Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Instil Drinks to unveil new portfolio in March

Published: 25 January, 2016

Instil Drinks Company, the beer and niche spirits trading arm of Bibendum PLB, has revealed plans to relaunch on March 1.

Analysis: Suppliers today must be excellent service providers

Published: 25 January, 2016

Consolidation within the industry is happening across many channels and for suppliers to both the on- and off-trade, competing on supplying quality wines at competitive prices is no longer enough.

Christmas sales growth at Virgin Wines below expectation

Published: 20 January, 2016

Virgin Wines posted sales growth of 12% over the six-week Christmas trading period, the online retailer has revealed.

Aldi online wine sales go live

Published: 19 January, 2016

Aldi has announced the launch of its online wine retail site today.

Value and exclusivity key drivers at duty free, new survey shows

Published: 15 January, 2016

Value for money and travel retail exclusives are key to the attraction of duty free shopping for buyers of alcohol, a new survey from the Tax Free World Association has revealed.

Bouvet Ladubay launches sparkling red Bouvet Rubis in Majestic

Published: 15 January, 2016

Bouvet Ladubay, the largest producer of traditional method sparkling wines in Saumur, has launched a demi-sec red sparkling wine, Bouvet Rubis, in Majestic.

Insights: Ayo Akintola's keys for success on social media following #WhatTheFox campaign

Published: 14 January, 2016

Ayo Akintola, the managing director of Oddbins, shared some of his recent learnings following the successful social media campaign the quirky retailer launched over the Christmas trading period.

Interview: Mike James is Aldi's ace in the pack

Published: 13 January, 2016

Mike James, wine buying director at Aldi UK, is driving a category which is driving a discounter at the forefront of the industry. Erin Smith reports on the changing face of its wine range

Aldi to launch online offering

Published: 13 January, 2016

Mike James, wine buying director of Aldi, outlined his range strategy ahead of launching the discounter retailer's online wine offering, which is expected to launch in the first two months of the year.

Insights: Aldi UK launching online wine offer

Published: 13 January, 2016

After a sneak preview of some of the wines in Aldi UK's forthcoming online range, Angela Mount tells all and looks at the discounter's web strategy

Drinks category bolsters supermarkets in battle with discounters

Published: 12 January, 2016

The beers, wines and spirits category was one of the big winners over the festive season, according to the latest figures from IRI.

Insights: Retailers look back on the Christmas trading period

Published: 12 January, 2016

On the back of the Christmas and new year trading period, Harpers asks suppliers and merchants how Christmas was for them and what they expect looking ahead.

Analysis: Trade optimism lifts following festive trading

Published: 08 January, 2016

Consumer confidence is generally on the up and early indications suggest that Christmas delivered a welcome boost to the trade.

Successful Christmas launch for Bar 44 online retail service

Published: 07 January, 2016

Bar 44, the Welsh tapas bar and restaurant group, has successfully launched an online store to complement its existing customer offer.

Justerini & Brooks signs exclusive deal with Château Unang

Published: 07 January, 2016

Fine wine merchant Justerini & Brooks has been appointed the new, sole agents for boutique Rhône winery Château Unang.

Strong festive sales at Majestic vindicate Gormley strategy

Published: 07 January, 2016

Sales at Majestic Wine plc were up 12.2%, according to trading figures from the group released today.

English and Welsh wine sales bring Xmas cheer at Waitrose

Published: 06 January, 2016

Sales of English and Welsh wines at Waitrose were up 8.5% year on year in the six weeks to January 2, the upscale multiple retailer has reported.

Berry Bros predicts millennial flight to Old World quality

Published: 06 January, 2016

The millennial generation's quest for authenticity and the experience of discovery will lead it back to the classic wine regions this year, Berry Bros & Rudd has claimed in its New Year predictions.

Analysis: A critical part of Aldi's startegy for success - supplier relationships

Published: 05 January, 2016

Ahead of this month's profile piece in an exclusive interview with Harpers, Mike James, wine buying director of Aldi UK, talks with Angela Mount about his buying strategy and what he looks for in potential partners that has helped him succeed.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Ted Sandbach, Oxford Wine Company

Published: 31 December, 2015

Ted Sandbach, managing director and owner of the Oxford Wine Company, looks back at an exciting 2015 with opening of another Wine Cafe and figures are up with his wholesale business. He is looking forward to enjoying the Great Escape over the Christmas break, but looking to 2016 Sandbach sees more consolidation ahead for the industry.