Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Food air miles go up

Published: 23 July, 2008

The distance travelled by food air-freighted into the UK increased by 31% or 65,000 tonnes in 2006, according to new government statistics.

FDF to cut packaging waste

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has launched a major environmental plan aimed at cutting CO2 emissions, food and packaging waste and water use.

Smoking ban fails to damage nightclub demand

Published: 23 July, 2008

Nightclub operator Luminar believes the smoking ban has had a marginal impact' on its business.

Sparkling wine sales beat summer weather blues

Published: 23 July, 2008

Poor summer weather didn't prevent UK sparkling wine sales climbing 7% by value and 3% by volume, according to AC Nielsen off trade figures.

Convenience Awards 2008 launched

Published: 23 July, 2008

Our sister magazine, Checkout, has launched its 2008 Convenience Awards with a call for entries.

The German Wine Institute reaches out to consumers

Published: 23 July, 2008

The German Wine Institute (GWI) is to restructure its domestic and export marketing departments in a bid to change the way German wine is perceived by the consumer.

Delta Two increases Sainsbury offer

Published: 23 July, 2008

Deadline of November 8 given for Delta Two to make a formal offer

Fladgate take on new Quinta

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Fladgate Partnership has acquired Quinta da Eira Velha - another grade A 50 hectare property in the Douro bringing its total vineyard area to 800 ha.

Superior categories for Sherry announced

Published: 23 July, 2008

Two new Sherry categories have been created, which will introduced to the UK within the next two years.

Thieves steal container of Laurent-Perrier

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: Police are urging the wine trade to be extremely vigilant following the theft of a container of Laurent-Perrier Cuve Ros Brut early this week.

Rapper Sean Diddy Combs to market Diageo vodka brand

Published: 23 July, 2008

US rapper Sean Diddy Combs could net more than $100million (49m) after agreeing a deal with Diageo that will see him market the drinks company's US vodka brand.

Imports of Chilean wines set to overtake South Africa?

Published: 23 July, 2008

Chile has recorded a 26% rise in sales by volume and 23% by value in the past twelve months and looks likely to become the fifth biggest importer into the UK by overtaking South Africa.

New Zealand merchant finalist announced

Published: 23 July, 2008

The finalists in this year's New Zealand Winegrowers Independent Wine Merchant promotion have been announced with the overall winner to be named at an awards luncheon in London next week.

Bordeaux harvest: day 20

Published: 23 July, 2008

The end of the picking is in sight for the Bordelais, but will good autumn weather make up for a dire summer?

Bordeaux wine exports up

Published: 23 July, 2008

Bordeaux export drive promised after small sales rise

Bordeaux Wine Bureau's US push

Published: 23 July, 2008

US blind tasting flags up Bordeaux wines

Sales record predicted for NZ wine exports

Published: 23 July, 2008

New Zealand wine exporters are predicting earnings of over $1m (3.68m) in three years.

Beam Global to push Canadian Club Whisky

Published: 23 July, 2008

US: Beam Global Spirits & Wine has unveiled its first national advertising campaign in the US for Canadian Club Whisky brand in nearly 20 years.

Oregon changes strict wine laws

Published: 23 July, 2008

Oregon's Winegrowers Association (OWA) has claimed victory after petitioning its ruling body to relax its tough varietal laws.

Scotland launches its first ever Alcohol Awareness Week

Published: 23 July, 2008

Retailers, producers, and the Scottish Government are launching a range of activities this week (October 21-27) in a bid to promote more responsible attitudes to alcohol.