Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Campari Group appoints new CEO

Published: 04 December, 2024

Industry veteran Simon Hunt has been appointed CEO of the Campari Group, after an extensive assessment process involving both internal and external candidates.

All change for Gusbourne as it announces CEO

Published: 17 January, 2024

Leading sparkling and fine wine producer Gusbourne has today announced it has a new CEO, with former marketing director Jonathan White stepping up following a ‘rigorous internal and external search process’.

Harpers exclusive: Enotria’s new CEO

Published: 02 October, 2023

Enotria & Coe has announced a new CEO, Harpers can exclusively reveal, with Julian Momen taking over in the top job from long-standing CEO Troy Christensen.

Simon Thorpe MW steps down as WineGB CEO

Published: 03 April, 2023

It is all change for WineGB as the trade organisation announces it is looking for a new CEO.

Producer Q&A: Tiffani Graydon, Yealands Wine Group

Published: 31 January, 2023

CEO Tiffani Graydon talks to Andrew Catchpole about joining Yealands just ahead of the pandemic and where she’s driving the company now.

Paper bottles break supermarket barrier with Sainsbury’s listing

Published: 05 January, 2023

When in Rome (WiR), one of the UK’s leading alt-format wine brands is set to launch its range of recycled paper wine bottles into Sainsbury’s during the first quarter 2023.

Talking heads: Dynamic France

Published: 24 November, 2022

Jo Gilbert caught up with some of the UK’s leading French wine importers to ask the burning question: what is France doing well currently – and why?

New Zealand exports hit new high

Published: 31 October, 2022

The value of New Zealand wine in international markets has reached a record-breaking high, New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has revealed, with exports for the past 12 months reaching NZ$2.03 billion.

Virgin achieves carbon neutral

Published: 06 October, 2022

Online retailer Virgin Wines has reached a new milestone in its sustainability journey, by announced that they have officially been certified carbon neutral.

Fine wine policy institute releases global sustainability report

Published: 03 October, 2022

Areni Global, a think tank dedicated to the future of fine wine, has released a ground-breaking report examining the major threats, and opportunities, facing the sector today.

Affordable Burgundy leads the charge for fine wine

Published: 30 September, 2022

Burgundy emerged as the dominant force in fine wine investment for September, Winecap has revealed in the latest analysis of its fine wine index, Wine Track, as the region grows its reputation as the leading investment area for price performance on the secondary market.

Naked Wines brushes off CEO woes for first standalone tasting

Published: 22 September, 2022

It was a marriage of convenience. Naked Wines needed the cash injection. Majestic needed the online know-how in order to expand its digital footprint. After the pair’s relatively amicable breakup in 2019, Naked Wines is now very much looking to re-establish itself as a solo entity with a serious portfolio that can engage even the most sceptical wine lovers.

Profile: Virgin’s positive mission

Published: 20 September, 2022

With his relaxed style and ample enthusiasm, Jay Wright certainly doesn’t fit the old stereotype of a wine trade CEO. As the boss of one of the more successful online retailers, though, he is clear about the vision and values that underpin the popularity of Virgin Wines. And much of that comes down to what he believes the company – and, by extension, the wider drinks trade – actually sells.

Cautious optimism for energy freeze as trade braces for bitter winter

Published: 09 September, 2022

The six-month energy cap unveiled by the Prime Minister yesterday has been met with a smattering of optimism among businesses. Though predictably, the resounding consensus from many corners of the trade is that the measure does not nearly go far enough in limiting the impact of exorbitant energy costs.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Lessons from the Tory leadership – are we heading into disaster?

Published: 21 July, 2022

Oh dear, perhaps it was always too much to hope for. The embarrassment of the country being led by a self-serving clown has finally timed out, but the opportunity for serious politics to be rehabilitated looks certain to be missed.

Calls for action on business rates as inflation reaches 40-year high

Published: 20 July, 2022

Mounting pressure is being placed on the government to ease the ‘financial fragility’ of the hospitality sector during its upcoming review of business rates, as businesses continue to suffer rising supply chain costs and runaway inflation.

English wine comes of age at the UK’s wine ‘BAFTAs’

Published: 18 July, 2022

English and Welsh wine appears to have entered a new era of maturity, as ‘newcomers’ to the scene continue to rake in accolades alongside more established names.

Economic crisis worsens for Lebanon as harvest approaches

Published: 07 July, 2022

Lebanese winery IXSIR has called on exporters to help boost sales of its products abroad, as the country continues to fight ongoing crippling inflation and energy shortages.

Bibendum and The Drinks Trust partner up to develop wine skills

Published: 06 July, 2022

Bibendum and The Drinks Trust have partnered to offer free wine training as part of a joint initiative to train and educate the next generation of drink industry professionals.

Paper bottle makes its way to Laithwaites

Published: 04 July, 2022

Online wine merchant Laithwaites has launched its first wine packaged in a paper bottle – continuing a packaging trend which is rapidly gathering speed.