Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

English wine industry reaches 'historic turning point'

Published: 14 October, 2014

The English wine industry has reached an "historic turning point" says the head of one of the country's most-respected estates.

CWF boosts Prosecco range with Casa Gheller rose

Published: 14 October, 2014

Yorkshire importer and manufacturer CWF has added a rosé Prosecco from Casa Gheller winery to its range, as the UK's thirst for sparkling wine continues.

Portuguese wine exports to UK up 10%, says ViniPortugal

Published: 14 October, 2014

Portuguese wine exports to the UK have risen 10% by volume in the first six months of 2014, compared to last year.

The Glenrothes releases Vintage Reserve whisky

Published: 13 October, 2014

Vintage Reserve is the latest single malt release from award-winning Speyside distillery, The Glenrothes, distributed by Berry Bros & Rudd.

Total global wine production for 2014 could be down by 4%, says Rabobank

Published: 10 October, 2014

Total global wine production could drop by up to 4%, according to Rabobank's latest Wine Quarterly report.

Broadland releases chocolate-flavoured British red wine

Published: 10 October, 2014

Broadland wineries is releasing a chocolate-flavoured British red wine to be known as Chocolate Drop, which has already secured a Sainsbury's listing.

M&S teams up with top Plumpton student to make pink English fizz

Published: 10 October, 2014

Marks & Spencer is to produce a new style of pink sparkling wine along with England's Plumpton College's top final year wine production student Karen Telford.

Ataraxia's Kevin Grant on why terroir is now central to South African winemaking

Published: 10 October, 2014

"It's been a long time coming, and if fear were the basis on which decisions were made, then Ataraxia would never have been born," says South African winemaker, Kevin Grant of his latest, patiently-maturing winemaking venture.

Wine Australia to host a celebration to mark the life of Yvonne May

Published: 09 October, 2014

Wine Australia is to hold a special event to celebrate the life of Yvonne May who headed up the UK office before she lost her battle with cancer this summer.

Last chance to win Rising Stars place at Wine Vision

Published: 09 October, 2014

Emerging talents in the wine trade have the chance to attend this month's world leaders' conference, Wine Vision, by winning a special grant as part of Harpers Rising Stars initiative.

Smaller format bag-in-box wines lead revival in category

Published: 09 October, 2014

Bag-in-box is due a revival, with smaller formats leading the way, according to figures from Nielsen which show the 2.25 litre box has grown 8.7% by volume in the past year.

Discounters are most "disruptive" force in retailing in 20 years say grocery and drinks chiefs

Published: 09 October, 2014

A poll of top-level food, drink and grocery executives at this week's IGD Convention reveals the rise of the discounters is the most "disruptive" influence on the grocery sector in the last 20 years.

Winemakers label English harvest 'vintage of dreams'

Published: 09 October, 2014

This year's English harvest is being labelled the "vintage of dreams" and "best ever" by winemakers, many of whom have finished picking ahead of schedule.

Independents and suppliers question big players that have not signed Harpers Best Practice Guidelines

Published: 08 October, 2014

There is growing frustration amongst both independents and suppliers that have signed up to the Harpers Best Practice Guidelines over those companies, particularly the large national distributors, that have not done so.

Transparency and honesty key to good independent supplier relations says Harpers debate

Published: 08 October, 2014

Open communication and a clear channel management strategy are they key to a strong, healthy relationship between independents and suppliers was the key message from yesterday's Harpers debate been leading independent merchants and suppliers.

Harpers Special Report: multiple and supplier relations uncovered

Published: 08 October, 2014

Tesco has taken a bit of a battering in recent months, with profits slipping and then the little matter of the £250 million profit overstatement. But although Tesco is in the spotlight, there are issues for all of the major retailers right now, as the discounters go from strength to strength and the Big Four's choke hold on the market weakens. Harpers.co.uk spoke to some of the wine trade's key suppliers and ex-buyers to find out their views.

Adnams adds Karen Hester as executive director

Published: 07 October, 2014

Suffolk brewer and distiller Adnams has added Karen Hester to its main board as an executive director.

McLaren Vale perfect for Mediterranean grape varieties, says winemaker

Published: 07 October, 2014

Winemakers at McLaren Vale's Hedonist say the region is perfect for growing Mediterranean grape varieties, after adding a Tempranillo and Sangiovese to its range.

Top merchants and suppliers gather in London to debate ways they can work better together

Published: 07 October, 2014

How wine suppliers can work better and more efficiently with independent retailers will be the subject of a key Harpers debate being held this morning in London between leading figures on both sides.

Christmas part 2: Key players weigh up the role of sparkling wines as the festive season approaches

Published: 07 October, 2014

The festive season is still the key trading period for sparkling wines. What do producers, brand owners, multiples and merchants expect from sparkling wines this year?