Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Whisky demand spurs extra ferry crossings

Published: 23 July, 2008

Record global demand for Islay whisky has forced Caledonian MacBrayne to add extra ferry sailings in winter between the famed peat island and the Scottish mainland.

Kwik Save signs 18m deal

Published: 23 July, 2008

KPMG, the administrators of supermarket chain Kwik Save, say they have sold 56 of the firm's stores for 18m, saving about 600 jobs.

WTO will still investigate India's import duty

Published: 23 July, 2008

The World Trade Organisation will continue its case against India - despite the country slashing its high import duty

EU scheme to fast track through custom controls

Published: 23 July, 2008

New European Union scheme aims to simplify exporting and importing for businesses working within the 27 member states.

Inspirit to distribute Sagatiba in UK

Published: 23 July, 2008

Cachaa producer Sagatiba has appointed drinks marketing agency inspirit brands as its exclusive UK distributor as of August 1.

UK still the key market for Australia

Published: 23 July, 2008

The UK is Australia's biggest wine export market in both volume and value, buying in 281 million litres of wine worth 415m.

Chile overtakes Spain for first time in UK

Published: 23 July, 2008

Sales of Chilean wine have exceeded those of Spain for the first time ever in the UK.

United Wineries invests in Rueda

Published: 23 July, 2008

United Wineries has bought Vega de la Reina winery in the wine region of Rueda in a bid to strengthen is premium white wine offer.

Rum producers seeks snap-happy sailors

Published: 23 July, 2008

Rum producer Mount Gay has called on sailing enthusiasts to share their memorable photos in the 2007 Red Cap contest.

Constellation and Punch Taverns tie-up given go-ahead

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) gives consent to a tie-up between the UK's largest pub company and the world's largest wine merchant, Constellation Brands.

Miguel Ros takes top prize at the Quality Drink Awards

Published: 23 July, 2008

Miguel Torres Chile San Mdin Cabernet Sauvignon Ros 2006 won the most prestigious prize at the annual Quality Drink Awards 2007.

EU attacks loss making winemakers

Published: 23 July, 2008

The EU yesterday proposed that 200,000 hectares of vineyards be grubbed up across Europe.

Yvon Mau boss steps down after 35 years

Published: 23 July, 2008

Jean-Franois Mau, who has headed up Bordeaux ngociant Yvon Mau for 35 years, is to leave the company next month.

Militant French winemakers step up violence

Published: 23 July, 2008

CRAV explodes bombs at a co-op headquarters in Languedoc Roussillon region.

Vinexpo breaks 50,000 barrier

Published: 23 July, 2008

More than 50,000 people from 154 countries attended this year's Vinexpo wine fair in Bordeaux, a 3% rise on the previous event in 2005.

Sweden to split Vin & Sprit

Published: 23 July, 2008

Makers of Absolut vodka faces the split

Swedish online alcohol shops defy national tax board

Published: 23 July, 2008

Suppliers of online alcohol refuse to cooperate with Swedish tax authorities.

Golfer Jim Furyk sponsored by Johnnie Walker

Published: 23 July, 2008

Pro-golfer Jim Furyk signs a three-year sponsorship deal with Diageo-owned Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker.

India cuts duty on imported wines

Published: 23 July, 2008

India withdrew the additional customs duty on imported wines and spirits on Tuesday in an effort to resolve a dispute with the European Union and other leading trading partners over high duties on these items.