Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Waitrose reports boom in gin sales, as craft and artisan styles increase

Published: 01 June, 2015

Waitrose has seen a surge of gin sales, up 7% on the same time last year, boosted by the growing interest in new styles.

Consumer confidence in the UK hits a 9 year high, according to Nielsen

Published: 01 June, 2015

UK consumer confidence, which rose for the fifth consecutive quarter, hit the highest level in nine years according to Nielsen's most recent figures.

As many as 3.4m UK middle aged drinkers are at risk of health problems despite industry warnings

Published: 01 June, 2015

Drinkaware, the alcohol education charity, found that 3.4m middle aged drinkers are "regularly drinking about the lower risk limits despite many recognising the potential health arms" according to a new report.

Tesco appoints former Diageo lawyer to head up legal team

Published: 29 May, 2015

Tesco has appointed Diageo's former lawyer David Berry as its first UK legal director, according to legal publication, The Lawyer.

New viticulture research programme opens in Kent to boost English wine industry

Published: 28 May, 2015

A trial research vineyard is being established at the East Malling Research centre in Kent which aims to boost productivity and margins within the English wine industry.

London bar chain Dirty Martini to open seventh site

Published: 28 May, 2015

London on-trade operator CG Restaurants and Bars is set to open a new site for its Dirty Martini bar chain in Islington next month.

Gusbourne Estate set to raise £3.57m from share to boost investment

Published: 28 May, 2015

English wine producer Gusbourne Estate is looking to raise more than £3.57m to invest in its winery and brand.

Online retailer New Zealand Cellar set to open first London shop this week

Published: 27 May, 2015

Online wine retailer The New Zealand Cellar is set to open its first retail shop in London this week, which has been funded entirely through crowd-funding.

Liberty Wines boost New Zealand portfolio

Published: 27 May, 2015

Liberty Wines has boosted its New Zealand portfolio after signing up wine producer Akarua.

Romanian wine supplier predicts rise of indigenous grapes following supermaket boost

Published: 27 May, 2015

A Romanian wine supplier that has increased UK exports tenfold in the past five years predicts a golden dawn for the country's wines after gaining listings for premium lines made with indigenous grapes.

International demand for Japanese craft beer prompts Kiuchi Brewery expansion

Published: 26 May, 2015

Japanese family-owned brewery Kiuchi Brewery is expanding its facilities to meet increased demand from the overseas and domestic market for their range of Hatachino Nest beers.

Fruit-fusion wines reaching "critical mass', Australian Vintage boss says

Published: 26 May, 2015

Fruit-fusion wines are reaching a tipping point that is seeing them readily accepted by consumers and able to be merchandised as a new category, a leading wine brand owner has claimed.

Off-Piste Wines launches varietal-led range, from the creator of 'I Heart' brand

Published: 26 May, 2015

Off-Piste Wines has launched a new mid-tier range of varietal-led wines that is targeting younger consumers in the convenience sector.

Champagne and sparkling rises in the on-trade, but prosecco dominates the off, new report shows

Published: 22 May, 2015

Champagne and sparkling wine sales have grown in the on-trade on the back of a stabilisation of on-trade venues - but prosecco continued to dominate the off-trade, according to the fourth annual Lanson category report.