Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

UK overtakes Spain as biggest market for Brockmans Gin

Published: 05 July, 2019

Gin continues to boom for Brockmans here in the UK, which is now the brand’s top market thanks to a recent push into the supermarkets.

LWF: Consumers value experiences over value for money, says CGA

Published: 21 May, 2019

There has been a major shift in the way consumers decide which venues to visit, with the promise of entertainment and engagement now taking precedent over value for money.

Lafite puts major investment behind state-of-the art tourism hub

Published: 17 April, 2019

Domaines Barons de Rothschild, owner of Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Duhart-Milon, has invested in a major tourism programme in 2019.

Tim Atkin MW: What Rowan Gormley could learn from Tony Laithwaite

Published: 09 April, 2019

Wine critic, broadcaster, co-chair of the IWC

Lanchester expands regional sales team

Published: 09 April, 2019

Lanchester Wines has bolstered its growing sales team with two new hires in the north and south west.

Shift from shop to showroom is vital for the future of retail, says Majestic CEO

Published: 27 March, 2019

The chief executive of the newly rebranded Naked Wines has defended the decision to trim down its 200-store estate while shifting investment focus to the online side of the business.

Veeno bought back from the brink with buyout

Published: 07 March, 2019

Veeno has been saved by investors who have rescued the Italian wine café’s 15-strong estate.

Armit backs Italy with several new agency partnerships

Published: 07 March, 2019

Armit Wines is flexing its muscles in its Italian portfolio, having added several new producers through agencies or partner agencies.

Carluccio’s boss calls out casual dining operators for aggressive expansion plans

Published: 04 March, 2019

Carluccio’s CEO has criticised the UK restaurant sector for focusing on “capex-heavy investments” – the same focus which almost brought the chain to brink of collapse last year.

Bulk selling in a digital world

Published: 19 February, 2019

The launch of a new trading platform for the drinks trade promises to disrupt existing business models. Jo Gilbert investigates

Jerry Lockspeiser: How to win in uncertain times

Published: 15 February, 2019

If we have heard it once we have heard it a thousand times: Business needs clarity to plan.

Q&A: Dean Harper, owner of HarperWells shares his Norwich knowledge

Published: 12 February, 2019

James Lawrence talks Brexit, MUP, millennials and alternative formats with indie Dean Harper of HarperWells

Q&A: Robin Copestick, co-managing director, Freixenet Copestick

Published: 07 February, 2019

It’s hard to overstate the impact that I Heart has had on the trajectory of Robin Copetsick’s business – formerly Copestick Murray and, as of January 1, Freixenet Copestick – and where it is today.

Roberson plans expansion outside of London

Published: 31 January, 2019

Three years ago, dynamic, family-run business Roberson Wines took the decision to close its flagship store.

Restaurant numbers fall 2% in a year

Published: 06 December, 2018

UK restaurants are on the slide, according to the new edition of the Market Growth Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners.

Pied à Terre leads petition for business rates to be abolished

Published: 25 October, 2018

Philip Hammond is being urged to abolish ‘debilitating’ business by some of the UK’s leading restaurateurs.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Are commercial bribes acceptable in the wine business?

Published: 29 August, 2018

A question to test the mettle of any commercial wine buyer: What are the criteria you use to select your wine range?

Flint Wines eyes growth with new senior development manager

Published: 25 July, 2018

Specialist fine wine importer Flint Wines has hired a new company development manager as part of an “ambitious” five-year plan to drive the company forward.

Gaucho on brink of collapse

Published: 18 July, 2018

Fine wine and steak restaurant Gaucho has become the latest casualty of the high street after administrators were appointed to deal with the ailing business.

Flexibility and confidence key for advancing women in wine

Published: 05 July, 2018

Offering flexibility and encouragement, and supporting women-owned business were key to advancing women in the wine industry, the Women of the Vine & Spirits’ inaugural London symposium revealed.