Portman alcohol sponsorship code takes effect

Market latest: Credit downgrade for Rémy Cointreau SA and Treasury Wine Estates halts trading

It has been a challenging week financially for two major players in the drinks trade; Remy Cointreau SA credit rating was downgraded on Monday to 'negative' and Treasury Wine Estates requested a trading halt on Tuesday until the ASX opens tomorrow.

Mike Paul on the lessons and warnings English sparkling wine can take from the success of Prosecco

At the recent International Sparkling Wine Symposium held at Denbies I was facilitating a session on the way forward for English fizz and made a throwaway comment that for all its success producers should be wary of seeing Prosecco as a role model. I noted that, while it has certainly captured the imagination of a large swathe of the wine market, I doubted that many consumers could name individual brands or are aware of the difference between DOC and DOCG Prosecco. This implies that they will tend to be drawn to the cheapest Prosecco that they find acceptable. It would be fair to say that my comment was not universally popular with  Prosecco producers in the room.

Jacob's Creek marks new brand imagery with Fiano and Sangiovese wines

Jacobs Creek has unveiled its first major brand review since it was launched in 1976 that looks to reinforce its history, provenance and sense of place with consumers.

China is the world's biggest consumer of red wine says Vinexpo study

China has become the biggest red wine consuming country in the world as its increasing influence on global wine trends continues, according to latest figures released by Vinexpo.

Demand for wine investments in California has never been higher says M&A specialists

Q&A with Michel Issaly, president of the Association of Independent Winegrowers of France

Michael Issaly, winegrower of Domaine de la Ramaye in Gaillac, explains his role as president of the Association of Independent Winegrowers ahead of its tasting in London on February 6.

New Vinexpo chief offers something completely "different" for 2015 show

Vinexpo 2015 will be something "completely different" from previous shows, according to its new chief executive, Guillaume Deglise.

UK remains sixth biggest wine drinking country in world despite falling sales says Vinexpo

The UK remains the sixth biggest wine consuming country in the world despite another year of falling wine sales, according to the latest figures released by Vinexpo, but there are signs drinking levels could be on the up again from 2015.

ProWein has to turn away exhibitors for 2014 show as waiting list grows

ProWein, the international wine trade fair, is having to turn away an increasing number of exhibitors who are keen to get in to the show as it is looking to "consolidate" on its strong 2013 performance by not increasing stand or hall space in 2014. 

Wendy Narby on why Bordeaux's 'La Place' system looks as strong as ever

In the latest of our series of "AWEsome tales" from members of the Association of Wine Educators, Wendy Narby examines the advantages and disadvantages of how Bordeaux wines are sold through its "La Place" system.

Q&A with Robert Nicholson of American M&A specialists International Wine Associates

In 2013, vineyard acquisitions and mergers on the US West Coast were a key talking point for industry insiders. As a key party to many of the major transactions that took place last year, Robert Nicholson, president of mergers and acquistion specialists, International Wine Associates, is ideally placed to share his expertise on the future of the West Coast property market. James Lawrence asks the questions:

US merchants call for lower prices in Bordeaux 2013 en primeur campaign

As the trade gets ready for the annual 2013 en primeur tastings an increasing number of leading wine merchants  around the world are calling for lower prices in this year's campaign, including key players in the United States.

New chief financial officer for Quintessential Brands

Trinchero Estates, owner of Sutter Home, sets up own UK distribution

Berry Bros steps in to try and save UK juniper plants for gin production

Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits is looking to help protect juniper plants, vital in the production of gin, by providing grants for three different growing areas in the UK.

David Siddle on why winemakers should fall back in love with goats

Goats have long been seen as the enemies of viticulture and of woodland management as a whole in the regions of Mediterranean climate. Difficult to manage and agile enough to climb steep hillsides or leap terraces they could reach the tallest growths. Left to their own devices a flock of omnivorous goats could wreck a vineyard in no time at all. Their reputation could not have been lower.

BrewDog kicks off 2014 openings with São Paulo bar

Stand out from the crowd and enter the Harpers Awards 2014

The Harpers Awards is your opportunity to be recognised and rewarded for all the hard work you do. With a host of categories across the industry and the on- and off-trade, here's how you can get involved.

Still time for you and your suppliers to get involved in Call Time On Duty campaign

There is still time to make sure your voice is heard in the industry's bid to get the Chancellor to finally Call Time On Duty and scrap the duty escalator on wine and spirits in the 2014 Budget. Harpers has also teamed up the Wine & Spirit Trade Association to give wine producers and drinks manufacturers the chance to take part in the Call Time On Duty campaign and make the government aware of the serious concerns they have about the alcohol duty levels in the UK. Here's how you and your supplier can get involved.