Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Vida launches Central and Eastern-European trade list in UK

Published: 14 April, 2022

Central and Eastern European wine specialist Vida Wines & Spirits has officially launched its Vida+ Trade offer to the quality on- and off-trades.

Raising the flag for Argentina

Published: 01 April, 2022

Looking back on Malbec’s ascent, it has followed quite a remarkable trajectory, delivering for Argentina the kind of hero grape recognition that perhaps only New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can rival. In most of its markets, though, Malbec has firmly embedded itself a couple of notches above entry-level, typically with only a handful of rarefied listings on a more premium perch. In some ways, it’s a story reminiscent of Rioja’s, with the wines providing ample pleasure, accessibility and quality for just a small number of pounds above the entry-level.

Georgia tasting to crown fast growth in UK

Published: 24 March, 2022

Wines of Georgia has confirmed dates for its 2022 press tastings against a backdrop of booming sales in the UK.

Growing thirst for Albariño to be backed by new campaign

Published: 11 March, 2022

The latest figures from DO Rias Baixas, Albariño’s home in ‘green’ north-western Iberia, show a 6.8% increase in volume and 14.8% jump in value sales in the UK in 2021 over the previous year, as the variety continues pull in the punters.

Australia Trade Tasting pushed back to Spring

Published: 06 January, 2022

The annual Australia Trade Tasting has been rescheduled to take place on 7 April, with both the format and Royal Agricultural Halls venue remaining the same.

New double bill sparkling launch for Graham Beck

Published: 11 October, 2021

South Africa’s leading sparkling wine brand in the UK market Graham Beck has launched a new ‘double bill’ named Yin & Yang, as part of its artisan collection.

SITT’s Spotlight On to shine on Portugal

Published: 26 August, 2021

Portugal is to take the Spotlight On spot at SITT this autumn, with a dedicated zone featuring 20 leading producers and importers.

Indie supply disruptor Propeller ramps up distribution with SA’s Ross Sleet

Published: 15 April, 2021

Indies distribution incubator Propeller has teamed up exclusively with the Ross Sleet founded South African négociant Rascallion as it grows its model-defying footprint in the UK market.

Lousada steps up as CEO at QB

Published: 06 November, 2020

Quintessential Brands (QB) has announced changes for its senior team, with former MD James Lousada stepping up to take the role of CEO.

New MD flags renewed UK focus for Vivino

Published: 22 October, 2020

Online wine market place and app Vivino has redoubled its focus on British drinkers with the appointment of Joshua Lincoln as its first UK MD.

SA online retailer launches ‘one stop shop’ in UK

Published: 15 October, 2020

South African online wine retailer Port2Port is launching a marketplace allowing UK trade to sell Cape wines direct to consumer.

Christmas to bring scant cheer for trade under tougher restrictions

Published: 14 October, 2020

The UK drinks trade will have little to toast this Christmas trading period if restrictions on socialising become more onerous, with a fall in off-trade sales compounded by a further dramatic down-turn in the on-trade.

Think Spirits panel identifies lasting change in new drinks landscape

Published: 14 October, 2020

The pandemic has had a profound impact on all aspects of the business of drinks, reshaping how trade and consumers interact and behave, while delivering deep economic uncertainty.

Zero waste wine range launched by Borough

Published: 23 September, 2020

Sustainably-focused merchant Borough Wines has launched a zero waste wine range that taps into growing consumer environmental concerns.

Kingsland Drinks lands Cellier des Dauphins

Published: 23 September, 2020

Kingsland Drinks has been announced as the exclusive UK distribution partner for leading Rhône producer Cellier des Dauphins.

Portfolio boosts for Bibendum

Published: 24 August, 2020

Bibendum has added a further new agency to its portfolio, boosting its Italian range aimed at the independent merchant and on-trade sectors.

Slow return for consumer confidence

Published: 20 August, 2020

Consumer confidence with regard to eating and drinking out dipped in the UK in July as the reality of an altered hospitality landscape sank in.

Diageo GB’s full year results reveal impact of on-trade closure

Published: 04 August, 2020

Diageo’s full year results reveal a 47% fall in operating profits globally as a result of the pandemic, with net sales of spirits down 8% globally, and a 4% dip in the UK.