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

Published:  10 February, 2017

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.

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Suppliers under pressure

Published:  10 February, 2017

The words of one well-established wine distributor resonate strongly in the current climate, particularly for those seeking the lure, however challenging, of large-scale distribution via supermarkets and on-trade buying groups.

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Brewpub group reports strong sales and 'Academy' up-take

Published:  09 February, 2017

On-site brewery and restaurant business Brewhouse & Kitchen is an example of a business at the forefront of the craft beer boom.

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Waitrose re-structure to close six of its struggling stores

Published:  09 February, 2017

Upmarket grocer Waitrose has announced a major re-structure of its stores and management teams in a move to "flexible branch team working".

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'Mediterranean wine' - A goldmine of untapped potential?

Published:  09 February, 2017

As Elizabeth Gabay MW noted elsewhere on Harpers.co.uk this week, wines from the Mediterranean showed enormous diversity at Vinisud 2017.

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Asia and the US drive 4% organic growth for Pernod Ricard

Published:  09 February, 2017

French spirits group Pernod Ricard has beaten analysts' expectations for its half year results, boosted by sales Irish whiskey in the US and overall sales in China.

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Guy Woodward: Why is the wine trade still slow to deliver fulfilment?

Published:  09 February, 2017

As a middle-aged, middle-class man, my weekly highlight is Saturday morning, illuminated by a warm croissant (180ºC for eight minutes, served with passion fruit curd), a Nespresso coffee (medium froth, Ristretto pod) plus the weekend papers - and here's the most indulgent part - delivered to the door. 

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Tim Atkin MW: Can artificial intelligence replace human judgment in the world of wine?

Published:  08 February, 2017

What do you think of the following tasting note? "Inconspicuous boysenberries and cigar wrappers revel in unresolved rosehips, while dried wormwood and chemically tanned leather swim amongst illusive black liquorice." And this? "Like a sherry, wet wool, mead, musk and nail polish remover cocktail." 

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Italian fizz continues to bubble at Buckingham Schenk

Published:  08 February, 2017

Wine importer Buckingham Schenk is celebrating a 19% increase in annual turnover thanks to the indomitable UK favourites of Argentinian Malbec and Italian sparkling.

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Ridgeview clinches national US distribution

Published:  08 February, 2017

Ridgeview's sparkling wine could feature on wine lists from West Virginia to Washington thanks to a distribution deal in the US.

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Keeping it convivial with Diana Hunter

Published:  08 February, 2017

The acquisition of Bibendum-PLB for £60 million by Conviviality last May, perfectly poised to coincide with the London Wine Fair, caused a tsunami-scale reaction across the trade. 

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Industry calls for beers, wines and spirits duty cuts - but who will get what?

Published:  07 February, 2017

Voices across the trade are speaking out this week against "crippling" levels of alcohol duty in the UK - where consumers pay a quarter of all EU spirits tax.

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Viña Santa Rita extends strategic direction from UK to Asia with new Chinese distribution deal

Published:  07 February, 2017

Viña Santa Rita is aiming to capitalise on the growth of Chile in the international off-trade as it prepares to gain further traction in China - its largest export market.

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Not such a Dry January at the supermarkets

Published:  07 February, 2017

It was more a case of Try January rather than Dry January at multiples last month as shoppers stocked up on alcohol despite the trend moving towards healthier shopping habits.

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The Champagne Academy appoints new Chairman

Published:  07 February, 2017

The academy which aims to find "Champagne's future stars" and is operated by top Champagne houses has appointed a new chairman.

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Indies: Calm before the storm?

Published:  07 February, 2017

Christmas appears to have arrived on time and with good cheer for many independent merchants, with an early survey of businesses suggesting that sales were generally comfortably up on last year's festive period. 

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Q&A: Courtney Quattrini, Vivino

Published:  06 February, 2017

As scan-and-share wine app Vivino tops 21 million users globally and begins to evolve its sales and data potential, we asked its communications guru for a download on what to expect next.

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Wines of Germany returns to LWF 2017 as fair continues its evolution

Published:  06 February, 2017

London's biggest wine tasting event is welcoming another old face when it returns in May.

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Annual Champagne Tasting re-imagined with new name, venue and format

Published:  06 February, 2017

The event formerly known as the Annual Champagne Tasting is officially returning to London with a new venue and new name.

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Desoutter & James coming to SITT

Published:  06 February, 2017

Spanish specialists Desoutter & James are debuting at Harpers' SITT event later this month.

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