Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Government U-turns on duty hike for spirits

Published: 26 November, 2008

The government has made a u-turn on planned tax changes for spirits, by reducing the duty charges from 8% to 4%.

IMW holds first Asian master class

Published: 26 November, 2008

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has held its first Asian MW master class in Singapore.

AFW extends deadline for sommelier of the year competition

Published: 26 November, 2008

The Academy of Food & Wine (AFW) has extended the deadline for entries to its 2009 Sommelier of the Year competition.

Tiger Beer rapped for "disrespectful" ladyboy ad

Published: 26 November, 2008

An advert for Tiger Beer which claimed it was the best export from the Far East since ladyboys has been banned by an advertising watchdog.

Vinexpo gears up for 2009 show

Published: 26 November, 2008

Major wine and spirits trade exhibition Vinexpo has reappointed drinks specialist Voice PR to conduct public relations in the UK for the 2009 exhibition.

Castel strengthens Bordeaux presence

Published: 26 November, 2008

Castel is extending its involvement with wines from the Bordeaux region and targeting more upmarket clients, following its acquisition of Bordeaux wine merchant Oenoalliance six months ago.

Three new appointments to Thierry's team

Published: 25 November, 2008

Thierry's has appointed Marie Knight and Claire Sheppard as two heads of trading, tasked with developing and delivering strategy for existing and new channels.

Cheap wines to bear brunt of pre-Budget tax cut, warns WSTA

Published: 25 November, 2008

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) says the combination of a cut in VAT and the rise in duty on alcohol, announced yesterday by the Chancellor, will push up the price of cheaper wines.

Stella launches 'Get Home Safe' festive campaign

Published: 25 November, 2008

InBev UK has launched a responsible drinking campaign through its Stella Artois premium lager brand to help people make the most of the Christmas party season, but still get home safely.

Illicit alcohol consumption is rife, warns new report

Published: 25 November, 2008

The consumption of illicit or noncommercial alcohol is widespread in many countries worldwide and contributes significantly to the global burden of disease, according to a new report by the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP).

Gaymer to sponsor new music festival

Published: 25 November, 2008

The Gaymer Cider Company has announced that it will sponsor a new music event in London next summer.

International wine producer supports Ramsay's TV series

Published: 25 November, 2008

International wine producer ZGM is supporting Gordon Ramsay's 'Cookalong' series to promote Palatium, its German wine.

Industry fury at pre-Budget duty rise

Published: 25 November, 2008

Drinks industry leaders have reacted with fury at news that the government will again increase the duty on alcohol.

Wines in the Press: From Californian Chardonnay to century-old nectars

Published: 25 November, 2008

Jancis Robinson MW acquaints herself with wines from a bygone era and Jane MacQuitty lets us in on which tipples will be getting her through the winter months. Meanwhile Tim Atkin MW explains why his political persuasion is re-igniting his passion for American wines.

Project to curb underage drinking launches

Published: 24 November, 2008

A pioneering project to curb underage alcohol sales and combat associated anti-social behaviour is launching in Kent.

Alcohol duty set to rise as VAT rate slashed

Published: 24 November, 2008

Alistar Darling has confirmed that he will cut VAT from 17.5% to 15% but will increase duties on alcohol to ensure that prices remain unchanged.

Virgin Wines reports record sales figures

Published: 24 November, 2008

Virgin Wines has recorded its highest weekly sales volume ever, bucking the trend experienced by scores of retailers during the current economic slowdown.

Drinkaware Trust appoints new CEO

Published: 24 November, 2008

The Drinkaware Trust has appointed Chris Sorek as its new chief executive.

North West wine retailers of the year announced

Published: 24 November, 2008

An independent wine retailer which has been trading for just one year has scooped an award for North West Specialist Wine Retailer of the Year.

Weekend round-up: Happy hour to be outlawed

Published: 24 November, 2008

Sunday Mirror
Happy hour and cut-price drink promotions in pubs and clubs will be outlawed under a Government crackdown. Ministers plan to unveil new proposals in their war on binge-drinking ahead of a Christmas campaign against drink-driving. They hope the clampdown will cut booze-fuelled violence and slash the bill for alcohol misuse which could cost up to £25billion a year. A strict code of conduct will aim to outlaw promotions which encourage drinking large amounts of booze or drinking at speed during happy hour, say Whitehall sources.