Over 40% of Brits will buy wine online this Christmas, says Harpers new e-commerce report

Wine and spirit industries to unite in combined campaign for 2% duty cut in 2015 Budget

The wine and spirits industry is to unite under a combined campaign and consider calling for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the 2015 Budget.

Wine Fusion launches Conviviality exclusive NZ wine

The Wine Fusion has created New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Bay of Plenty especially for Conviviality's Bargain Booze and Wine Rack stores.

Thousands of Scottish bar, restaurant and drinks retail staff banned from selling alcohol

Thousands of bar, restaurant and drinks retail staff in Scotland have had their personal licences revoked after failing to meet deadlines over refresher training.

Northern Ireland proceeds with minimum pricing policy

The Northern Ireland Executive is pressing ahead with plans for a minimum unit price for alcohol, despite similar plans in Scotland being reviewed the European Court of Justice.  

Tesco makes changes to senior management team

Tesco has shaken up its management team with chief executive Dave Lewis taking a hands-on role leading the day-to-day running of the UK supermarkets.

M&S own brand wines wipe the floor at first round of International Wine Competition 2015

Marks and Spencer's own brand wines cleared the decks at the first phase of the International Wine Challenge 2015, taking home 69 medals and outpacing nearest rival Tesco by 37 medals. 

UK retailers need to target seven different types of shopper, says Kantar study

The changing face of  UK retailing is driven by the way consumers now behave and has created seven types of shopper, according to new research revealed today by Kantar Insights, the retail insights company.

The Week That Was: Top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, financial news for the drinks trade, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Chief of the Week: Laura Jewell - soon to be UK "chief" of Wine Australia

TescoGate: Three suspended bosses reported to have left Tesco with more to follow

Kevin Grace, group commercial director, Carl Rogberg, UK finance director, and John Scouler, UK food commercial director, three of the executives that were suspended from Tesco following its accounting crisis have left the company, according to a Financial Times report. Other suspended executives, including head of beers, wines and spirits, Dan Jago,could be dismissed next week, according to media reports.

US Black Friday shopping extravaganza takes off in the UK

Despite figures from Kantar indicating that the UK has not yet fully embraced the US shopping extravaganza that is Black Friday, this morning major retail websites like Tesco Direct have crashed due to the demand in online traffic, and there have been reports of fights breaking out amongst shoppers in stores around the country. Black Friday it appears has arrived in the UK.

Wine Australia confirms Tesco's Laura Jewell as its new head of UK and Europe

Wine Australia has confirmed to Harpers.co.uk that it has appointed Tesco's Laura Jewell MW to be its new regional director for the UK and Europe.

#LidlSurprises and #AldiFestiveFeast host pop up restaurants in London

It seems the German discounters are not content at ripping up the UK grocery retail sector, they are now having a go at the on-trade too with news that they are moving into the ever popular world of pop-up restaurants.

Maison Sichel signs Amazon deal to boost off-trade sales

Maison Sichel has signed a deal with Amazon for five of its wines, with a special focus on flagship brand Sirius, in an effort to revitalise the brand after its UK off-trade distribution "ran out of steam".

Consumers to tighten purse strings on food and drink this Christmas

Consumers are planning to rein in Christmas spending on food, drink and gifts this year, according to a poll carried out by pub operator Greene King.

TescoGate latest: UK shareholders poised to sue over "reckless" accounting errors

A UK law firm is preparing legal action on behalf of Tesco shareholders that will allege directors and senior managers "knew or were reckless" over the retailer's "untrue of misleading" accounts, which overstated profits by £263 million.

Morrisons rapped by ASA for "misleading" wine adverts after only two complaints

Morrisons has been forced by the Advertising Standards Authority to pull what it claims are "misleading" adverts offering special promotions after only two complaints.

Online festive shopping major opportunity for retailers, says Euromonitor

Online shopping will rise globally and within Europe as consumers look for better deals online in the run-up to Christmas, but firms should ensure their sites are easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and have attractive delivery options, says market research firm Euromonitor.

Buck's Fizz is UK's favourite festive tipple, says Waitrose survey

Buck's Fizz, Irish coffee and mulled wine top the list of Britons' favourite festive cocktails, according to a survey of 1,000 people for Waitrose Cellar.