Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

WHO agrees on expanded alcohol mandate

Published: 23 July, 2008

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) executive board agreed this week in Geneva to expand its global mandate on the issue of alcohol.

New Australian wine region recognised

Published: 23 July, 2008

A region within New South Wales has been formally recognised as an official Australian wine region.

No two or three stars for UK and Ireland from Michelin

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Michelin guide has awarded no two stars or three stars to restaurants in the UK with the release of the latest red book.

KWV sells German subsidiary Eggers & Franke

Published: 23 July, 2008

KWV, the South African wine and brandy producer, has sold its German subsidiary company Eggers & Franke.

Germany wine consumption reaches new record

Published: 23 July, 2008

Per capita wine consumption in Germany has reached a new record high of 20.6 litres during the past year (mid-year to mid-year).

Ste Michelle Wine Estates sees 48.6% profit increase

Published: 23 July, 2008

Ste Michelle Wine Estates has posted 48.6% profit increases for its fourth quarter results for 2007.

BTI awards Kai Lychee vodka gold medal

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI) has awarded Kai Lychee vodka with a gold-medal-scoring 92 points at its 2007 Chicago event.

Mallya named ambassador for Indian whisky industry

Published: 23 July, 2008

Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman of the United Breweries Group, has been announced as an ambassador for the Indian whisky industry in 2007.

V&S sale could be hit by market instability

Published: 23 July, 2008

Bids are due in for Absolut manufacturer Vin & Sprit (V&S) this week but market instability could affect this process.

Constellation sells Almaden and Inglenook wine brands

Published: 23 July, 2008

Constellation has announced the sale of its Almaden and Inglenook wine brands for $134 million (68.5m).

Airline introduces wine radio' to in-flight entertainment

Published: 23 July, 2008

American Airlines will be the first airline to introduce a specific wine-related channel to its in-flight radio system.

Tesco c-store turned down for alcohol licence

Published: 23 July, 2008

A Tesco-owned convenience store in Manchester has been refused an alcohol licence as officials felt it may increase instances of drink-related disorder.

Barroso: Climate change needs decisive action

Published: 23 July, 2008

The issue of climate change requires decisive action, the president of the European Commission (EC) has announced.

WSET hosts inaugural Guidhall graduation

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) hosted its first ever graduation ceremony for its students at London's Guidhall on Monday night (January 21).

Portman Group welcomes binge drinking decline

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Portman Group has welcomed figures released today by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which show a decline in the levels of irresponsible drinking.

Sales down at Wetherspoon

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon has reported a fall in sales over the Christmas and new year period.

Absolut Vodka teams up with Live Earth

Published: 23 July, 2008

Absolut Vodka has launched an initiative in the US to raise the issue of climate change.

Blue Nun plans to triple sales in three years

Published: 23 July, 2008

Chali Richards, owners of the Blue Nun wine label, has revealed it plans to triple sales of the brand in the next three years.

Harpers launches first podcast

Published: 23 July, 2008

Harpers has launched its first podcast on January's New Zealand Tasting.

Pernod Ricard reports "historic" growth

Published: 23 July, 2008

2007/08 interim net sales hit 3,713 million (2,775m).

Chairman and ceo of the group aims for 2007/08 growth in operating profit from ordinary activities, on a like-for-like basis, of about +12%.