Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Tech: Wine industry could do more to benefit from tech

Published: 14 October, 2024

Jo Gilbert reflects on a new Prowein business report and online discussion looking at digitalisation in the wine sector.

Armit Wines invests in staff to support growth plans

Published: 14 October, 2024

Armit Wines is investing in new staff as part of its five-year strategy to build on its recent turnaround.

Catena Institute joins SWR Bottle Weight Accord

Published: 11 October, 2024

The Catena Institute of Wine has officially joined the SWR Bottle Weight Accord, reaffirming its sustainability commitment as a founding member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR). The institute’s efforts include light-weighting bottles and tackling the misconception that heavier bottles signify higher quality.

Alcohol-free brands urge health minister to update outdated drink labels

Published: 10 October, 2024

Nearly 80 alcohol-free brands, suppliers and drinks experts have urged health minister Andrew Gwynne MP to take swift action on outdated alcohol-free drink descriptors.

Liberty Wines reflects on Autumn/Winter portfolio

Published: 10 October, 2024

As the year’s final quarter unfolds, Liberty Wines remains committed to providing strong service and support across all departments, from sales to logistics. The company's recent Autumn/Winter tasting event highlighted the importance of offering a diverse range of high-quality wines to inspire consumer spending and maintain market leadership.

Alejandro López appointed new winemaker of Bodegas Beronia

Published: 09 October, 2024

Alejandro López has been named as the new winemaker and technical manager of Bodegas Beronia, taking over from Matías Calleja, who held the position for 42 years.

Jeroboams named UK distributor for Harrow & Hope

Published: 07 October, 2024

Jeroboams has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Harrow & Hope, a prominent English wine producer known for its award-winning sparkling wines. This partnership reflects the increasing popularity and reputation of English wine, as more domestic producers seek to align with established distributors to broaden their reach.

Bodega Argento partners with Freixenet Copestick for UK distribution

Published: 07 October, 2024

Bodega Argento, one of Argentina’s leading wine producers, has entered a new distribution agreement with Freixenet Copestick in a bid to strengthen its presence in the UK market. The partnership, set to commence on 1 January 2025, will see Freixenet Copestick take on the distribution of Bodega Argento’s premium wine range across the UK.

Wine prices to rise as tax changes loom

Published: 04 October, 2024

Wine prices are set to increase as UK retailers brace for significant changes to wine taxation starting February 2025. Businesses warn that the new system will require six-figure investments to handle the administrative burden, with potential annual costs also running into similar sums.

Mentzendorff appoints Christine Allen as director of brand management

Published: 03 October, 2024

Mentzendorff has announced Christine Allen’s appointment as director of brand management. Allen brings over 20 years of experience in the drinks industry, having started her career in the Scotch whisky sector with Glenfiddich and Auchentoshan distilleries before transitioning to the wine trade in 2007.

New Zealand’s wine industry: Strong global presence amid challenges

Published: 30 September, 2024

The past year has been a “rollercoaster ride” for exports, as noted in The New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Report 2024.

Soapbox: Storytelling and self-sabotage in the wine industry

Published: 09 July, 2024

Ben Franks, co-founder of The Canned Wine Co on how the trade could be attracting talent and investment to give wine a much-needed boost.

New Zealand Winegrowers announces brand overhaul

Published: 11 January, 2023

New Zealand Winegrowers has unveiled a new logo and global brand identity, rolled out across the organisation's key international markets.

All change for Yalumba

Published: 18 August, 2022

Andrew Catchpole caught up with outgoing Yalumba MD Nick Waterman and his successor-to-be Karl Martin.

English wine comes of age at the UK’s wine ‘BAFTAs’

Published: 18 July, 2022

English and Welsh wine appears to have entered a new era of maturity, as ‘newcomers’ to the scene continue to rake in accolades alongside more established names.

New date for Occitania trade fair while Vinexpo prepares to launch

Published: 08 February, 2022

The inaugural edition of a new regional wine fair in Montpellier, Dégustez en VO!, will take place on 2 and 3 May 2022.

Green Wine Future launches podcast series

Published: 03 February, 2022

The organisers of environmental conference initiative Green Wine Future 2022 have launched a new podcast tackling “the most important sustainability and climate crisis response issues in the wine industry.”

South Africa's wine industry “must adapt to survive”

Published: 21 January, 2022

Wine oversight body Vinpro has urged South Africa’s winegrowers to use the pandemic crisis as an opportunity “to revive, recover and rebuild,” adapting current business models to better cope with a rapidly changing world.

Fellows of New Zealand Winegrowers announced for 2021

Published: 03 December, 2021

The New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has unveiled the recipients of its Fellows award, which recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand wine industry.

Vinpro calls on SA government to make sustainable policies to help recovery

Published: 08 November, 2021

The South African wine industry has called on the Government to include sustainability in its plans to help in the recovery and growth of the sector and country.