Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Govt delays VI-1 wine certification by six months

Published: 25 March, 2021

The government has delayed the VI-1 wine certification for wine imported to the UK from the EU by six months.

Gin exports hit by ‘time-consuming, complex' logistical Brexit difficulties

Published: 23 March, 2021

UK gin exports dropped by £100m in 2020 to £572m, according to new HMRC data.

SME Brexit Support Fund opens for applications

Published: 16 March, 2021

The £20m SME Brexit Support Fund, announced last month, is now open for applications.

Fine Wines Direct UK doubles bonded warehouse capacity

Published: 08 March, 2021

Fine Wines Direct UK has invested in a number of initiatives in preparation for the on-trade reopening, including purchasing more warehouse space next to its current site in Cardiff, Wales

Five minutes with Nicolas Clerc MS, Armit Wines

Published: 02 March, 2021

After a tumultuous 12 months, Nicolas Clerc, brand manager at Armit Wines reflects on buying and the impact of Brexit on running a ‘virtual’ Burgundy EP campaign

Trade calls Victoria Prentis out over VI-1 statement

Published: 25 February, 2021

An infuriated wine trade has today delivered an ‘unprecedented’ collective letter to Victoria Prentis MP, calling for the scrapping of VI-1 forms when the easement provision ends on 1 July.

Brexit: Reality bites

Published: 08 February, 2021

The actualities of shipping goods from the EU are beginning to sink in as wine incurs an estimated €200 per shipment, making groupage cost-prohibitive for many. Jo Gilbert calculates the knock-on costs to the trade

UK demand for Oz wine up in wake of Covid and Brexit

Published: 03 February, 2021

Sales of Australian wine in the UK have been boosted since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and in the months leading up to Brexit, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report.

Opportunities abound

Published: 27 January, 2021

The likelihood of a free trade agreement between the UK and Australia has led to optimism among many wine producers that new possibilities lie ahead. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Soapbox: Talking of funny foreigners

Published: 19 January, 2021

Have you ever used the ‘F word’ during a meeting with your biggest client? I have. Several times and, to make it worse, several times during the same meeting. The client was Jon Woodriffe, now of Origin Wines, but then Sainsbury’s buyer for French wines.

Beale: ‘OIV membership is only half of the picture’

Published: 07 January, 2021

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed the UK government’s decisions to re-join the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) as a member, but also said that OIV membership was “only half the picture”.

New Horizons Q&A: Paul Jenkins, Caprice Holdings

Published: 04 January, 2021

With an end game in sight with the vaccine in 2021, we speak to members of the trade about their forecasts and plans for the year ahead.

New Horizons Q&A: Nik Darlington, Graft Wine Company

Published: 15 December, 2020

With an end game to the coronavirus in sight sometime in 2021 as vaccine rollouts begin and up-to-the-wire Brexit uncertainties playing out an extraordinarily tough year, Harpers has been canvassing drinks businesses to discover their predictions for the new year.

WSTA membership climbs as it releases Brexit checklist

Published: 10 December, 2020

A record number of wine and spirit businesses have joined the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this year following a recruitment drive bolstered by concerns over Covid and Brexit.

Brexit: Independence Day?

Published: 09 December, 2020

With the end of the Brexit transition now hurtling down the track, many indies may not be aware of quite how much post-1 January changes could affect their businesses, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

New Horizons Q&A: Ben McKellar, Gingerman Restaurants Group

Published: 09 December, 2020

With an end game to the coronavirus in sight sometime in 2021 as vaccine rollouts begin and up-to-the-wire Brexit uncertainties playing out an extraordinarily tough year, Harpers has been canvassing drinks businesses as to their predictions for trade deep into the new year.

UK to suspend US tariffs in hope of relief on Scotch exports post-Brexit

Published: 09 December, 2020

The UK is to suspend existing EU-imposed import tariffs on a slew of US products as Brexit transition comes to an end on 1 January, with the hope that a reciprocal move will see harsh US duties on Scotch lifted.

New Horizons Q&A: Archie McDiarmid, Luvians

Published: 09 December, 2020

With an end game to the coronavirus in sight sometime in 2021 as vaccine rollouts begin and up-to-the-wire Brexit uncertainties playing out an extraordinarily tough year, Harpers has been canvassing drinks businesses as to their predictions for trade deep into the new year.

Crucial final weeks will seal Brexit fate

Published: 03 December, 2020

The WSTA is sticking to its ‘hope for the best, prepare for the worst’ approach to Brexit as we hurtle towards the 1 January deadline with no deal in sight. Jo Gilbert speaks to chief executive Miles Beale about what we can expect at the eleventh hour.

WSTA webinar to offer indies “essential” advice on 1 January trading preparations

Published: 26 November, 2020

Fine wine and independent merchants are being invited to attend a free ‘Essential Preparations for 1 January Trading’ webinar hosted by the Wine & Spirit Association (WSTA) on 2 December.