Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Nick Gillett: The spirit of 2026 – a cocktail of contradictions and thirst for value?

Published: 22 December, 2025

Looking back, 2025 was another stinker of a year for the spirits and hospitality industries; a rollercoaster ride punctuated by a bad business environment, consumers having less disposable income, and venues closing their doors at an unprecedented rate. With that out the way, it’s time to look ahead to 2026 – as we thoroughly cheer the fact that 2025 is over and done with. So, with just a dash of optimism and foresight, what will be pouring into our glasses and being enjoyed in-venue next year? I have a few ideas.

Tom Platt: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 29 August, 2025

Liberty Wines CEO Tom Platt continues our summer Q&A series with a measured take on the challenges to the trade.

International Beer Challenge 2025 results revealed

Published: 15 August, 2025

Harvey’s Old Ale has been announced as the Supreme Champion in the Taste Awards of the annual International Beer Challenge, which this year attracted entries from some 30 countries.

Frances Bentley: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 15 August, 2025

Frances Bentley, the dynamic wine buyer for LWC Drinks, adds her insights to our summer Q&A series.

Treasury Wine Estates profits up 17%

Published: 13 August, 2025

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has announced full year results showing underlying profits up 17% to A$770.3m, driven by strong growth for the Penfolds brand following the bounce-back of Chinese markets, and the full year contribution of DAOU.

Scotch auction to whisk collectors off their feet

Published: 22 July, 2025

The Distillers’ Charity, in partnership with Sotheby’s, is for a third time bringing together Scotch whisky distilleries for the biennial Distillers One of One Auction.

30 Under 30 is back for 2025: Nominate now!

Published: 17 January, 2025

Are you an up-and-coming name in wines & spirits? Or maybe you have a colleague under the age of 30 who you believe should be recognised for their skill, knowledge and creativity, uplifting businesses across the drinks spectrum?

Fine wine market outlook 'cautiously positive'

Published: 13 December, 2024

Investment firm Wine Cap has released its end of year report, with the outlook for 2025 relatively optimistic despite a bumpy year fraught with value declines.