Hallgarten creates new regional sales director role

Luton-based suppliers Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines has boosted its senior management team with the creation of a new director of regional sales role.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Does wine need its Uber?

The wine trade is not renowned for disruptive business models. We haven't yet had our Uber, Airbnb or iTunes. Nor do we have much of a history of radical innovation.

Q&A: Rosie Finn, Neudorf Vineyards

New Zealand's Family of Twelve is still coming to terms with the loss of one of its founding members and first chairman, Richard Riddiford, who passed away recently.

Alsace sales up in the UK following three successive years of low yields

Sales of Alsace wines to the UK have jumped according to the latest figures released by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace (CIVA) - an encouraging sign for the region which has suffered a string of small harvests in recent years.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Spanish wine industry celebrates inaugural IWC Spanish Merchant Awards

The cream of the Spanish wine industry turned out in force on Monday for the International Wine Challenge's (IWC) inaugural Spanish Wine Merchant awards, with over 200 guests attending the awards dinner in the surrounds of one of Madrid's most famous buildings, Casino de Madrid.

On-trade update: Premium driving growth

The figures all indicate that the total on-trade Great Britain wine market is continuing to shrink, albeit at a slower pace. The total GB on-trade is made up of over 124,000 outlets, with volume sales down 2.5% and value sales down 0.5%.

Why finding and retaining talent has never been more important - or tough

According to new research from North Highland, a global management consultancy firm, 55% of executives believe their businesses lack "the talent needed to meet growth targets".

Acquisitions and partnerships: Alhambra, Calabria Wines and AdVini

A leading Spanish brewery, a French wine company and New South Wales winemakers have announced new partnerships and takeovers this week in the hope of extending their reach to key international markets.

Distell breaks contracts as it moves to direct distribution

South African alcohol producer Distell has unveiled plans to bring the distribution of all its brands in-house so that it can directly manage the sales and marketing of its UK portfolio.

Coravin becomes corporate patron of the WSET

Wine preservation company Coravin has been inducted into the WSET's Corporate Patrons programme.

UK exports on the rise in H1 and H2 2016

Emphasis has been put on importers over the past week or so, as experts warn that the 'cushioning' of forward foreign currency buying ahead of the Brexit vote is about to run out.

Antipodean wineries lead sustainable energy production with major solar farm installations

Yealands Wine Group has added 918 photovoltaic (PV) panels to its winery roof, making it the largest solar panel system in New Zealand.

Wine from the EU could cost Brits an extra 29p per bottle

The cost of an average bottle of wine in the UK could go up by 29p as a result of Brexit, the WSTA has warned.

The future of fortified

Fortified wines may have been gaining traction in the UK, according to sommeliers and the on-trade, and they certainly fit well into the premium message, but export volume and value numbers have been mixed.

Rioja 10 x 10: 100 of Rioja's Top Wines 2016

South America | High hopes and challenges

We've criss-crossed the continent to cover four countries this year, and while some are ongoing, others are distinctly new.

The changing face of Manchester's wine scene

As in any city, Manchester's independent wine merchants are particularly sensitive to the changes and fluctuations of the world around them, which can sometimes be a blessing as well as a curse.

Diageo looking for host of new travel show

Diageo Reserve is launching a new global travel show, which will follow a lucky drinks enthusiast on a journey to find the "best drinks in the world".

What's in store for wine sales this Christmas?

Having worked in wine retail at the sharp end, I well remember the run up to Christmas Eve - and in some detail.