Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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.

Matthew Clark unveils 2018 wine list

Published: 31 May, 2018

Matthew Clark has unveiled its 2018 wine list featuring a host of new additions.

Bordeaux and Adelaide join forces to launch high-end business course

Published: 30 May, 2018

Bordeaux and Adelaide have joined forces to launch a high-end business course spanning two continents.

The Wine Show partners with Oval Space to launch London wine festival

Published: 30 May, 2018

The Wine Show has joined forces with Oval Space to launch a three-day wine festival in the capital.

Bordeaux hailstorms disastrous for some but minor impact compared to recent frost

Published: 29 May, 2018

The widely reported hailstorms in Bordeaux during the weekend have been estimated to have hit 3% badly in terms of surface, with a further 3% likely to have been affected on a lesser scale, according to the Bordeaux governing body CIVB.

Meet The Buyers: Noel Reid, Robinsons Brewery

Published: 29 May, 2018

Our series continues with wine buyer Noel Reid, who oversees the evolving and quality wine portfolio at regional brewer, Robinsons Brewery.

Barney Davis joins Bancroft as buying director

Published: 25 May, 2018

Bancroft Wines has announced the appointment of Barney Davis as its new buying director, beginning 4 June, when he will oversee all aspects of buying and shipping at the company.

London Wine Fair footfall up 17%

Published: 25 May, 2018

Visitor numbers to this year’s London Wine Fair increased 17% it has been revealed, putting the number of attendees at a net total of 14,250 over three days.