Top 30 suppliers control 90% of wine lists in UK on-trade, says new study

The top 30 wine distributors in the UK are responsible for supplying 89% of all on-trade wine lists in the UK, according to new research released this week from Wine Business Solutions.

Fine wine merchant AWC appoints David Murphy operations manager

Fine wine and spirits merchant AWC has appointed David Murphy, formerly of Wine Networks and Liberty Wines, operations manager, as its business grows. 

COPY: The Week That Was: Top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, financial news for the drinks trade, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Naked Wines is UK's most popular specialist online wine retailer, says Harpers new report

Naked Wines is the most popular specialist online wine retailer in the UK, according to a new Harpers report published today that examines the online shopping habits of British consumers.

Over 40% of Brits will buy wine online this Christmas, says Harpers new e-commerce report

Wine and spirit industries to unite in combined campaign for 2% duty cut in 2015 Budget

The wine and spirits industry is to unite under a combined campaign and consider calling for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the 2015 Budget.

Borough Wines opens sixth shop in London

Independent merchant Borough Wines has opened its sixth London  shop, this time in Clerkenwell.

Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky launches Never Drink and Drive campaign

Johnnie Walker is giving away 30,000 kilometres of free journeys home in the UK over Christmas through Uber taxi service, as part of its responsible drinking programme.

Business rates relief welcomed by pubs and drinks retailers

The 2% cap on business rates and commitment to a full "structural review", as revealed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Autumn Statement, has been broadly welcomed across all sides of the drinks industry - both on and off-trade.

Busines rates relief welcomed by drinks retailers and pubs

The 2% cap on business rates and commitment to a full "structural review", as revealed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Autumn Statement, has been broadly welcomed across all sides of the drinks industry - both on and off-trade.

Start-ups 'exploding' into wine sector

Start-ups have exploded onto the wine sector, particularly those with a digital focus, as 1,400 apps alone launched by 2014.

Despite positive H1 results, concerns about Greene King remain

Total revenue was up 3.3% rising to £614.9 million for the first half of 2015 fiscal year for pub company and brewer Greene King, but its operating profit dropped 3.1% to £123.3 million.

Wine Fusion launches Conviviality exclusive NZ wine

The Wine Fusion has created New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Bay of Plenty especially for Conviviality's Bargain Booze and Wine Rack stores.

Brown-Forman H1 and Q2 results curbed by poor foreign exchange

The second quarter results from Brown-Forman show net sales have rebounded, growing 5% to $1.135 million in the second quarter, but operating income declined by 3% to $303 million due to the negative impact of foreign exchange.

Thousands of Scottish bar, restaurant and drinks retail staff banned from selling alcohol

Thousands of bar, restaurant and drinks retail staff in Scotland have had their personal licences revoked after failing to meet deadlines over refresher training.

Jago to highlight Middle Eastern cuisine at new opening in Shoreditch

Good Wine Shop opens third outlet

Independent merchant the Good Wine Shop is opening a third branch - this time in Surrey's Esher - with plans for up to two more outlets in the pipeline.

London sees boom in restaurant openings in 2014

London has seen "unprecedented" growth in net restaurant openings in the past year, as 101 venues opened up, beating the previous 2006 record of 75.

Enotria appoints Hallgarten's Helen Munday as marketing director

Hallgarten's marketing director Helen Munday is jumping ship to take up the same role at Enotria, starting in January 2015.

Northern Ireland proceeds with minimum pricing policy

The Northern Ireland Executive is pressing ahead with plans for a minimum unit price for alcohol, despite similar plans in Scotland being reviewed the European Court of Justice.