Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Binge drinkers will be forced to get help

Published: 13 November, 2008

Binge drinkers arrested for alcohol-related offences are to be forced to see a counsellor who will offer them advice on how to cut down.

Licensing Act is "fit for purpose" says ALMR

Published: 12 November, 2008

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has addressed MPs on the effectiveness the 2003 Licensing Act.

Sir Cliff switches distributor for Portuguese wine range

Published: 12 November, 2008

The distribution of singer Sir Cliff Richard's Vida Nova and Onda Nova range of wines in the UK are being switched with immediate affect to Chalié Richards, the premium wine arm of drinks company Halewood International.

Argentina sweeps the board at fairtrade wine awards

Published: 12 November, 2008

The results of the 2008 Fairtrade Wine Competition were announced today at the Third Annual Fairtrade Wine Tasting at Vinopolis.

Waitrose lists nectar of the "God"

Published: 12 November, 2008

The arrival in the UK of one of Sweden's most famous beers - God Lager, from the Nils Oscar Micro-brewery - is certainly cause for celebration.
Source: God Lager

Community Alcohol Partnerships win retail award

Published: 12 November, 2008

The Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) approach to combatting underage drinking has won an award for best initiative in this year's Responsible Drinks Retailing Awards.

Wells & Youngs 'broke rules' on advert

Published: 12 November, 2008

Brewing company Wells & Youngs has had one of its ads banned by an advertising watchdog after falsely claiming that two of its flavoured beers were the country's top performing.

Peroni launches on-trade loyalty scheme

Published: 11 November, 2008

Italian beer brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro has extended its 'Club Peroni' loyalty scheme to encompass all independent on-trade outlets that sell its 330ml bottles.

Magners appoints ex S&N chief to top role

Published: 11 November, 2008

C&C Group, producers of Magners cider, have appointed ex Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) chief John Dunsmore as CEO, following the resignation of Maurice Pratt last month.

Wines in the Press: The clash of the titans

Published: 11 November, 2008

The focus is very much on Europe this week. Victoria Moore and Jancis Robinson MW hone in on France, with Robinson concentrating on Bordeaux and Moore pitting the same region against other French "titan" Burgundy. Susy Atkins and Tim Atkin MW tell us why they're into their Italian reds, whilst Anthony Rose rounds things off with a look at UK retail stalwart Oddbins.

Majestic sales lose their fizz

Published: 10 November, 2008

Majestic Wine, owner of the UK's largest chain of wine warehouses, has admitted that it is facing a "challenging" Christmas sales period after like-for-like sales dropped 2.1% in the six months to the end of September.

Miller Brands appoints new sales director

Published: 10 November, 2008

Miller Brands UK has promoted its director of sales for the off-trade to the position of sales director.

New Masters of Wine receive IMW awards

Published: 10 November, 2008

Fifteen new Masters of Wine (MW's) were formally welcomed into the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) at its annual reception and awards last week.

Weekend round-up: Pubs warned of lethal booze scam

Published: 10 November, 2008

The Mirror
Pubs and shops have been warned of a potentially lethal bootleg booze scam in the run-up to Christmas. spirits from Eastern Europe are being sold for a fraction of the normal cost, but laced with toxic levels of methanol - a chemical that can cause blindness and even death. Kirov and Glen's vodka are among the spirits to be switched.

MPs call for happy hour ban

Published: 10 November, 2008

MPs are calling for an end to happy hour promotions and cheap alcohol being sold in supermarkets.

S&N invites half a million shoppers to share 'biggest round'

Published: 07 November, 2008

Scottish and Newcastle (S&N) have held its annual consumer brand experience for the off-trade, attracting over half a million shoppers.

FirstCape helps school as part of legacy deal

Published: 07 November, 2008

South African wine brand FirstCape, sponsor of the British & Irish Lions, is to help refurbish a school in its native country as part of its Lions legacy project.