Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Christmas arrives at Virgin Wines

Published: 02 December, 2010

Online retailer Virgin Wines is rolling out its 12 Days of Christmas promotion for the second year running.

Meeting could bring euro strength

Published: 02 December, 2010

Sterling slipped against a slightly stronger euro yesterday after investors held back on selling the single currency ahead of today's European Central Bank interest rate policy meeting.

Oddbins launches new off-licence and convenience store concept

Published: 02 December, 2010

Oddbins has launched a new off-licence and convenience store concept called Oddies.

Geoffrey Dean: Our man Down Under's Ashes and wine blog

Published: 02 December, 2010

I thought it couldn't get much better when I read headlines of "Ashes Humiliation" in an Australian national newspaper the day after England's total of 517 for one in the drawn first Test in Brisbane.

Independents urged to enter Top Merchants awards programme

Published: 01 December, 2010

Independent merchants have the chance to prove how good they are by entering the inaugural Top Merchant Awards programme organised by Harpers Wine & Spirit, in association with Gruppo Italiano Vini and Wines of Chile.

Investors pull out of euro into sterling

Published: 01 December, 2010

Sterling climbed against the euro yesterday as concerns over sovereign debt in the euro zone continued to hamper the single currency.

Licensing reforms brings power to the people

Published: 01 December, 2010

Councils will be granted new powers to tackle problem pubs and clubs as part of Home Office plans which also gives the public a greater influence on local licensing decisions.

Ex chief constable calls for minimum pricing in Brighton

Published: 01 December, 2010

The former assistant chief constable with Sussex Police has called for a ban on cheap alcohol in Brighton to call a halt to excessive drinking.

Georgian Wine Society launches 'Adopt a Vine'

Published: 01 December, 2010

The Georgian Wine Society has launched 'Adopt a Vine' program, for Christmas.

Wirral consults on regional minimum price

Published: 01 December, 2010

Councils across Merseyside are to consult local residents on whether they think the region should press for a regional minimum price for alcohol.

Brawn opens ahead of launch on Columbia Road

Published: 30 November, 2010

Brawn, the new restaurant from the team behind the award-winning Terroirs, has opened unoficially this week in London's Columbia Road ahead of its formal launch.

St-Germain joins with Park Lane Hotel to create festive tea

Published: 30 November, 2010

St-Germain elderflower liqueur has joined forces with the Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly to create a festive afternoon tea.

First Cape to back 2013 Lions tour

Published: 30 November, 2010

Wine brand First Cape has renewed its sponsorship of rugby union's British & Irish Lions to cover the 2013 tour to Australia.

Duty cut on low alcohol beers, no change for wines or spirits

Published: 30 November, 2010

The government will hike duty on beers over 7.5% abv but cut it on beers below 2.8% abv ? tax on spirits and wine will remain untouched.

Six out of ten to visit on-trade for office party

Published: 30 November, 2010

Six out of ten people will visit a pub, bar or restaurant for this year's office Christmas party, and half of the revellers will be newcomers to the venue.

Chinese artist Xu Lei illustrates Mouton 2008 label

Published: 30 November, 2010

Chinese artist Xu Lei has illustrated Chateau Mouton Rothschild's 2008 label, carrying on the tradition of having an artist design the label every year since 1945.