Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Sterling hits two-week low

Published: 03 June, 2011

Sterling hit a two-week low versus the euro on Thursday, knocked by downbeat comments from a Bank of England policy maker.

Below-cost selling formula chosen as 'easy to understand'

Published: 02 June, 2011

The government's much-criticised formula for banning the sale of alcohol below cost was chosen because it was "easy to understand".

Treasury Secretary says English wine has 'bright future'

Published: 02 June, 2011

Treasury Secretary Justine Greening believes English wine has a "bright future".

Yohann Jousselin wins UK Sommelier of the Year

Published: 02 June, 2011

Yohann Jousselin, from The Vineyard at Stockcross in Newbury, Berkshire has won the 2011 Piper-Heidsieck UK Sommelier of the Year award.

Isla Negra launches 'Inspired by the Coast'

Published: 02 June, 2011

Conch y Toro UK has launched a social media campaign for its brand Isla Negra called "Inspired by the Coast" that aims to tap into the current popularity of UK coastal holidays.

Sterling plummets due to drop in UK manufacturing data

Published: 02 June, 2011

Sterling had a poor day yesterday, plummeting against the US dollar and euro to close the day nearly 0.6% down against both currencies.

Sterling hits high as investors move away from dollar

Published: 01 June, 2011

Sterling hit the highest level against the US dollar in nearly a month yesterday after a jump in global risk appetite saw investors move away from US dollars into other higher yielding currencies.

Ardbeg unleashes Alligator as its latest special release

Published: 01 June, 2011

Ardbeg is set to release this year's limited edition bottle - Ardbeg Alligator - to the trade on September 1.

Blandy's regains control of Madeira Wine Company

Published: 01 June, 2011

Symington Family Estates and the Blandy Group have reached an agreement to allow Blandy's to regain control of the Madeira Wine Company.

Veuve Clicquot to donate extra lots to shipwreck auction

Published: 01 June, 2011

Veuve Clicquot is to donate an additional 15 lots of rare Champagne to be auctioned alongside the bottles recovered last year from a 19th century shipwreck.

Loungers plans to open seven more sites this year

Published: 01 June, 2011

Loungers, the Bristol-based group behind the Lounge and Cosy Club bar-restaurants, plans to open seven more sites by April 2012, after announcing 55% growth in turnover and 88% rise in EBITDA profits.

Rémy Cointreau sells Piper Heidsieck to EPI for €412 million

Published: 01 June, 2011

Rémy Cointreau has finalised the sale of its Champagne division Piper-Heidsieck to EPI for €412 million.

Rioja Tapas Fantasticas returns to London's Southbank

Published: 31 May, 2011

Rioja Tapas Fantasticas - a celebration of Rioja wine, Spanish food and culture is to return to London’s Southbank this month.

Blossom Hill invests £1.2 million on Glass on the Grass

Published: 31 May, 2011

Blossom Hill, is investing £1.2m on its biggest on-pack promotion, Glass on the Grass which offers consumers the chance to win tickets to major UK events such as Wimbledon, Latitude and Bestival.

Online registration for ProWein 2012 opens

Published: 31 May, 2011

Exhibitors for ProWein 2012, which will take place in Düsseldorf from 4 to 6 March, can already register online.

Sterling on high against US dollar

Published: 31 May, 2011

Sterling finished last week on a high, gaining against a weaker US dollar as US data disappointed.

Vineyards get ready for English Wine Week starting May 28

Published: 27 May, 2011

Vineyards across the country and making their final plans for this year's English Wine Week which runs from May 28 to June 5.

Bacardi sends out team of mixologists to bars

Published: 27 May, 2011

Bacardi is sending out a team of mixologists to bars, music festivals and events across the country to "reduce the pressure on a venues' main bar, provide perfectly served drinks and increase revenue".