EU and UK wines and spirits chiefs launch joint Brexit proposition paper

European and UK bodies responsible for the wider wine and spirit industry have joined together to publish a joint position paper to outline their stance on Brexit.

Brexit: Clarity versus chaos

At the recent WSTA Conference the trade called for greater clarity over a potential Brexit deal. Andrew Catchpole reports

The week that was

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.

Brexit-focused WSTA Conference delivers greater clarity - on extent of uncertainty

The WSTA’s Miles Beale called on the government for “more active partnership, more communication and to get more done” at its annual conference in London on Tuesday, which delivered insights into the complexity of Brexit, along with the gulf of uncertainty that still exists for the UK drinks trade.

Final panelists to join resigned trade minister at WSTA conference

The final panelists for the WSTA’s international trade-themed annual conference have been revealed.

Looking ahead to the Xmas run up: Richard Cochrane, MD, Felix Solis UK

Price-savvy Brits look to eastern Europe as Majestic sales soar 400%

Eastern European wine sales are up 400% at Majestic as Brits look to avoid price hikes due to the impact of Brexit.

WSTA urges Government clarity to prevent Brexit chaos for businesses

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s chief executive Miles Beale has flagged up the “deep seated” concerns of drinks industry leaders over the Government’s apparent lack of clear strategy over Brexit.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Three reasons to be cheerful

Ian Dury and the Blockheads released Reasons To Be Cheerful in July 1979, two months after Margaret Thatcher became the UK’s first female Prime Minister.

WSTA's Miles Beale: No-deal Brexit "unacceptable"

The WSTA has responded to concerns around May’s promise of a "no deal" Brexit, warning it could leave the UK on a “cliff-edge”.

Retail sales slow as Brexit-related inflation bites

Retail sales slowed in May to the lowest annual growth since April 2013 as shoppers begin to feel the impact of price inflation, according to the late Retail Sales bulletin from the Office for National Statistics.

Breaking down the Brexit unknowns

With change the only certainty of Brexit, the trade needs to prepare for likely eventualities and present a united front. 

LWF’s Ross Carter: The exit interview

Three days of the London Wine Fair (LWF) is quickly drifting into a blur of meetings, conversations, debates and of course, tastings of some truly fabulous wines.

LWF Day One: The big Brexit debate

Breaking down the cloud of uncertainty brought about by Brexit into manageable bite-sized pieces was the objective of panelists at this afternoon’s London Wine Fair industry briefing.

Daniel Lambert: Outing Brexit's looming costs

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

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

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

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

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

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.