Insights: Retailers look back on the Christmas trading period

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.

FMV signs exclusive agency deal with South Africa's Mullineux

Fields, Morris & Verdin has added Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines to its portfolio of South African wines.

Q&A: Paul Schaafsma, chief executive, Accolade Wines

The recently appointed head of Accolade Wines talks about life in the top job, Chilean wine brand Anakena launching in the UK and how he plans to make Accolade a global one-stop shop for New World wines

Analysis: Trade optimism lifts following festive trading

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

The Smith Report: The Brexit effect

With the revelation that the historic referendum could take place this year, should the wine trade be worried? Erin Smith investigates

Buckingham Schenk to push key new Chilean brands at SITT

UK wine importer Buckingham Schenk is to unveil a range of wines from Chile's Garcés Silva Family Vineyards at the Specialist Importers Trade Tasting (SITT) in February.

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

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.

HMRC clampdown on duty evasion begins

The HMRC's Alcohol Wholesaler Registratation Scheme is now operational.

Flint looks to Brooklyn's Red Hook for latest US winery listing

On-trade supplier Flint Wines has signed an exclusive deal to add Brooklyn's Red Hook Winery to its US portfolio.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Clare Griffiths, Concho y Toro

Our final look back at 2015 is from Clare Griffiths, commercial director for Concho y Toro UK which saw an impressive performance for 2015- which may be tough to beat.  But looking ahead Griffiths is most excited about continuing the work her team has been doing in 2016 by focusing on building strong brands that deliver value in the UK market.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Bernard Fontannaz, Origin Wine

Bernard Fontannaz, founder of Origin Wine, looks back at an overall positive 2015 and is excited about the sustainable future he is building for his company. He had a year full of expansion and is looking forward to more innovation in 2016.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Nik Darlington, Red Squirrel Wine

For founder of Red Squirrel Wine, Nik Darlington, 2015 was a year of tremendous growth. Next year Darlington is looking forward to getting his wines even further around the UK. He sees that in 2016 the way forward, although challenging, will be through building a loyal and sustainable customer base.

ALERT: Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme in Force from 1 January 2016

From the 1 January 2016 HMRC will introduce the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) to tackle alcohol fraud. Cindy Dorrington of Bivonas Law asseses the implication for the trade. 

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Robin Copestick, Copestick Murray

Robin Copestick of Copestick Murray looks back at Stoke City football and how healthy the UK wine trade was in 2015. Although 2015 was good- "2016 will be better still."

De Bortoli to launch two new terroir-focused wine ranges

Australian winemaker De Bortoli is to launch two new wine ranges into the UK in January.

Liberty Wines extends premium New Zealand list with Burn Cottage Pinot Noirs

Liberty Wines has added Central Otago's Burn Cottage Vineyard to its range of premium New Zealand Pinot Noirs.

Matthew Clark predicts adventurous 2016 for consumers

Leading online distributor Matthew Clark is predicting that UK consumers will become yet more inquisitive in 2016.

Flint Wines to unveil the reborn Domaine Launay-Horiot at 2016 en primeur tasting

London-based on-trade supplier Flint Wines has added Burgundy's resurrected Domaine Launay-Horiot estate to its portfolio.

Q&A: Nik Darlington, founder, Red Squirrel Wine

Bibendum PLB adds Coates & Seely to English wine roster

Hampshire-based producer of sparkling wine Coates & Seely is moving its distribution to Bibendum PLB Group in January.