Bargain Booze launches discount app to drive sales

Bargain Booze - the 500-strong franchised off-licence chain operated by Conviviality Retail - is investing in an app which will offer customer discounts.

BBC Food & Drink's new double act of Joe Wadsack and Tom Kerridge goes live on January 2

Joe Wadsack, the acclaimed wine broadcaster and consultant, will make his first appearance as the new face of wine on BBC's Food & Drink programme when the programme is re-launched with two Michelin-star chef, Tom Kerridge, on January 2, 2015. 

Grey Goose takes over London Tube station with huge ad

Grey Goose vodka has taken over the full length of London's Bank Underground Station with the "largest piece of single advertising creative" in UK history in the run-up to Christmas.

Single serve wine brand Zipz looks to hit UK shelves early 2015

Single serve PET wine glass Zipz, which took the US by storm after securing the largest ever investment on the country's TV show Shark Tank, is aiming to hit UK shelves by the first quarter of 2015.

'Help us help you': wine and spirits trade call to Chancellor

"Help us, help you" was the direct message laid down to the Chancellor by the wine and spirits industry at today's media launch of its new Drop the Duty campaign.

Tesco in bid to scrap controversial supplier fees

Tesco is planning on scrapping its complex system of supplier fees in a move that could shake up the grocery sector.

WSTA and SWA call for 2% duty cut with launch of Drop the Duty! campaign

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association and the Scotch Whisky Association have teamed up to launch the Drop the Duty campaign which calls for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the March Budget, saying it will boost public finances by £1.5 billion. 

The Week That Was: news, views and opinions on Harpers.co.uk

If you have been out and about a lot this week enjoying the build up to Christmas, or busy trying to cash in on some festive sales, here is a round up what you might have mised here on Harpers.co.uk:

Chiefs of the Week: Plucky members of Skin Côntact - live March 9, Vinopolis, London

Whisky Birmingham to attract 150 whisky players to its 2015 show

Over 150 whiskies will be on show at Whisky Birmingham on March 7, 2015, England's largest whisky festival outside London.

EWGA acquires Heritage Wines and strengthens distribution across south west and London

Two of the UK's largest regional wine wholesalers have come together in a deal that sees Heritage Wines and its bonded warehouse acquired by EWGA.

Lidl comes out top of the grocers for the most effective Christmas TV ad

As if Lidl's 2014 could not get any better, it has now been found to have produced the most effective Christmas television advert, even beating John Lewis's Monty the penguin in to second place.

David Beckham's Haig Club whisky to open pop-up bar and retail store for Christmas

Minister backs call for lower duty tax band for reduced alcohol wines

The UK's public health minister has expressed "frustration" with a lack of flexibility around introducing a lower tax band for lower end wines, but the WSTA warns such a step would discriminate against wine from warmer climes.

Wines from Argentina putting in 'serious effort' to drive UK growth

Wines from Argentina are enjoying a "unique time" in the UK market, and the country is putting in serious effort to drive growth, says the generic body's European head.

Prosecco dominates festive fizz sales at major retailers

Sales of Prosecco are fizzing across the major retailers in the run-up to Christmas, with Tesco predicting one in three bottles of sparkling wine sold this year will be the Italian favourite.

Alcohol wholesaler scheme 'massive' boost for legitimate traders and retailers

A new registration scheme for alcohol wholesalers will be a "massive boost for legitimate traders and taxpayers", and a "positive step" for retailers, say trade bodies. 

Eating out growth boosts pub and restaurant sales

Pub and restaurant groups saw like-for-like sales grow 3.4% in November, marking the 20^th consecutive month of growth for the sector.

Wine trade supergroup bands together for Comic Relief

A plethora of talented wine trade musicians is set to thrill the industry with a one-off barnstormer of a gig in aid of Comic Relief.

Think of a winning caption for this cartoon and the original could be yours...

Here's the chance to win a very special Christmas present that you have helped create. Yes, simply think up a funny caption to go along with this cartoon and the winner will receive the original cartoon, with your caption.