Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Napa Valley generates billions for US economy

Published: 31 October, 2008

California's Napa Valley contributes $42 billion (£25.9 billion) a year to the entire US wine economy, according the findings of a new report.

"Explosion" of 24-hour bars fails to materialise

Published: 31 October, 2008

Government statistics show that the "predicted explosion" in 24-hour drinking venues has failed to materialise. Text

Nicolas appoints new wine buyer

Published: 31 October, 2008

French-owned high street retailer Nicolas has appointed Antoine Delafarge to work as a wine buyer alongside chief buyer Alain Favereau.

eBay style site for wine industry launches

Published: 31 October, 2008

An eBay style online wine auction site launches today (October 31).

Pernod reports 13% sales jump in Q1

Published: 30 October, 2008

Pernod Ricard has reported a first quarter revenue rise of 13% thanks to the strong performance of brands such as Perrier-Jouët and Jameson and the recent purchase of Absolut Vodka.

Santa Rita chairman passes away

Published: 30 October, 2008

Don Ricardo Claro, chair of the Santa Rita wine group in Chile, has passed away after suffering a heart attack.

Wine Australia starts hunt for "best and brightest" wine talent

Published: 30 October, 2008

Wine Australia has launched its search for candidates for its scholarship programme, which will offer 12 industry members the chance to go to Australia and participate in a series of educational workshops.

PLB appoints ex MD of Paragon Vintners

Published: 30 October, 2008

PLB Group has appointed former managing director of Paragon Vintners, Tony Dee, to the position of non-executive director.

Consumers cut wine spend as downturn bites

Published: 30 October, 2008

Consumers are spending less on wine and are letting price promotions govern their choices, according to a major survey of wine drinkers by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

United Brands schnapps up Godfrey's

Published: 29 October, 2008

United Brands has added Godfrey's Schnapps to its premium portfolio as of November 1st 2008.

The Sopranos to launch line of Italian wines

Published: 29 October, 2008

TV network HBO is launching a range of wines in a spin-off venture of cult US television show The Sopranos, a series about a mobster family in New Jersey.

Brit designer Alexander McQueen tries his hand at whisky

Published: 29 October, 2008

British designer Alexander McQueen has added some fashion-world glamour to whisky, by creating a limited edition 'couture' bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old.

Foster's delays decision on wine division

Published: 29 October, 2008

Foster's Group has delayed until next year a decision on what to do with its ailing wine business.

Lourensford Wines joins biodiversity initiative

Published: 29 October, 2008

Lourensford Wines has joined the group of just 13 South African wineries to be named a "champion producer" by the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI).

Minimum alcohol price plans dropped

Published: 28 October, 2008

The government has decided not to impose a minimum price on alcohol, according to a report in the Mirror.

Grants whisky invests in Scottish radio campaign

Published: 28 October, 2008

Grants, distributed in the UK by independent drinks distributor First Drinks Brands, is investing in a major radio campaign to support the Scottish market in the run-up to Christmas.

International Beverage invests £15 million in Scottish marketing hub

Published: 28 October, 2008

International Beverage Holdings, parent company of Inver House Distillers, is to invest £15 million to centralise its global marketing operations in Scotland.

Wines in the Press: sake, Constantia and the trouble with single varietals

Published: 28 October, 2008

Jancis Robinson mulls over the mysteries of sake, Jonathan Ray visits the Western Cape, and Anthony Rose joins the wine club. Meanwhile, Jane MacQuitty considers what to drink in a recession and Tim Atkin tires of the domination of the big five grape varieties in New World wine.