Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Sainbury's cocktail bay sees spirit sales lift

Published: 31 March, 2011

Sainsbury's has announced and 8% increase in volume in its spirits category following the nationwide launch of its cocktail bay in stores three weeks ago.

Early interest in Oddbins as CVA fails

Published: 31 March, 2011

Potential buyers for Oddbins are already making enquiries about taking on the stricken off-licence chain as a going concern.

The British Beer & Pub Association launches 'Pub Life' competition

Published: 31 March, 2011

The British Beer & Pub Association has launched a photography competition and exhibition - Pub Life, in support of the British public house.

Sterling hits high due to UK service sector growth

Published: 31 March, 2011

Sterling recovered from Tuesday's five month low against the euro and strengthened by 0.7% to hit a high of €1.1424/£1.

Oddbins creditors will get less through administration

Published: 30 March, 2011

Accountancy firm Deloitte has revised to 7.5p in the pound the amount creditors will get if Oddbins goes into administration.

Laithwaites appoints managing director

Published: 30 March, 2011

Laithwaites Wine has appointed a new UK managing director, Glenn Caton.

Sailor Jerry to launch live music events

Published: 30 March, 2011

Sailor Jerry, has announced it will host Sailor Jerry Presents, a series of live music events across the UK, as part of a £1.5million spend for 2011.

Corporate hospitality is not a bribe, says minister

Published: 30 March, 2011

Accepting corporate hospitality from suppliers will not put wine and spirits buyers in breach of the new Bribery Act, the government has stressed.

Sterling falls to five month low against euro

Published: 30 March, 2011

Sterling fell to a five month low against the euro yesterday on expectations that UK interest rate rises would lag the euro zone.

Crabbie's to sponsor Hibs

Published: 29 March, 2011

Crabbie's has agreed a deal with Scottish Premier League side Hibernian as the club's official sponsor for the next three years.

Weak data raises concerns over UK recovery

Published: 29 March, 2011

Sterling hit a five month low against the euro and a two month low against the US dollar.

Pernod helps Japan earthquake victims

Published: 29 March, 2011

Pernod Ricard is to donate ¥60 million (£460,000) to support the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief effort.

Diageo to invest £3.5m on Caol Ila distillery

Published: 28 March, 2011

Diageo is to invest £3.5million in expanding and upgrading its Caol Ila distillery.

London's first natural cork recycling partnership

Published: 28 March, 2011

Top London hotel The Savoy and independent wine merchant Laithwaites have teamed up in a cork recycling scheme.

Poor retail sales figures sees sterling extend losses

Published: 28 March, 2011

Sterling held around its lowest exchange rates of 2011 against the euro on Friday.

Carpineto launches QR coding to label

Published: 28 March, 2011

The Italian brand Carpineto, distributed by Hallgarten Druitt, claims to be the first Montepulciano winery to use Quick Response codes on its back labels.

Oddbins applies for administration

Published: 25 March, 2011

Oddbins has applied to enter administration, in an effort to prevent claimants derailing the CVA.

Tesco takes on first English wine for Finest range

Published: 25 March, 2011

Denbies Wine Estate, in Surrey has released its English White 2011, which is the first English wine to be produced exclusively for the Tesco Finest range.

Suppliers being 'asked to fund Oddbins rescue'

Published: 25 March, 2011

Oddbins suppliers are effectively being asked to finance the rescue of the business, some trade observers say - and helping to write off a £17.5 million bill for owners Simon Baile and Henry Young.

Oddbins interview: life after the CVA

Published: 25 March, 2011

If Oddbins can emerge the other side of the CVA, it will cut the number of lines it stocks to 700 or 800, and push online sales alongside developing new brands, says the beleaguered chain's managing director.