Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

First Russian sparkling wine arrives in UK

Published: 12 July, 2011

The first Russian sparkling wine has arrived in the UK market via Berkmann Wine Cellars.

Greenall's introduces new RTS cocktails to range

Published: 12 July, 2011

Greenall's Original London Dry Gin has re-branded its Ready to Serve (RTS) range and introduced four new cocktails.

McGuigan Wines launches 'What's Your Style' consumer campaign

Published: 12 July, 2011

Australian producer McGuigan Wines, has announced the launch of 'What's Your Style' - an initiative that aims to engage with consumers about wine styles in everyday language.

The Wine Investment Fund sees confidence return to en primeur market

Published: 12 July, 2011

Investors appear to be snapping up the big name en primeur wines and confidence is returning to the market, according to The Wine Investment Fund director, Andrew della Casa.

Sterling falls against US dollar and hits high against euro

Published: 12 July, 2011

It was a volatile day for sterling yesterday as it fell to a five month low against the US dollar, but surged against the euro, hitting a high of €1.1368/£1.

Brugal launches Blanco Especial

Published: 11 July, 2011

The Caribbean rum brand, Brugal has launched a Blanco Especial, a new class of white rum, distributed by Maxxium UK.

Sterling strengthens due to weak US employment figures

Published: 11 July, 2011

Sterling strengthened on Friday against the US dollar after weaker than expected US employment figures saw investors reverse bets against the pound.

Heritage Wine gears up for expansion

Published: 08 July, 2011

Independent importer and wholesaler Heritage Wine is on the hunt for people to join its Oxfordshire and London sales teams as part of a new expansion plan.

New UK bosses for Diageo and Pernod Ricard

Published: 08 July, 2011

Drinks giants Diageo and Pernod Ricard have both appointed new UK bosses.

Trade pledges £800k to tackle underage drinking

Published: 08 July, 2011

The drinks trade has pledged £800,000 to Community Alcohol Partnerships in an effort to tackle underage drinking as part of the government's responsibility deal.

Weekly currency round up sees sterling slip

Published: 08 July, 2011

The weekly roundup of currency saw sterling slip against the US dollar and euro on Thursday after the Bank of England kept interest rates on hold.

Paul Schaafsma, European Sales and Marketing Director of Australian Vintage

Published: 07 July, 2011

McGuigan is the fastest growing global wine brand in the UK top 20 despite a 9% increase in its shelf price. McGuigan has experiencing 62% sales growth in the past 12 months with its sales now topping £65M. How?

Stellar Winery leaves Fairtrade foundation

Published: 07 July, 2011

South Africa's Stellar Winery, which owns Stellar Organics and Running Duck brands, is leaving the Fairtrade foundation for another accreditation.

Grape variety hits No1 slot in consumer wine choice

Published: 07 July, 2011

For the first time in three years grape variety has regained its position as one of the first choices when purchasing wine in the UK, according to a report by Wine Intelligence.

Robin Copestick, co-founder of Copestick Murray

Published: 07 July, 2011

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. So said Churchill, and I think he was right.

Nick Mantella, Managing Director, Grupo Codorniu UK

Published: 07 July, 2011

For many the UK may appear a daunting prospect with other markets looking more attractive. However, challenging as it appears today, it always has been competitive; there has never been an "easy" time! We are, and always have been, a small fiercely competitive "island" market with everyone out to get a slice of the action and make a margin. Competitors are all in the same boat, same economic circumstances, duty, taxation, exchange rates and customer potential.

Justin Howard-Sneyd, Global wine buyer, Direct Wines

Published: 07 July, 2011

What are we all doing buzzing around like blue-arsed flies, madly trying to do more and more with less and less? Are we going down the wrong road?

Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive, Wine & Spirit Trade Association

Published: 07 July, 2011

Set against a backdrop of tax increases and squeezed household budgets the obvious major challenge facing the wine and spirits sector is how to flourish in today's tough economic environment.

Chris Mason, Managing Director, First Drinks Brands

Published: 07 July, 2011

The first quarter of this year has been very challenging as consumers reel from increased taxation, fear of job losses and inflation growing. This has resulted in an all time low in consumer confidence.