Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Codorniu continues search for UK chief

Published: 10 December, 2014

Spanish wine company Codorniu Raventos is still on the look-out for a UK managing director, after senior Diageo wine executive John Hearn failed to take up the post.

Upcoming Australia Day Tasting builds on revamped 2014 event

Published: 10 December, 2014

2015's Australia Day tasting will showcase more than 1,000 wines and offer a fresh take on food and wine pairings, say event organisers.

Liv-ex: Value of trades drops 19% in November 2014

Published: 10 December, 2014

According to the Liv-ex's most recent market report, "the value of trades in November was down 19% on this time last year" signalling the on-going challenge of Bordeaux's most iconic wines continually demanding the historical prices of just a few years ago.

UK needs to 'take off blinkers' when it comes to bulk wine, says top broker

Published: 10 December, 2014

Seventy percent of all wines are traded at least once in bulk, says leading broker Daniel Murphy, who believes the UK trade needs to wake up to the reality of trading in bulk.

Tesco credit rating in further jeopardy following profit warning

Published: 10 December, 2014

Moody's Investor Services, an international credit rating agency, says Tesco's profit warning "will further increase negative pressure on Tesco's current rating" and that Tesco would remain under review for another possible downgrade.

Small business issues are high on the "political agenda" says leading Treasury minister

Published: 10 December, 2014

Small business issues are being placed firmly up the political agenda in the build up to next year's general election, according to the David Gauke MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Retail sales figures for November grow due to Black Friday and online sales

Published: 09 December, 2014

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) says November retail trading was saved by Black Friday and online sales - with electrical goods being the top sellers although premium foods also benefited.

Philglas & Swiggot wine merchant bought by industry consortium including Justin Knock MW

Published: 09 December, 2014

Independent London wine merchant Philglas & Swiggot has been bought over by Justin Knock MW and business partner Damien Jackman, backed by a consortium of investors from across the trade.

New Zealand's Yealands Wine Group looks to fast-track expansion

Published: 09 December, 2014

New Zealand's Yealands Wine Group is looking at funding options in order to fast-track expansion plans and increase its vineyard holdings.

Pernod Ricard uses Jameson to target younger males with anti-drink driving message

Published: 09 December, 2014

Pernod Ricard UK has ramped up its anti-drink driving campaign this year after an AA Survey found that almost one fifth of drivers have driven the morning after drinking - even when they thought they could have been over the limit.

Tesco shares plummet as retailer warns on profits

Published: 09 December, 2014

Tesco has issued a warning flagging full-year trading profit will not exceed £1.4 billion - 20% lower than analysts' expectations.

Restaurateur Marlon Abela buys into wine merchant OW Loeb

Published: 08 December, 2014

High profile restaurateur Marlon Abela has taken a majority ownership interest in wine merchant OW Loeb.

Wine app Drync lets consumers search favourite wines and get delivered to local merchant

Published: 08 December, 2014

US wine app Drync has launched a new feature that allows customers to buy online and have their wine shipped to a local wine retailer for pickup - a move it claims turns local shops into the world's largest wine store.

Starbucks moves into on-trade in US with beer and wine offering

Published: 08 December, 2014

Last week Starbucks announced at its annual investor conference that it would begin serving beer, wine and 'evening' food in 3,000 of its 11,900 cafes in the US.

How trade can help South African wine industry's disadvantaged children through Pebbles Project

Published: 08 December, 2014

Celebrating 10 years of South Africa's Pebbles Project, Harpers.co.uk finds out what the charity has done to help children in the winelands and what more the trade can do to help.

Cava brand says 'we are not Champagne, we are Codorniu' in new ad campaign

Published: 08 December, 2014

Cava producer Codorníu has launched a global ad campaign which emphasises the brand's suitability for all occasions and its differences to Champagne - "we're not big on formalities, we prefer hugs and kisses" - in time for Christmas.

Glenfiddich appoints new UK brand ambassador Mark Thomson

Published: 08 December, 2014

William Grant-owned Scotch whisky Glenfiddich has appointed Mark Thomson as its new UK brand ambassador.

Welsh government report backs minimum pricing for alcohol

Published: 08 December, 2014

Wales is following hot on the heels of Northern Ireland last week, with moves to support a minimum price for alcohol.

Take a trip down memory lane with Harper's Quizmas Quiz

Published: 05 December, 2014

It has been a long and emotional 2014. Can you recall the rollercoaster ride of drinks trade happenings?

Italian wineries must take advantage of wine tourism, finds report

Published: 05 December, 2014

The small size of most Italian wineries means they are struggling to take advantage of wine tourism and professionalise - both of which are required in order to secure the industry's future, a new report says.