Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Norfolk whisky distillery opens its doors

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: England's only malt distillery offers tastings and public tours for the first time

Investment firm increases stake in C&C

Published: 23 July, 2008

Janus Capital Management increases its stake in troubled Irish firm C&C to 8.07%.

Turning the screw on closures

Published: 23 July, 2008

Cork producers have found a possible saviour in the recent eco-debate to arrest the move by buyers to synthetics and screwcaps.

But will it be enough to overcome accusations of unreliability and taint? Rebecca Gibb looks at the latest developments in the ongoing debate about the best way to stopper a bottle.

Vodka giant looks for buyer

Published: 23 July, 2008

RUSSIA: The country's best-selling vodka has been put up for sale and could attract bids from drinks giants including Diageo and Pernod Ricard.

Australia to boost fortified wine sales to Europe

Published: 23 July, 2008

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Government is to provide AUS$500,000 (206.994) to assist the country's fortified wine industry in a bid to increase exports to Europe.

French-Vietnamese firm invests in mountain vineyard

Published: 23 July, 2008

A Vietnamese-French joint venture is set to put the mountain resort of Da Lat on the global wine map.

IWSC spirits winners announced

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: The full list of spirits winners at this year's International Wine & Spirit Competition have been announced.

Berry's launches virtual wine school

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: Wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) has launched the first of six free video "podcasks" as part of a virtual wine school.

France is good value with multiple specialists

Published: 23 July, 2008

Latest statistics show that France is the best-performing wine country by value among multiple specialists in the UK.

Whyte & Mackay brands to be launched in India

Published: 23 July, 2008

INDIA: United Spirits to launch a range of Whyte & Mackay (W&M) brands in India in November.

Russian vodka Stolichnaya launches interactive website

Published: 23 July, 2008

The site www.rock-it-to-ibiza.co.uk offers a viral game designed to drive brand awareness amongst its target audience of 25-35 year-olds.

Wasp venom in wine causes allergic reaction

Published: 23 July, 2008

SPAIN: Doctors suspect wasp venom in wine and grape juice as the cause of several cases of severe allergic reactions.

Dutch liqueur launches bartending academy

Published: 23 July, 2008

Holland: Liqueur brand Bols has launched a new bartending academy in Amsterdam.

Grape expectations for Tennessee wine

Published: 23 July, 2008

US: The wine industry in Tennessee is not living up to its potential, a report has said.

Penfolds wines auctioned online

Published: 23 July, 2008

Rare Penfolds wines are to be auctioned online through Langton's Wine Auctions and Exchange.

Rise in violent crime linked to 24-hour drinking

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: Police forces in Devon and Cornwall have reported a rise in violent crime since 24-hour drinking was introduced.

Asda sales up

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: Asda celebrates mid single digit hike in like-for-like sales.

Parent company Wal-Mart says shareholder's disappointed.

Millions drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Published: 23 July, 2008

1.5m people are drinking "harmful" levels of alcohol

A further 6.3m are downing double the recommended safe units of alcohol in any one week.

Waitrose stores see double-digit wine growth

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: The new store in Marylebone, London, which opened on 1 June 2007, has seen fine wine value sales increase by 65% in the second week and 71% in the store's third week after opening.