Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Chancellor’s wine hikes to go live at midnight

Published: 01 February, 2019

The wine industry is being warned to prepare for today’s rise in duty, which will push up a bottle of still wine by 7p to £2.23 overnight.

Ban on post duty point dilution could hammer British made and low abv wine

Published: 05 November, 2018

A change to legislation in the 2018 Budget policy document could have a significant impact on products made from concentrate in the UK, including British made wine, low abv wines, RTDs, sherry-style drinks and flavoured ciders – anything which is diluted after fermentation.

Missed opportunity: What a rise with inflation means for the UK wine trade

Published: 30 October, 2018

Pub landlords and spirits importers will be breathing a sigh of relief this morning, but not the nation’s wine trade – which is looking at an extra £90 million bill in duty next year.

Duty frozen for spirits, cider and beer, but wine will rise with inflation

Published: 29 October, 2018

Investing in Britain’s future was one of the anthems that ran through Philip Hammond’s autumn Budget speech this afternoon.

UK winemakers lobby government to scrap “damaging” planned tax rises

Published: 08 October, 2018

Winemakers in England and Wales have banded together to try and convince the government to rethink plans for a duty hike that could hamper exports and stifle growth.

Scotch whisky marks today as ‘Duty Paid Day.’

Published: 27 September, 2018

Scotch whisky producers have marked today as ‘Duty Paid Day.’

No deal Brexit “not acceptable” for drinks trade

Published: 19 September, 2018

Brexit is the “most significant” short-term challenge facing the wine sector, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) told delegates at its conference yesterday (18 September).

SWA calls on government to continue duty freeze

Published: 10 September, 2018

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has called on the UK government to support the industry at home through a continued duty freeze in the Autumn Budget.

Conviviality dismisses financial turmoil as ‘short-term challenge'

Published: 20 March, 2018

Conviviality chairman David Adams, who today stepped into the position of executive chairman following Diana Hunter’s resignation yesterday, has set out to reassure the industry of the company's future.

UK alcohol prices the fourth most expensive in Europe

Published: 07 February, 2018

Britain has been revealed as the fourth most expensive country in Europe when it comes to alcohol.

Budget: duty frozen on wines, spirits and beers

Published: 22 November, 2017

Duty on wines, spirits and beers is to be frozen, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced in today’s budget, allaying trade fears of another rise in line with inflation.

Chancellor Philip Hammond labelled “scrooge”

Published: 21 November, 2017

Philip Hammond is being labelled a “scrooge” after it was revealed he will be one of the worst Chancellors to tax the wine and spirit sector if he pursues the planned increase in the Budget tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 November).

The WSTA guide – what you need to know and what you need to question about the forthcoming budget

Published: 15 November, 2017

Budget speak explained by the WSTA

Industry calls on Chancellor for duty help

Published: 13 November, 2017

Trade associations have called on Chancellor Philip Hammond not to increase duty rates for the second time in a year.

‘Public’ says alcohol taxes a cash cow for government

Published: 29 October, 2017

Just one in 10 of the British public believe that increased taxes on alcohol goes towards helping people who misuse alcohol, according to new research by Drinkers’ Voice released today.

WSTA warns of further hefty price hikes if duty is not frozen

Published: 16 October, 2017

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned of further wine and spirit price hikes if the Chancellor fails to freeze duty in the November Budget.