Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Critics April 24-26

Published: 28 April, 2009

Highlights of what the wine critics have to say in the press.

Walders takes on Europe

Published: 27 April, 2009

UK Creamy liqueur producer Walders is expanding into continental Europe and has hired Deveurop SA to handle distribution.

Adnams rebuts investor criticism

Published: 27 April, 2009

A shareholder in Adnams has launched a campaign for the company to restructure its shares and change its strategy after disappointing profits in 2008.

Cobra boss quits

Published: 27 April, 2009

The head of Cobra Beer in the UK has reportedly quit his post as speculation mounts that the company is on the brink of being sold.

Vodka goes Vanilla with Walders

Published: 27 April, 2009

Liqueur producer Walders is preparing to release a new vodka and vanilla drink for the category.

Maxxium pushes port message

Published: 27 April, 2009

Maxxium UK is hoping to persuade on-trade retailers to take a more proactive approach to port sales with the launch of a new promotional kit.

Cognac producers launch education toolkit

Published: 24 April, 2009

Cognac producers have financed and developed a new training toolkit to help trade professionals improve their understanding of the region and its products.

Robert Parker heads wine conference line-up

Published: 24 April, 2009

Robert Parker is making his first visit to Spain to appear in a conference discussing the future of the global wine industry.

Diageo film aims to inspire bartenders

Published: 24 April, 2009

A film which aims to inspire bartenders has been released online by Diageo's Reserve Brands Group.

Pubs bank on brisk St George's Day trade

Published: 23 April, 2009

Pubs across the country are preparing for a brisk trade as events get underway to celebrate St George's Day.

Budget slaps more duty on alcohol

Published: 22 April, 2009

Alcohol duties will climb by a further 2% from midnight tonight as a result of Chancellor Alistair Darling's second budget since the Labour government took power.

Wine industry 'remains under pressure'

Published: 22 April, 2009

The managing director of a wine company that took its anti-duty campaign to the steps of No. 10 Downing Street has described the latest duty rise of 2% as "outrageous", but less than expected.

Whisky trade under threat

Published: 22 April, 2009

One of the country's most valuable export industries, Scotch whisky, has said the 2% rise in spirits duty will damage trade further.

Prosecco pushes for DOCG status

Published: 22 April, 2009

The regulatory body for the prosecco wine industry is seeking DOCG status from the next vintage - and aiming to become the first vini/viticultural region to gain UNESCO recognition as a word heritage site on its wine credentials alone.

Budget 'a death warrant' for pubs

Published: 22 April, 2009

Chancellor Alistair Darling has signed a death warrant for thousands of struggling British pubs by raising alcohol tax by 2% in his latest Budget, it has been claimed.

Diageo linked with LVMH bid

Published: 22 April, 2009

Diageo is in the early stages of preparing a bid to take over the wine and spirits interests of French luxury goods firm LVMH, according to UK press reports.