Major sake festival pins down first date in London

The Joy of Sake, the world’s largest sake celebration outside Japan, has announced the date of its first-ever London date.

UK and EU step up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has voiced frustration over the plodding pace of Brexit negotiations as the EU published a paper on what businesses should do to prepare for a "no deal" or “hard Brexit” outcome.

Looking ahead: Ryan 'Mr Lyan' Chetiyawardana, Dandelyan

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities  

“Frictionless trade”: What the white paper tells us

The government’s new white paper on economic arrangements post-Brexit is the roadmap that many have been waiting for, outlining how the EU’s future relationship with the UK could work after March 19.

“Short-sighted” Bordeaux En Primeur strategies leave little to no value for the trade

A “lack of wines priced attractively” has been blamed for a less than successful 2017 Bordeaux campaign.

Kiwi winegrowers predict ‘modest’ export growth in spite of good harvest

New Zealand winegrowers are predicting only modest export growth for the coming year in spite of a 6% surge in grape production.

Italian diversity paving the way for premium Prosecco?

A greater appreciation of Italy’s regions and varietal diversity could be laying the groundwork for the longevity of Prosecco, according to experts.

Meet the buyers: Shaun Healy, LWC Drinks

This month’s Meet the Buyers series zones in on some of the best suppliers the to UK’s vibrant on-trade.

Meet the buyers: Peter Mitchell MW, Laytons

This month’s Meet the Buyers series zones in on some of the best suppliers the to UK’s vibrant on-trade.

Meet the buyers: Doug Wregg, Les Caves De Pyrene

This month’s Meet the Buyers series zones in on some of the best suppliers the to UK’s vibrant on-trade.

La Châsse producer Gabriel Meffre looks to make its name in the on-trade

Rhône Valley producer Maison Gabriel Meffre is looking to expand its presence in the UK on-trade, growing on the success of its La Châsse brand in Sainsbury’s and Asda.

LWF: Uncertainty continues to cloud Brexit debate to 2020 and beyond

With 312 days to go until the UK officially leaves the EU, the effect of economic uncertainty and how the trade is placed to take advantage of opportunities offered by Brexit formed the crux of discussions at one of the opening debates of the London Wine Fair this morning.

Sherry taking the flor

A new approach is needed in the battle to revitalise sherry’s image, argues James Lawrence

WSTA signs deal to promote trade relations with China

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is to sign an agreement with Chinese distiller Kweichow Moutai Co to increase trade relations between the two countries.

UK restaurants feeling the heat

Wine is struggling for attention in a UK restaurant sector experiencing a “perfect storm” of adverse trading conditions, according to a new report.

Liberty Wines' premium on-trade report has its eye on the high ground

In an exclusive Harpers preview, Liberty Wines has shared its upcoming Premium On-trade Wine Report, identifying where growth opportunities still lie. Andrew Catchpole picks out the highlights

Looking ahead after Conviviality's fall

Trade reactions to Conviviality collapse

In light of Conviviality’s fall from grace, following a tumultuous month which saw three profit warnings, its market value tumble, shares suspended and the departure of CEO Diana Hunter, Harpers has gathered opinions from across the drinks industry as the business prepares to file for administration

Spain raises the stakes

Spain has long been known as the commercial hub of Europe’s classic winemaking regions – a category that has traditionally seen off-trade sales veer towards its £5-£10 “sweet spot” or lower, to the sub-£5, rather than its top tier of lauded pagos.

Sparkling drives growth as inflation bites down on average prices

Volume sales of alcohol continued to decline in the UK off-trade in 2017, but value sales increased in both yearly and quarterly sales, particularly in sparkling wine, which remains the main driver of growth for the overall wine category.