Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Old world wines dominate on-trade in China, new research shows

Published: 31 May, 2019

Wines from France and Italy dominate the on-trade in China, according to the first in-depth research into the Chinese on-trade market.

Young drinkers more likely to experiment with fizz and fusion drinks

Published: 15 April, 2019

Younger Australians are more experimental when it comes to sparkling wine than older drinkers, according to the latest report on the Australian sparkling wine market by Wine Intelligence.

Australian consumers are evolving, says report

Published: 18 March, 2019

Australian drinkers have changed since 2016, according to the latest Portraits report from Wine Intelligence.

Harpers on Tour: Indies Down Under

Published: 13 March, 2019

There is a point on every trip, once travel fatigue has passed and the daily rhythm of tasting, talking and tucker becomes the norm, when a borrowed moment of freedom over a bottle of wine captures the spirit of the tour. During a recent indie merchant buyers trip to Australia this came in the refreshingly left-field shape of a magnum of Brash Higgins Zibibbo, providing a rather early sundowner in the leafy garden of the McLaren Vale Motel, as the group relaxed ahead of a big tasting and dinner.

Halewood opens Australian business

Published: 04 March, 2019

Halewood has expanded its global reach with the opening of a business based in Australia.

Post-Brexit trade deals could pressure Government over duty rises

Published: 28 February, 2019

Major New World exporters to the UK could bring pressure to bear on the UK Government over duty rises on wine as part of negotiations over future free trade agreements.

Boom in Tassie vineyards as producers capitalise on cooler climate premium

Published: 18 February, 2019

Tasmania’s vineyard area has grown by 25% over the past two growing seasons, with plans for another 15% increase in the pipeline, as both local and mainland Australian producers invest in the island’s viticultural scene.

McLaren Vale edges towards sub-regional recognition

Published: 11 February, 2019

South Australia’s McLaren Vale has its sights on a geologically-focused demarcation of the region’s most distinct wine producing districts.

Manly Spirits arrives in the UK

Published: 06 February, 2019

Manly Spirits has launched a range of spirits in the UK, following “huge success” in Australia since it launched in April 2017.

Aussie talk and taste: Barossa Beauties

Published: 31 January, 2019

Harpers invited a panel of independent merchants and sommeliers to join Grant Burge chief winemaker Craig Stansborough to talk, taste and pair his Barossa styles with some demanding dishes. Andrew Catchpole was on hand to assess the feedback on these modern Australian wines and their place in the premium drinking repertoire.

Aussie backstop will safeguard Australian wine exports post-Brexit

Published: 22 January, 2019

Australia will continue to trade with the UK, its biggest export market by volume and third by value, on its current terms post-Brexit.

The Aussie-Anglo Alliance

Published: 17 January, 2019

It’s well reported that Australian wine sales into mainland China have been booming, driven by a compelling mix of favourable trade deals, attractiveness of style to Chinese consumers and a firm commitment by the Australian industry to push into that market. Moreover, as with many other territories around the world, the US included, such buyers are prepared to pay a good price for the pleasure of listing the wines.

WoodWinters adds old Barossa Soul to portfolio

Published: 13 November, 2018

Indie merchant WoodWinters has strengthened its growing wholesale portfolio with the addition of the UK agency for Soul Growers from Barossa.

Accolade sparkling head and wine icon Ed Carr on launching Tasmanian fizz onto the world stage

Published: 01 November, 2018

Fresh from his win at the Lifetime Achievement Awards at last week’s Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships in London, Ed Carr, group head sparkling winemaker at Accolade Wines talked to Harpers about putting Tasmania on the map.

Harpers Wine Stars goes live online

Published: 04 September, 2018

Our brand new website for Harpers Wine Stars has launched, making it easier than ever to be in with a chance of grabbing one of our fantastic buyer-focused awards.

Australian bulk prices rise as short harvest meets Chinese thirst

Published: 17 August, 2018

The 2018 crush Down Under will fall short of meeting current demand for Australian wine, driving prices upward.

Bancroft picks up Brokenwood from Negociants UK

Published: 26 July, 2018

Bancroft Wines has picked up the distribution of quality Australian wine estate Brokenwood Wines following the merger of Negociants UK into parent company, Fells.

Fells welcomes Yalumba into portfolio

Published: 11 May, 2018

Iconic Australian winery Yalumba is to join John E Fells, bringing its portfolio of antipodean estates into the fold, while also taking an equity stake in the UK-based company.

Highs and lows for Oz

Published: 19 February, 2018

Depreciation at the commercial end of the market and an upswing in sales of wine priced £10 and over are presenting an opportunity for Australia in the UK as premium price points grow, while the country’s bulk growth marches steadily towards China. Jo Gilbert reports