Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Everything is all white at Aldi

Published: 16 August, 2022

Aldi has lifted the lid on its most popular whites this summer, as consumers looked to slake their thirst in the record-breaking British sunshine.

Scottish government confirms that hospitality restrictions will end

Published: 19 January, 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told the Scottish parliament that the vast majority of Covid-19 restrictions issued before Christmas 2021 will end on 24 January.

Devolved regions to receive emergency on-trade funding, while concern grows in England

Published: 20 December, 2021

Scotland and Wales are to receive additional funding from Westminster to help struggling businesses cope with new Covid restrictions, as England awaits news on further restrictive measures.

Covid passport scheme rollout begins

Published: 15 December, 2021

The implementation of the government's 'Plan B' passport scheme begins today (December 15), despite a significant revolt among members of the Parliamentary Conservative Party.

Petrol and driver shortages impact UK supply

Published: 28 September, 2021

A perfect storm of rising transport costs, a shortage of freight capacity and a severe lack of HGV drivers is putting increasing pressure on the UK’s drink distribution network.

HGV shortage could lead to a watered-down Christmas, Accolade warns

Published: 06 September, 2021

Accolade Wines has warned that truck driver shortages could have a major impact on Christmas sales, with on-going recruitment issues likely to limit stocks and drive up costs.

Nightcap eyes major lease expansion for LLC on the back of reduced rents

Published: 16 March, 2021

Hospitality group Nightcap has unveiled ambitious plans to expand London Cocktail Club (LCC), its first and newest acquisition, as the company aims to capitalise on a favourable property market and reduced rents.

Chris Maillard takes the helm at Decanter

Published: 20 January, 2021

Decanter has a new editor-in-chief in the form of Chris Maillard, a former Restaurant, BBC Top Gear, and Sky magazine journalist who has taken the magazine’s top editorial job.

Shopping boost for England falls short of 2019 figures

Published: 07 December, 2020

Lockdown fatigue has led to a boost in retail numbers as shoppers flocked back to the high street, though footfall has failed to deliver pre-pandemic levels.

South Yorkshire follows Manchester into Tier 3

Published: 21 October, 2020

South Yorkshire has officially joined Manchester in the highest bracket of Covid measures, meaning bars and restaurants not serving seated meals will close.

Domino effect looms as NI declares health and hospitality crisis

Published: 14 October, 2020

Northern Ireland has announced a month-long circuit breaker lockdown, signalling fears that similar measures could be on the way for the rest of the UK.

EOHO helps pull down inflation but sector still at risk of 'bloodbath'

Published: 16 September, 2020

The success of the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme in August helped push the UK inflation rate to a five-year low, according to data from the ONS.

On-trade versus schools debate rumbles on

Published: 05 August, 2020

Schools must “come before pubs and restaurants in future” England’s children’s commissioner has said, re-igniting a burgeoning stand-off between the education and hospitality sectors.

Gove confirms parts of hospitality sector among last to reopen

Published: 20 April, 2020

Cabinet office minister Michael Gove has confirmed that restaurants, bars and pubs will be among the last to reopen for business following the Covid-19 lockdown.

Coronavirus: Don’t leave pubs and bars in “limbo”

Published: 17 March, 2020

The industry is galvanising its voices to urge the Prime Minister to take decisive action at this afternoon’s coronavirus briefing after pubs, bars and restaurants are left in “limbo” just as the outbreak looks set to take hold in the UK.

Guy Woodward: is using Champagne as a mixer a sin?

Published: 08 August, 2019

GUY WOODWARD

People's Choice Awards recognises women-driven wines

Published: 03 May, 2019

A wine competition judged by consumers has added a new category to highlight the contributions of female winemakers.

UK and EU step up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit

Published: 20 July, 2018

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has voiced frustration over the plodding pace of Brexit negotiations as the EU published a paper on what businesses should do to prepare for a "no deal" or “hard Brexit” outcome.

We're in the money?

Published: 04 May, 2018

An increasingly competitive retail environment has led to yet another mega-merger, this time between Asda and Sainsbury’s. We ask what this new giant force could have in store for wine