?Diageo appoints exclusive national broker for Canada

Wirtz Beverage Group is to become Diageo's exclusive national broker in Canada, after signing an agreement last week.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Diageo warns of the dangers of any UK departure from the EU

Diageo has fired a warning shot against any possible British departure from the European Union and the risks it would have on not only its business but the future of key markets such as the Scottish whisky industry. This could be exacerbated further if Scotland chooses to become independent later in the year.

Tesco strengthens wine product development team

Charlotte Lemoine has been appointed as the new assistant product developer to the Tesco wine team and will be overseeing the Italian wine category starting on February 24, 2014.

James Lawrence becomes a winemaker for a day at London Cru

James Lawrence heads to West Brompton, the latest source of quality Barbera, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, to participate in London Cru's winemaker for a day event.

Amatuers study tatics, professionals study logisitcs

Erin Smith: why for wine lovers Bulgarians have got Valentine's Day right

In the UK February 14th celebrates the day of love, but in Bulgaria the date has traditionally been reserved for the feast of St. Trifon Zarezan, the patron of vine growing and wine producing.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Harpers Awards 2014: still time to enter

The Harpers Awards is a opportunity to be recognised as a key merchant, retailer and UK on-trade establishment in the trade. Be rewarded for all the hard work you and your team do. With a host of categories across the industry and the on- and off-trade, here's how you can get involved.

Vinexpo launches "Spiritual" as it looks to make spirits a much bigger part of future shows

Vinexpo has announced the new dedicated spirits section of its Asia-Pacific show in May will be called Spiritual and if successful could be introduced to Vinexpo in Bordeaux in 2015.

Vinexpo Asia- Pacific expected to break exhibitor and visitor records

This May's Vinexpo Asia-Pacific taking place in Hong Kong is expected to break exhibitor and visitor records.

Whyte & Mackay could sell for as high as £450m next week

Rothschild, Rabobank and Standard Chartered are the investment banks that have been formally appointed to run the sale of Whyte & Mackay by Diageo, which is set to begin next week and could sell for as much £450m.

Buyers bullish as larger harvests are a boon for entry level wines

With stronger harvests around the world in 2013 and 2014, more established markets look likely to make a comeback in the entry level bulk wines market.

'Status quo' is ordered for Diageo and United Spirits deal

The Indian Supreme Court has ordered the acquisition deal between Diageo and United Spirits to maintain 'status quo' until April when the matter can heard at length in a court of law.

Fine wine prices fall in January for first time in 12 years

For the the first time in 12 years the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 index fell by 0.9% in January, a traditionally strong month.

Douglas Blyde visits The Whip at the Running Horse

"The Whip" cocktail lounge above Mayfair's oldest pub, The Running Horse (1738) launched last week launched last week.

Q&A: ?Lee Potter Cavanagh, executive bartender for Corrett Restaurants

Formerly group bars manager of HIX restaurants, Cavanagh brings 13 years of experience to the Big Easy, Covent Garden, which opens in March and sits down to talk with Douglas Byde.

?In the on-trade there are only four days of Christmas

Matthew Crompton, senior account manager, CGA Strategy talks about the CGA annual Christmas report for 2013 and how it proved more than ever just how important Christmas is to the on-trade.

?Brangelina's Rosé to be sold at Berry Bros

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Château Miraval Rosé released its second vintage last week and Berry Bros. & Rudd will get the first pre-allocation of the wine to be sold in the UK.

Douglas Blyde takes a gastronomic tour through Cognac with Eaux de Vie

An outdoor sculpture depicts what looks like tortured Ribena currants at Domaines Francis Abécassis. Apparently the mass of goggling eyes on stalks and bared teeth does not perturb the neighbours (not that there are a great many to perturb). Perhaps because what goes in the bottle is so governed by doctrine in the world of drinks, the 'art' outside it becomes ever more overstated...