Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

United goes global

Published: 23 July, 2008

Spanish specialist United Wineries has opened subsidiaries in the US, Scandinavia, central Europe and South America.

Camel Valley triple trophy win

Published: 23 July, 2008

Camel Valley Vineyard in Bodmin, Cornwall, was the big winner at the 2007 English and Welsh Wine of the Year competition.

Wine apprentice - you're hired!

Published: 23 July, 2008

He may not look like Sir Alan Sugar but David Gleave MW, managing director Liberty Wines, is hoping to say "You're hired!" to one lucky wine trade novice.

Europe to turn wine into fuel

Published: 23 July, 2008

Leftover wine to become biofuel as EU moves to cut excess production.

Chivas Brothers to expand Scottish bottling plants

Published: 23 July, 2008

The whisky firm has unveiled plans for a 4.75m expansion of its bottling plants in Paisley and Dumbarton as part of its on-going investment programme.

China blamed for whisky price-hike

Published: 23 July, 2008

Whisky prices set to rise 10% or more a year due to growing international interest.

The Oregon Wine Board launches revised Wine Explorer tool

Published: 23 July, 2008

The online tool will provide web tourists with a virtual tour of the state's wine regions.

Youngsters launch anti binge drinking media campaign

Published: 23 July, 2008

A Durham-based youth forum has launched an anti -binge drinking awareness campaign involving radio, television and bus advertising.

Hawkes Bay imposes strict award rules

Published: 23 July, 2008

New rules imposed to ensure New Zealand's Hawkes Bay Wine Awards are squeaky clean.

Associations merge to support distance selling

Published: 23 July, 2008

The International Wine Clubs Association (IWCA) and the UK Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) have announced a new partnership that will oversee the distance selling industry worldwide.

Supermarket launches low-alcohol wine range

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: Sainsbury's supermarket has launched a new range of lower alcohol wines.

Price promotions

Published: 23 July, 2008

New research has shown price promotions are not as influential as thought.

Hail and rain wreck vineyards across eastern France

Published: 23 July, 2008

The cost of the hailstorm and torrential rain that destroyed some of the most famous vineyards in Alsace last Wednesday "was impossible to estimate", the region's promotional body said, revealing that some growers had seen 100% of their crops destroyed.

Spirits help Diageo to 8% growth

Published: 23 July, 2008

Strong demand for Johnnie Walker whisky and Captain Morgan rum in the US and South America has helped UK drinks giant Diageo record an 8% profit growth this fiscal year.

Constellation profits dive

Published: 23 July, 2008

Stronger competition in Britain and a drop in wine shipments to US wholesalers have seen US-owned Constellation Brands, the world's largest wine producer, record a 64% fall in its first-quarter profits.

UK tops frequent drinking chart

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK wine drinkers are the most frequent consumers on the world export market, with more than 80% drinking wine more than once a week.

Gaymers announces 4 million campaign

Published: 23 July, 2008

Gaymer Cider Company has revealed that it will be investing 4 million in its key brand Gaymers Original this year.

English whisky tipped for success

Published: 23 July, 2008

England's first single-malt whisky would be as good as those north of the border - but there may be few Scots willing to admit it, predicts the UK's foremost whisky retailer.

UK vineyards hit by flooding

Published: 23 July, 2008

English and Welsh vineyards have held fast amid the floods and torrential downpours, while licensees are counting the cost of the devastation.

Robotic lagares "best for vintage Port"

Published: 23 July, 2008

BY STUART PESKETT
The Symington family, which owns Graham's, Dow's, and Warre's Port houses, claims that robotic lagares are the best bet for making top-quality Port.