor some of their pre-pandemic drinking behaviours once restrictions ease, the Portman Group has said, with many planning to drink less when they return to the on-trade post-lockdown.

Low and no: How far will it go?

Published: 01 April, 2021

Consumer demand for no and low alcohol products and ready-to-drink is on the rise both globally and in the UK. But how long will this growth continue? Jo Gilbert looks ahead.

Six new grape varieties approved in Bordeaux

Published: 04 March, 2021

The Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO) has formally approved the use of four new red and two new white grape varieties for official use in Bordeaux as the region makes strides to future proof itself against the effects of climate change.

Ribera campaign looks to bring 60 wineries to the UK

Published: 22 February, 2021

Ribera del Duero has launched an initiative to introduce over 60 additional wineries to the UK market following an uptick in interest in the region over the course of the pandemic.

Bancroft Wines: The glass half full

Published: 16 February, 2021

With a raft of new producers folded into its portfolio, Bancroft’s Jon Worsley explains to Andrew Catchpole why he’s cautiously optimistic about the year ahead