Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Wine "one of fastest growing" fairtrade products

Published: 02 September, 2008

Wine represents one of the fastest growing fair trade products in the UK, according to figures from the Fairtrade Foundation.

Wholesale listings boost FirstCape wine brand sales

Published: 02 September, 2008

Recent listings with Booker, Nisa and Bestway/Batleys have more than doubled sales of South African wine brand FirstCape in the impulse sector of the take-home drinks market, according to Nielsen data.

Wines in the Press: From top wine schools to Tesco

Published: 02 September, 2008

With the summer behind us, so too this week is talk of suitable wines for the warm weather. Jancis Robinson, back from her summer holiday, has a last word of advice on seasonal tipples, but for the most part the wine writers are turning their attentions to other matters. Jonathan Ray gives us his run down of the UK's top wine schools, Victoria Moore has her patience tried out by a good Bordeaux and Anthony Rose indulges in a spot of Tesco's finest.

Greene King reduces wine and beer prices

Published: 01 September, 2008

Greene King is investing £1 million in a cut-price drinks promotion in 200 of its pubs.

Coors adds 3p to the price of a pint

Published: 01 September, 2008

Coors Brewers has been forced to increase its wholesale price by 3p per pint because of current economic conditions and the "severity of inflationary increases."

Barracuda's chief exec opens pub in home town

Published: 01 September, 2008

The Barracuda Group has added to its portfolio of pubs with the opening of The Malt Cross in Ayr. The opening of the pub under the Smith & Jones concept signifies Barracuda's 13th site in Scotland and sees the Group's estate rise to 220 pubs.

BenRiach acquires Glendronach from Chivas Brothers

Published: 01 September, 2008

The BenRiach Distillery Company has purchased the Glendronach Distillery from Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard, for an undisclosed sum.

Diageo announces new trade terms

Published: 30 August, 2008

Diageo GB is introducing new standard trade terms from September, which it says aim to use customer investment more effectively to support growth within the alcohol beverage category.

A New Look for Veuve Du Vernay

Published: 29 August, 2008

Patriarche Wine Agencies, the UK subsidiary of French wine giant Groupe Patriarche in Beaune, announces the re-launch of sparkling wine brand Veuve du Vernay into the UK.

The full Veuve du Vernay range has received a complete packaging redesign including label, foil and bottle. The sophisticated and elegant new packaging has been created to reflect the dedication to quality and excellence both inside and out of the bottle.

'With an RRP of £6.99 we believe Veuve du Vernay is an affordable and elegant range of French sparkling wines that offers an excellent alternative to Cava and Champagne.' Says Vincent Goyat, Export Director at Groupe Patriarche. 'Initially we're launching three wines within the range into the UK; Veuve du Vernay Brut NV, Veuve du Vernay Demi-sec NV and Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé NV, and we have plans to extend the range over the coming months.'

Veuve du Vernay became part of the Groupe Patriarche portfolio when they acquired Bordeaux sparkling wine producer Sorevi in 2003, an acquisition that saw Patriarche become the second largest sparkling wine producer in France.

Patriarche Wine Agencies have already secured listings for Veuve du Vernay Brut NV and Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé NV at Tesco and Veuve du Vernay Rosé NV at CoOp.

Diageo invests £5 million in Guinness ad campaign

Published: 29 August, 2008

Diageo GB is investing £5 million in a new campaign for Guinness.

Virgin Wines to push Chilean range online

Published: 29 August, 2008

Virgin Wines is launching a section dedicated to Chile and Chilean wine on its website.

Whisky marketing passes responsibility audit

Published: 29 August, 2008

An in-depth audit of industry marketing practice has concluded that Scotch whisky companies are meeting the highest standards of responsible brand marketing and promotion. Research by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) found that distillers had successfully implemented tough industry rules into everyday marketing practices.

Big delays as Amtrak calls in administrators

Published: 29 August, 2008

Hundreds of wine distributors and merchants suffered a blow as Amtrak courier firm fell into administration this week causing delays to deliveries across the UK, writes Shirley Webb.

Pernod pays Fortune for US distribution of Absolut

Published: 29 August, 2008

Pernod Ricard has paid Fortune Brands $230 million (£126 million) to end a joint venture to distribute Absolut vodka in the U.S.

Pernod Ricard plans big brand push in Christmas run-up

Published: 28 August, 2008

Consumers are likely to turn to the security of "brands" in the current economic climate and Pernod Ricard UK (PRUK) has planned a raft of activities including internet activity, quality gifting, TV advertising and cocktails in a bid to push its core brands in the UK on-and off-trade this Christmas.

Diageo reports 9% profits rise

Published: 28 August, 2008

Diageo has reported a 7% rise in new sales and a 9% rise in operating profit, but admits that it is entering the new financial year facing slowing profit growth.

Spirits industry legend Laurence dies

Published: 27 August, 2008

Spirits industry expert Barry Laurence has died.

Diageo extends partnership with Ramsay

Published: 27 August, 2008

Diageo GB is to extend its partnership with Gordon Ramsay with the launch of a £3.5 million off-trade marketing campaign for Gordon's gin.

Investigation launches into underage drinking habits

Published: 27 August, 2008

The London Assembly has launched an investigation into underage drinking habits in the capital.

Beam unveils autumn ad campaign for Teacher's whisky

Published: 27 August, 2008

Spirits company Beam Global UK has unveiled the national press advertising campaign it is launching next month to support its on-pack offer for Teacher's Blended Scotch Whisky.