Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Christie's launches online-exclusive auctions

Published: 26 June, 2012

Christie's is to launch Signature Cellars, its first global online-exclusive auction of fine and rare wines.

Independent Complaints Panel looks to appoint chairman

Published: 26 June, 2012

The Independent Complaints Panel, which rules on complaints about irresponsible alcohol marketing, is looking to appoint a new chairman.

Best of Vinho Verde Competition announces 2012 winners

Published: 26 June, 2012

The Best of Vinho Verde Competition 2012 had announced its five best Vinho Verde wines.

Sterling holds firm against euro, but weakens against dollar

Published: 26 June, 2012

Sterling held its own against the euro and the commodity backed currencies yesterday.

Bright Food to buy control of DIVA Bordeaux

Published: 25 June, 2012

Bright Food has become the latest Chinese investor in French wine, after agreeing to buy a controlling share of DIVA Bordeaux.

User recommendations vital for selling luxury goods online

Published: 25 June, 2012

Consumers are increasingly looking for user recommendations they can trust when buying luxury goods online, according to a new poll.

Vinexpo unveils new logo

Published: 25 June, 2012

Vinexpo has adopted a new logo and graphic identity that aims to highlight its international presence, innovation and dynamism.

Sterling weakens against majority of currencies

Published: 25 June, 2012

Sterling had a poor day on Friday weakening off against the majority of currencies with trading volumes low due to the lack of data released globally.

New design for Tia Maria

Published: 22 June, 2012

First Drinks-distributed Tia Maria has been given a new bottle design to ensure greater standout on the shelf and back-bars.

Many IWC trophy-winning wines seek UK importers

Published: 22 June, 2012

Importers looking to expand their listings should consider the many trophy-winning wines from the International Wine Challenge that haven't yet got a UK agent, say organisers.

Phylloxera-resistant French vineyard awarded protected status

Published: 22 June, 2012

A 200-year-old parcel of vines in the Saint Mont appellation has become the first French vineyard to be recognised as a protected historic landmark due to its phylloxera-resistant vines.

Former Constellation boss starts online wine retailer

Published: 22 June, 2012

Former Constellation boss Christopher Carson has launched an online wine and spirits retailer CellarVieWines.com.

Samba Brands to open 24-hour restaurant

Published: 22 June, 2012

Samba Brands is launching London bar and restaurant Duck & Waffle, which will stay open round the clock.

'Better than expected' retail sales figures provides respite for sterling

Published: 22 June, 2012

Monthly retail sales data released yesterday were much better than expected providing some respite for sterling, but the state of the UK's economy remains extremely fragile.

Portuguese wine tasting is a sell-out

Published: 22 June, 2012

Wines of Portugal's 50 Great Portuguese Wines annual tasting - which invited consumers to attend for the first time this year - has been a sell-out, according to the UK generic body.

England's Bacchus gives Loire and NZ wines a run for their money

Published: 21 June, 2012

England's Bacchus grape could give Loire and New Zealand wines a run for their money, according to the chair of this year's English and Welsh Wine Awards.

Dr Von Hyde's liqueur breaches Portman code

Published: 21 June, 2012

Dr Von Hyde's herbal liqueur has been found in breach of the drinks industry watchdog's marketing guidelines over medical claims made in its promotional material.

Sterling weakens after no change made to quantitative easing

Published: 21 June, 2012

Sterling weakened off sharply in the morning as the Bank of England's policy meeting minutes revealed that the MPC members voted 5-4 to keep quantitative easing unchanged.