Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Côtes du Rhône reveals sexy new image

Published: 18 September, 2008

The famous Côtes du Rhône hedgehog and hippo have been replaced by a woman wearing red high heels.

Hennings and Paritua Vineyards announce UK partnership

Published: 17 September, 2008

UK wine merchant Hennings has agreed an import distribution deal in the UK with Paritua Vineyards.

Argentine wine producers look to break through £5 barrier

Published: 17 September, 2008

Argentina might have increased the value of its wine exports to the UK by more than one-third in the last 18 months, but it is still proving difficult to persuade consumers to buy into the £5-plus category.

IMW elects first non-UK chairman

Published: 17 September, 2008

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has elected the first non-UK chairman in its 55 year history.

"Virtual" wine tasting on Twitter proves a hit

Published: 17 September, 2008

A joint venture between a US online retailer and a French wine producer involving a "virtual" wine tasting on Twitter has become so successful that they are rolling the venture out on a monthly basis.

Government identifies nine types of binge drinker

Published: 17 September, 2008

The Government has identified nine types of "problem drinker" ahead of the rollout of a new alcohol campaign.

Asda first multiple to take on sambuca brand

Published: 16 September, 2008

Asda will be the first supermarket to stock Antica Raspberry Sambuca when the flavoured sambuca goes on-shelf from September 29.

Glen Moray whisky brand sold to French spirits company

Published: 16 September, 2008

The Glenmorangie Company is selling its Glen Moray distillery and whisky brand to independent French spirits company La Martiniquaise.

Government red tape is crippling drinks industry, warns BBPA

Published: 16 September, 2008

Government red tape and taxes are crippling Britain's brewing and pub sectors, warns a new repoby the The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

Coors recalls Grolsch amid glass scare

Published: 16 September, 2008

Coors Brewers has been forced to recall more than half a million bottles of Grolsch premium lager from Morrisons stores, following complaints that there were pieces of glass in some of the bottles.

Magners manufacturer sells off distribution arm

Published: 16 September, 2008

Irish drinks manufacturer and distributor C&C Grouphas sold its distribution arm for €9.6 million (£76 million). TextIrish drinks manufacturer and distributor C&C Group has sold its distribution arm for €9.6 million (£76 million).

Thresher Group takes on two media agencies to support growth strategy

Published: 16 September, 2008

Thresher Group has hired two media agencies to help it reposition its Threshers and The Local brands and launch its new brand, the Wine Rack.

100 jobs lost as pub company closes

Published: 15 September, 2008

Scottish-based pub management company CMC Management has gone into liquidation, leaving around 100 people without jobs.

Channel 4 programme says some wine like "alcoholic cola"

Published: 15 September, 2008

Channel 4's 'Dispatches' programme will tonight claim that some wines are little better than "alcoholic cola."

Top critics launch 'Wine Gang' to sniff out UK's best buys

Published: 15 September, 2008

Five of the UK's top wine critics have launched an online publication for consumers called the Wine Gang, designed to "sniff out" the best wines on offer in the UK.

Government urges us to drink for Britain

Published: 15 September, 2008

The Government is urging the public to celebrate its Britishness by going down the pub.

Fullers launches Autumn Beer Festival

Published: 12 September, 2008

Fuller's has launched the first beer from its Autumn Beer Festival line up.

Professor adds voice to Scottish drinks ban concerns

Published: 12 September, 2008

Banning alcohol sales to those under the age of 21 has not proved greatly successful during a number of trials, it has been claimed, meaning the Scottish government should think again about the plans.

Thwaites boosts Nutty Black sales

Published: 12 September, 2008

Daniel Thwaites, the Lancashire-based brewer, has revealed that sales of one of its ales have rocketed after a name change.

Online retailer claims first in thorough age verification checks

Published: 12 September, 2008

Online off-licence TheDrinkShop.com has set in place new age verification checks which check customer's details against the electoral roll, BT and credit reference agency databases before allowing them to purchase from the site.