Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Climate change a threat to Riesling's future, warns professor

Published: 19 November, 2008

Producers of Riesling wine must put into place clear strategies to cope with climate change, or risk the future quality of their wines.

Enterprise Inns calls time on 200 pubs

Published: 19 November, 2008

Midlands-based pub giant Enterprise Inns is selling off around 200 pubs because of falling sales due to the credit crunch and last year's smoking ban.

Jamie Oliver to open first London branch of Jamie's Italian

Published: 19 November, 2008

Jamie Oliver is opening a new branch of his chain of Jamie's Italian restaurants in London.

Cobra and Threshers launch Facebook application

Published: 19 November, 2008

Cobra Beer has teamed up with off-licence group Thresher on launch a Facebook application.

Maxxium pits north against south in 'Liquid War'

Published: 19 November, 2008

Maxxium UK has announced the winners of its Liquid War 2008 competition, which saw bartenders compete for team and individual honours in flair and mixology categories.

Corona Extra launches pre-Christmas promotional drive

Published: 19 November, 2008

Corona Extra has announced details of a major pre-Christmas promotional drive in Leeds and Birmingham.

Pernod Ricard hits the big screen to push Jameson's

Published: 19 November, 2008

Pernod Ricard is launching a series of consumer film screening events to support Jameson Irish Whiskey.

InBev deal creates world's largest brewer

Published: 18 November, 2008

InBev has completed its $52 billion (£35 million) takeover of Anheuser-Busch, creating the world's largest brewer.

Indian drinks giant Indage acquires Norfolk winery

Published: 18 November, 2008

Indage UK, part of India's largest wine producer the Indage Group, has made an offer to buy a Norfolk based winery as it seeks to expand its UK presence.

Popularity of British food and drink reaches "record heights"

Published: 18 November, 2008

The global popularity of British food and drink has hit record heights, with annual exports on track to exceed £13bn for the first time in history, according to new figures released this week.

Heineken launches responsible drinking campaign

Published: 18 November, 2008

Heineken has become the latest drinks company to launch a responsible drinking campaign.

Wines in the Press: Jancis Robinson stars on Wine Library TV

Published: 18 November, 2008

Jane MacQuitty considers the benefits of the world's largest mountain vineyard and Jancis Robinson MW stars on Wine Library TV. Victoria Moore wants to see more variety coming out of Australia and Tim Atkin MW examines a shifting trend in Portugese wines.

New look launched for Arniston Bay wine range

Published: 17 November, 2008

The Arniston Bay Original South African wine range is being re-launched in the UK market. The re-launch is designed to "upgrade" the range, and will include screwcap closures and updated packaging on all varietals.

Grand Marnier launches supermarket sampling campaign

Published: 17 November, 2008

Grand Marnier has launched a sampling programme as it bids to enhance the liqueur's usage during the autumn and winter months. Text

Lanson Champagne reveals 2009 promotional plans

Published: 17 November, 2008

Lanson Champagne has appointed Phipps PR as its retained PR agency after a two way pitch. The six figure account kicks off before Christmas and will run throughout the whole of 2009.

Weekend round-up: Turn down the volume to combat binge drinking

Published: 17 November, 2008

The Guardian
Diageo, which makes Smirnoff and Guinness, has confirmed it is in discussions with Vijay Mallya, the well connected Indian billionaire owner of Kingfisher beer, about a partnership deal which the British firm hopes will help it better access the subcontinent with its whisky brands."Diageo can confirm it is reviewing a collaboration with United Spirits. There is no certainty at this stage that these discussions will result in a transaction," the company said last night. A deal is likely to involve the London-listed firm taking a stake in Mallya United Spirits. Reports in the Indian media suggest Diageo will acquire close to 15% of the company.

Famous Grouse returns for festive TV campaign

Published: 14 November, 2008

Scotch blended whisky brand The Famous Grouse is making its traditional festive return to the TV screens in December in a £1.5m winter advertising campaign.

SPI Group and William Grant sign Stolichnaya deal

Published: 14 November, 2008

Drinks company SPI Group, owner of the Stolichnaya vodka brand, has entered into an agreement with William Grant & Sons for the distribution of Stolichnaya in the United States.

Regent Inns sees sales drop by 13%

Published: 14 November, 2008

Regent Inns, the UK pub group, has reported a 13% fall in like-for-like sales.

Condé Nast Johansens Champagne Taittinger wine winners unveiled

Published: 13 November, 2008

The Bell at Skenfrith inn in Monmouthshire, Wales, has been named overall winner of the Condé Nast Johansens Champagne Taittinger Wine List Award 2009.