Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Bright Food to buy control of DIVA Bordeaux

Published: 25 June, 2012

Bright Food has become the latest Chinese investor in French wine, after agreeing to buy a controlling share of DIVA Bordeaux.

User recommendations vital for selling luxury goods online

Published: 25 June, 2012

Consumers are increasingly looking for user recommendations they can trust when buying luxury goods online, according to a new poll.

Vinexpo unveils new logo

Published: 25 June, 2012

Vinexpo has adopted a new logo and graphic identity that aims to highlight its international presence, innovation and dynamism.

Sterling weakens against majority of currencies

Published: 25 June, 2012

Sterling had a poor day on Friday weakening off against the majority of currencies with trading volumes low due to the lack of data released globally.

Many IWC trophy-winning wines seek UK importers

Published: 22 June, 2012

Importers looking to expand their listings should consider the many trophy-winning wines from the International Wine Challenge that haven't yet got a UK agent, say organisers.

Phylloxera-resistant French vineyard awarded protected status

Published: 22 June, 2012

A 200-year-old parcel of vines in the Saint Mont appellation has become the first French vineyard to be recognised as a protected historic landmark due to its phylloxera-resistant vines.

Former Constellation boss starts online wine retailer

Published: 22 June, 2012

Former Constellation boss Christopher Carson has launched an online wine and spirits retailer CellarVieWines.com.

Samba Brands to open 24-hour restaurant

Published: 22 June, 2012

Samba Brands is launching London bar and restaurant Duck & Waffle, which will stay open round the clock.

'Better than expected' retail sales figures provides respite for sterling

Published: 22 June, 2012

Monthly retail sales data released yesterday were much better than expected providing some respite for sterling, but the state of the UK's economy remains extremely fragile.

Portuguese wine tasting is a sell-out

Published: 22 June, 2012

Wines of Portugal's 50 Great Portuguese Wines annual tasting - which invited consumers to attend for the first time this year - has been a sell-out, according to the UK generic body.

England's Bacchus gives Loire and NZ wines a run for their money

Published: 21 June, 2012

England's Bacchus grape could give Loire and New Zealand wines a run for their money, according to the chair of this year's English and Welsh Wine Awards.

Dr Von Hyde's liqueur breaches Portman code

Published: 21 June, 2012

Dr Von Hyde's herbal liqueur has been found in breach of the drinks industry watchdog's marketing guidelines over medical claims made in its promotional material.

Sterling weakens after no change made to quantitative easing

Published: 21 June, 2012

Sterling weakened off sharply in the morning as the Bank of England's policy meeting minutes revealed that the MPC members voted 5-4 to keep quantitative easing unchanged.

Naked Wines invests £526k in Jackson Estate head winemaker

Published: 21 June, 2012

Naked Wines has invested £526k in Jackson Estate head winemaker Mike Paterson, to make three exclusive wines for Naked Wines customers.

Maison Lillet introduces Lillet Rosé

Published: 20 June, 2012

Bordeaux producer Maison Lillet has launched Lillet Rosé, its first new product for 50 years, which is being marketed as a fine wine rosé apéritif.

Sterling drops back against euro

Published: 20 June, 2012

Sterling had a mixed day yesterday weakening by 0.75 cents against the euro but strengthened against the U S dollar and Japanese yen.

Pernod Ricard completes 640 mile Benevolent cycle ride

Published: 20 June, 2012

The Pernod Ricard UK cycle team completed its 640 mile ride from Scotland to London in support of The Benevolent, raising 80% of target funds.

Liberty Wines takes on Hess Family's Colomé, Amalaya and Glen Carlou

Published: 20 June, 2012

Liberty Wines has taken on the agency for Hess Family Estates' Bodega Colomé and Amalaya and South Africa's Glen Carlou.

Hammer & Son launches Old English Gin

Published: 20 June, 2012

Boutique spirits producer Hammer & Son has launched an Old English Gin based on a recipe from 1783.

Majestic boss Steve Lewis on record sales figures

Published: 19 June, 2012

Majestic Wine has just announced pre-tax profit gains of 14.5% - Gemma McKenna catches up with chief executive Steve Lewis to find out the nitty gritty behind the figures.