Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Cannabis ‘the big green elephant in the room’ for drinks sector claims report

Published: 05 June, 2018

The global alcoholic drinks industry is facing a moment of reckoning as cannabis laws across the world continue to be relaxed.

Alastair Pyatt returns to Jascots as head of buying

Published: 05 June, 2018

Jascots has appointed Alastair Pyatt to a newly created head of buying role.

Justerini & Brooks adds first Austrian producer

Published: 05 June, 2018

Justerini & Brooks has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of Austrian estate Muhr-Van der Niepoort.

Mirabeau en Provence appoints UK sales director

Published: 05 June, 2018

Mirabeau en Provence has appointed Peter Edwards to the role of sales director for the UK and Ireland.

González Byass gears up for vintage fino sherry launch

Published: 05 June, 2018

González Byass has unveiled plans to launch a new range of vintage fino sherries in the near future.

Churchill’s joins port peers in declaring 2016 a vintage year

Published: 04 June, 2018

Churchill’s has become the latest port house to declare 2016 a vintage year following unusual but ultimately beneficial growing conditions in Portugal.

Women in Wine

Published: 04 June, 2018

Lisa Riley reports on how both genders are galvanising efforts to ensure better representation for women in the industry

Costers del Segre DO unveils new image

Published: 04 June, 2018

Costers del Segre, the Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines located in the province of Lleida, has unveiled a new image marking the first overhaul in 18 years.

Prosecco producers kick off UK push for premium fizz

Published: 04 June, 2018

Producers of premium Prosecco that can cost as much per bottle as Champagne have kicked off a campaign to encourage Brits to reappraise Italian fizz.

Groupe GCF turns spotlight on Calvet with new campaign

Published: 04 June, 2018

Les Grands Chais de France (Groupe GCF) has turned the spotlight on its Calvet portfolio with a new campaign and brand ambassador for the French wine brand.

The resurgence of the port industry

Published: 01 June, 2018

At first glance, it appears to be a case of “same old story” when analysing port’s prospects in the UK. According to CGA Strategy, in the 12 months to February 24, 2018, port sales (by volume, 9-litre cases) decreased by more than 11%, falling 9.8% in value. Nielsen data concurs: retail sales declined by more than 2%, remaining static in MAT TY 142,687 % CHG VS value at £77 million (MAT to March 3, 2018).

Big name Champagnes fare best as Brexit hits smaller players

Published: 01 June, 2018

Brexit-related inflation is hitting drinkers of cheaper and less well-known Champagnes hardest in the UK as sales of entry-level bottles continue to fall, while bigger name brands and more expensive cuvées are faring better.

Industry leaders plan for multiple scenarios as uncertainty continues to Brexit D-Day

Published: 01 June, 2018

With Brexit D-Day less than a year away, this year’s Wine and Spirit Trade Association-hosted briefing at the London Wine Fair (LWF) promised a glimpse at how the trade is preparing for life after Brexit.

Tim Atkin MW: Where wines really come from doesn’t matter to many

Published: 01 June, 2018

I’ve never been to the Phantom River in New Zealand’s South Island, but a quick search online shows that it rises in the Ben McLeod Range and joins the Orari River close to Peel Forest. With its echoes of nature, mystery and the gold rush, it’s a wonderful name for a Sauvignon Blanc brand. Punters clearly think so too, as Phantom River is currently selling several million bottles at £5 in Sainsbury’s.

Greek wineries join forces to deliver island Assyrtiko

Published: 31 May, 2018

The establishment of a new winery and vineyards on the Santorini sub-island of Thirassia is set to mark a new chapter in the production of Santorini assyrtiko.

List with a twist

Published: 31 May, 2018

With Jones Family Kitchen bringing a flavour of Shoreditch to Belgravia, Andrew Catchpole gets a taste of the ethos of the drinks team

WSTA’s Gibbs leaves to work for government

Published: 31 May, 2018

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has announced its director of UK policy and social responsibility, Carlo Gibbs, will be leaving later this summer.