?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.

Getting ready for SITT : Spring clean your wine list

Ahead of this month's SITT tastings, Erin Smith talks to key suppliers about how they hope to help independents give their range a boost

?The Smith report: The rise of the Great British pound

Erin Smith assesses the currency map as the pound continues to gain ground

California's drought could raise foreign wine imports to the US and bulk wine prices

With California in the midst of one the most severe droughts in its history, the shortfall in domestic wine supply in the US could see a rise in bulk wine prices and an increase in foregin wine imports. 

Wines of Rioja to target on-trade in 2014

One in four Russian men die by 55 due to alcohol

A collaborative study between Russia, Oxford University and the World Health Organisation found that 25% of all Russian men die before the age of 55 primarily due to over consumption of alcohol, particularly vodka.

Australia Day Tasting hosts over 700 visitors

Australia Day Tasting, hosted by Wine Australia and held yesterday, saw more than 700 trade and press guests visit Lindley Hall in London, indicating that Australian wine maybe coming back in style.

?Annual Wines from Spain Trade Fair celebrates 25 years

On Thursday the March 20th, 2014 the Wines from Spain Trade Fair will be hosting its annual tasting at the Old Billingsgate in London, celebrating its 25th year of the event.

?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.

?Mila Kunis is new face of Jim Beam Bourbon campaign

Jim Beam Bourbon whiskey has brought in actress Mila Kunis as the face of its new multi-media campaign "Make History" that will be launched in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Market latest: Credit downgrade for Rémy Cointreau SA and Treasury Wine Estates halts trading

It has been a challenging week financially for two major players in the drinks trade; Remy Cointreau SA credit rating was downgraded on Monday to 'negative' and Treasury Wine Estates requested a trading halt on Tuesday until the ASX opens tomorrow.

Pernod Ricard hosts #InnovationDay to find new ideas to connect with consumers

Pernod Ricard hosted its second annual Innovation Day and Harpers put together a day in review for those not in attendance.  See what to expect from the drinks giant in the coming months.

Double Impact's Sobar is first alcohol-free bar in Nottingham

East Midland's charity Double Impact has opened Sobar, the region's first-ever alcohol-free bar and restaurant in Nottingham.

Call Time on Duty: Beer sales up due to impact of duty cuts

Beer sales in the off trade rose 3.9% by volume in the fourth quarter of 2013, marking increases for two consecutive quarters for the first time in 10 years, following the cut in beer duty last year.

Brown-Forman: the next big deal?

Mergers and acquisitions are the name of the game at the moment in the spirits world and whiskey brands are taking centre stage.

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 haved done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Final Call: Should 2013 Bordeaux en primeur be cancelled?

Some leading figures in the UK wine trade have called for the cancellation of the 2013 Bordeaux en primeur campaign, but is it just a select number of critics or a vast majority of buyers?

Constellation Brands stock is climbing

Constellation Brands is starting 2014 on a high note, with its stock prices hitting a 52-week high last week of $81.51 on better than expected Q3 earnings and revenue reports.

Mangrove adds Old Forester Bourbon to its range

UK distributor Mangrove will now offer Old Forester Bourbon whiskey as part of its portfolio of specialist spirits and liqueurs.

?Expect to pay higher prices for New Zealand wines

Price pressure is escalating on New Zealand wines as short vintages and a lack of new plantings mean demand is exceeding supply.