Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Absolut unveils new bottle design amid brand shakeup

Published: 14 February, 2022

Vodka brand Absolut has revealed a new bottle design and remixed flavoured range in what will be the brand’s biggest shake-up since its launch in 1979.

New campaign to reinvigorate sherry's image in UK

Published: 11 February, 2022

Promotional body Sherry from Spain has launched a new promotional drive in the UK market, designed to build awareness and transform sherry's image across both the on-trade and direct-to-consumer channels.

D’Yquem puts the emphasis on young and old with new Lighthouse series

Published: 11 February, 2022

Chateau d’Yquem is encouraging consumers to try their sweet wines young as part of a global by-the-glass initiatives with key on-trade players, while also allowing more time for the wines to age at the winery before being bottled and released to market.

Freixenet Copestick picks up Wither Hills

Published: 10 February, 2022

Marlborough-based winery Wither Hills has joined the expanding family of Freixenet Copestick agencies, after the firm entered into a partnership with brand owner Lion New Zealand.

Caia heads to Portobello

Published: 09 February, 2022

Caia

Wines of Roussillon launches three-year promotional campaign

Published: 08 February, 2022

The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon (CIVR) has unveiled a new three year generic campaign, designed to raise the profile of the region in the UK, supporting the commercial efforts of its wine producers and importers.

New date for Occitania trade fair while Vinexpo prepares to launch

Published: 08 February, 2022

The inaugural edition of a new regional wine fair in Montpellier, Dégustez en VO!, will take place on 2 and 3 May 2022.

New Zealand Winegrowers launch 'Wine Trade Hub' as part of NZ Wine Week

Published: 07 February, 2022

As the second digital edition of the New Zealand Wine Week gets under way, NZ Winegrowers has launched a new educational tool – the New Zealand Wine Trade Hub.

Quintessential Brands unveils 'industry-first' Spirit Centre

Published: 04 February, 2022

International spirits business Quintessential Brands has launched a first-of-its-kind Spirit Centre, designed to “take customer collaboration to new heights to drive better, insight-driven innovation within spirits”.

Arc Inspirations secures financial backing for expansion

Published: 31 January, 2022

Leading bar and restaurant operator Arc Inspirations has signed an agreement with HSBC to borrow £5m, allowing the company to fulfil its plans for expansion and growth.

Diageo unveils plans to construct Guinness microbrewery and culture hub in London

Published: 31 January, 2022

Multinational drinks firm Diageo is to invest £73 million in building a Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard attraction, incorporating a new microbrewery and culture hub in Covent Garden.

Guidance offered on new food calorie labelling regulations, which folds in no and low drinks

Published: 31 January, 2022

New legislation is set to be implemented this year, requiring businesses with over 250 employees to display calories information for food products sold to consumers.

Australian wine producers lobby UK government over proposed duty reform

Published: 24 January, 2022

Australian wine producers have joined forces with Wine Drinkers UK, a collection of leading wine lovers, makers and sellers, to lobby the Chancellor to rethink his proposed alcohol duty reform.

Consumer caution hits Christmas drinks sales

Published: 20 January, 2022

On-trade drinks sales fell by a quarter in the run-up to Christmas as wary consumers avoided pubs, bars and restaurants ahead of socialising on the big day, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Graham Beck appoints new cellar master

Published: 19 January, 2022

South African sparking wine brand Graham Beck has appointed Pierre de Klerk as their new chef de cave, replacing the incumbent Pieter Ferreira, who has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer.

Bordeaux Index announces record sales growth in 2021

Published: 19 January, 2022

Leading fine wine and spirits merchant Bordeaux Index posted a record sales value of $174m (£128m)in 2021, with turnover rising by almost 50% year on year.

St James Bar announces new head bartender

Published: 18 January, 2022

One of London's most iconic addresses has appointed Angelo Sparvoli as its new head bartender, joining the team at Sofitel London St James hotel.

Profile: Fine Wines Direct take action

Published: 18 January, 2022

Andrew Catchpole caught up with the team at the “fiercely independent” Fine Wines Direct to discuss their new agency business, as well as plans for expansion and diversification

UK hospitality sector endures 'devastating' Christmas period, says new data

Published: 13 January, 2022

Newly released data from UKHospitality and CGA Strategy paints a grim picture for on-trade businesses, with sales in UK pubs, restaurants and bars falling 60% on Christmas Day, 31% on Boxing Day and 27% on New Year’s Eve, when compared to 2019.