Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Daniel Lambert: Outing Brexit's looming costs

Published: 20 May, 2017

Daniel Lambert of Daniel Lambert Wines calls for clarity on the likely levels of trade tariffs after 1 April 2019 and argues that the public should be told

Brexit panel debate set for LWF

Published: 09 May, 2017

Brexit and its impact on wine industry’s the flow of trade will take centre stage at this months’ London Wine Fair (LWF).

WSTA outlines industry requirements in General Election manifesto

Published: 08 May, 2017

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this morning laid out its five key asks of the next government ahead of the upcoming General Election on 8^th June.

Value and volume of Scotch exports up for first time since 2011

Published: 28 April, 2017

Amid the uncertainty surrounding trade routes and tariffs thrown up by Brexit, exports of Scotch rose in both value and volume last year, rising by 4% to more than £4 billion and 4.8% to 1.2bn bottles respectively.

"New chapter" for the trade as May triggers Article 50

Published: 29 March, 2017

A historic moment in British politics and the beginning of a new chapter for the UK alcohol industry took placed this morning when Theresa May signed the letter that will formally begin the UK's departure from the EU.

BREAKING: Article 50 to be triggered next week

Published: 20 March, 2017

The prime minister's spokesman has confirmed that Theresa May will trigger article 50 on Wednesday, March 29, initiating the formal process for the UK to leave the EU.

A look back at May's Brexit speech: What does it mean for the trade?

Published: 20 January, 2017

As we hurtle towards the hard Brexit scenario outlined by Theresa May in her speech earlier this week, there are two main concerns affecting our industry.

UKVA and EWP urge government to crack down on "large quantities of wine" being smuggled into the UK

Published: 11 January, 2017

The UK wine industry has urged the government to crack down on excise duty tax evasion carried out via the smuggling onto the UK commercial drinks market of duty-free wine.

Meeting the Brexit challenge

Published: 05 December, 2016

The UK referendum decision on European Union membership surprised many, but while the parliamentary and legal bodies work through the most appropriate process to enact legislation, the wine and spirit trade can use the time to plan for change.

Can bullish optimism and higher average spend save wine from a Brexit bust?

Published: 28 November, 2016

With referendum result and the ensuring market turmoil, on top escalating overheads and competition from online/supermarkets threatening the off-trade, it's of little surprise that there's not much festive cheer on the high street at the moment.

Brexit: UK wine producers to lobby UK government over EU customs union and seasonal worker scheme

Published: 18 November, 2016

UK wine producers have urged the British government to maintain zero tariffs on wine and to establish a seasonal worker scheme ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union.

CAMRA calls for beer duty freeze at next budget to ease effect of economic uncertainty

Published: 16 November, 2016

The consumer organisation which campaigns for the health of the beer and pub sector is calling on the government to maintain a freeze in beer duty in the upcoming Autumn Statement and consider an additional cut in next year's budget.

Wine wholesalers and distributors in "good shape" to overcome Brexit uncertainty

Published: 11 November, 2016

The majority of UK wine wholesalers and distributors are in surprisingly good shape to cope with any Brexit fallout, a new report has found.

Brexit minister begins talks with the WSTA to discuss how to manage leaving the EU

Published: 10 November, 2016

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) met Brexit minister David Jones last week to discuss how the industry can protect trade and the 600,000 of jobs currently supporting the UK wines and spirits industry.

A first look at President Trump: How are the markets reacting?

Published: 09 November, 2016

While Americans are reeling from what is being dubbed the "Brexit of the US", it's déjà vu for us here in the UK this morning.

Jago looks to grow WSTA membership and "unite the trade" ahead of Brexit

Published: 07 November, 2016

New WSTA chairman Dan Jago has said he wants to strengthen the trade body by including more members in order to face the "monumental" challenge posed by Brexit head-on.

UK exports on the rise in H1 and H2 2016

Published: 19 October, 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.

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

Published: 19 October, 2016

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.

Independent merchants feel pressure as supplier price hikes start to feed through

Published: 17 October, 2016

The Bank of England warned of inflation rising beyond 2% on 14 October adding further concern to independent wine merchants who have already been forced to pass on price increases from suppliers to customers