Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

CEDC drops investment in Russian vodka producer

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) has ceased its investment in Russia's leading vodka producer, the Russian Alcohol Group.

France will fall behind Spain in wine production

Published: 23 July, 2008

France will fall behind Spain in the wine production stakes by 2015, according to a new report.

Ball leaves Vinopolis

Published: 23 July, 2008

Malcolm Ball, the Vinopolis chief executive, has joined Wellington Market Company Plc.

Tesco's supermarket whisky wins top drinks prize

Published: 23 July, 2008

Tesco's 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt has won the Anglo Overseas Trophy for the best malt whisky up to 15 years old at the International Wine and Spirit Competition awards.

InBev attempting takeover for under-valued price, says A-B

Published: 23 July, 2008

InBev's latest move in its takeover bid for Anheuser-Busch signifies an attempt to gain the company for an under-valued price.

Strong lager cans pass Portman Group investigation

Published: 23 July, 2008

Cans of lager with alcohol content exceeding the Government's recommended drinking levels are not encouraging irresponsible drinking, The Portman Group has found.

Glenglassaugh Distillery Company joins SWA

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company Ltd has announced its membership of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Concha y Toro saves 10,000 through WSTA procurement

Published: 23 July, 2008

Chilean winemaker Concha y Toro has saved 10,000 on stationery supplies through the help of WSTA (Wine and Spirits Trade Association) Procurement.

New wine merchant in Manchester

Published: 23 July, 2008

Award-winning sommeliers and international wine judges Ben Stephenson and Mark Dent have opened an independent wine merchants in Manchester.

Sainsbury's to close wine website

Published: 23 July, 2008

Sainsbury's has announced it will be closing its wine website, www.sainsburyswine.co.uk.

Retailers team with police for alcohol enforcement scheme

Published: 23 July, 2008

An alcohol enforcement project in Cambridgeshire, operated by leading retailers in conjunction with local police, trading standards officers and schools, is to be rolled out around the country.

InBev looks to sidestep A-B board

Published: 23 July, 2008

InBev has announced it will file a preliminary consent solicitation statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to remove each member of the Anheuser-Busch(A-B) board of directors and provide A-B shareholders with a direct say in the proposed merger.

Virgin Wines founder "removed from post"

Published: 23 July, 2008

Virgin Wines is refusing to comment on the departure of founder and chief executive Rowan Gormley, following an email Harpers received from the web-based wine retailer saying: "Rowan Gormley has been removed from the post of CEO at Virgin Wines with immediate effect."

Trade Alert: Stratford's targeted by fraudster

Published: 23 July, 2008

A warning to the wine trade, producers and freight forwarders.

Wine Australia outsources UK PR

Published: 23 July, 2008

Wine Australia has appointed Lindsay May PR to handle its UK media relations, Harpers.co.uk has learnt.

Glenmorangie expansion represents "ruthless" premium drive

Published: 23 July, 2008

Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie's head of whisky creation and distilling, has told Harpers.co.uk the company's recently announced expansion plans represent a "ruthless" drive into the premium market.

Budweiser's Vietnamese distributor expands

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Gannon Group, which distributes Anheuser-Busch's premium lager Budweiser in Vietnam (see Harpers.co.uk June 9 2008), has announced details of a new brewery development near Ho Chi Minh City.