Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

VinPro reports 15% smaller harvest

Published: 09 May, 2018

VinPro has reported a 15% smaller harvest (1 220 920 tonnes) across South Africa compared to 2017 – one of the smallest crops in more than a decade.

Fairtrade on the rise

Published: 08 May, 2018

The Co-op’s new conversion of its major own-label range will boost the UK’s Fairtrade wine volumes by 20%. Jo Gilbert explores a category on the rise.

Harpers Wine Stars Awards: calling final entries for South Africa, New Zealand and England

Published: 01 March, 2018

Would you like your wines to feature among the Stars? Then don’t miss the 17 March entry submission deadline for our South Africa, New Zealand and England Wine Stars Awards (see below).

Solid wine growth at Distell backed by R22 million investment to mitigate effects of drought

Published: 23 February, 2018

Distell Group’s results for the six months to 31 December 2018 report revenue up 9.3% on increased volumes of 3.7%, up to R13.4 billion (£828 million).

All dry on the Western Cape

Published: 16 February, 2018

As Cape Town’s water crisis approaches Day Zero rationing, James Lawrence assesses the impact of the drought on the wine industry

Tim Atkin MW: Day Zero looms for South Africa

Published: 09 February, 2018

“Day Zero” sounds like the title of a dystopian disaster movie, starring Matt Damon or an ageing Bruce Willis perhaps. But what’s happening in South Africa right now has nothing to do with fantasy or fiction. On the contrary, it’s all too real. If you’ve not been reading the news from Cape Town recently, the city is about to run out of water. On January 18, the city’s mayor, Patricia de Lille, said that the “point of no return” had been reached and that, if things continue as they are with little or no rainfall, by April 12 (Day Zero), the taps will be turned off.

Hamilton Russell to launch Ashbourne Pinotage/Cinsault in the UK

Published: 25 January, 2018

Iconic South African producer Hamilton Russell Vineyards has unveiled plans to launch a new Ashbourne Pinotage/Cinsault blend into the UK market next year.

Distell sells Bisquit Cognac brand to Campari

Published: 20 December, 2017

Distell has agreed to sell its Bisquit Dubouche et Ci Cognac business to Campari Group for €52.5m.

Boutinot maps South Africa with three-tiers regional range

Published: 12 December, 2017

Boutinot has expanded its South African portfolio with a three-tiers range created to chart the story of the Cape’s regional diversity and simplify it for consumers.

Former Distell brand director takes over as chair of WOSA

Published: 13 November, 2017

Wines of South Africa has announced a new a new appointment to the role of non-executive chair.

South Africa chases premium ground

Published: 13 November, 2017

As South Africa strives to push innovation and quality, natural factors may just provide the tipping point for the country.

M&S targets health conscious consumers with low calorie wine trio

Published: 19 October, 2017

Marks & Spencer has joined forces with South African winery Journey’s End to produce a low calorie wine.

Championing emerging regions

Published: 05 September, 2017

What will be the wine regions to look out for in 2018? Justin Keay takes a look at the main contenders

Q&A: May de Lencquesaing, proprietor at Glenelly Estate, SA

Published: 18 August, 2017

With a career spanning over 40 years and two continents, May de Lencquesaing certainly earned the IWC Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon her early this summer.

Nederburg encourages trade to get cycling and pairing for charity fundraiser

Published: 11 August, 2017

South African producer Nederburg is encouraging pubs and businesses in the UK to help to ‘mobilise’ African communities and make it easier for people to access education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

Origin brings Electric Sky single-serve wine brand to the UK

Published: 06 June, 2017

Origin Wine is poised to launch its Electric Sky wine brand in the UK in a bid to replicate its success in the US.

New Cape Origin designation to boost tourism link

Published: 05 June, 2017

South Africa’s Wine and Spirit Board has introduced a new Wine of Origin District for Cape Town, bringing 30 wineries together under the banner to boost international recognition.

South Africa over-delivers at entry level, but needs to work harder to push premium message

Published: 04 May, 2017

Last week Harpers gathered a room full of wine trade experts to debate the health of the South African wine industry. Participants from the on-trade, multiples and independent sectors discussed how South Africa can better promote its premium offering and what its trump cards are.