Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hallgarten appoints Julien Lever to new head of operations role

Published: 30 September, 2025

Wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced the hiring of Julien Lever to the newly created role of head of operations.

Fells onboards Bodega Lagarde in Argentine expansion

Published: 29 September, 2025

Premium wine distributor Fells has announced the addition of Mendoza’s Bodega Lagarde to its portfolio.

Enotria announces strategic rebrand

Published: 18 September, 2025

Enotria&Coe has revealed that it’s bringing back its original name, Enotria.

Enotria&Coe CEO Julian Momen set to leave role

Published: 20 August, 2025

Majestic Wine Group has announced that CEO of Entoria&Coe Julian Momen is set retire and step down from the position at the end of September. Momen will remain in an advisory role until early 2026.

Wholesalers: Exploring the ownership of the trade’s top suppliers

Published: 08 August, 2025

From family to sovereign wealth fund-owned, the shape of wholesale ownership in the UK is diverse. An examination of the top 10 of the Harpers Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 highlights this ever-changing picture, showing how ownership has evolved in recent years.

Mentzendorff onboards Exton Park in Hampshire addition

Published: 06 August, 2025

Importer Mentzendorff has added Hampshire winery Exton Park to its portfolio.

Bancroft onboards Yarra Valley’s Oakridge Wines to portfolio

Published: 28 July, 2025

Importer Bancroft Wines has announced the addition of Oakridge Wines from Australia’s Yarra Valley to its portfolio.

Hallgarten continues portfolio expansion with first cognac

Published: 25 July, 2025

The importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has continued its portfolio expansion apace with the addition of Cognac producer Frapin.

LWC opens sustainable depot in Merseyside

Published: 25 July, 2025

Independent wholesaler LWC has opened a 74,500sq ft state-of-the-art distribution depot in Knowsley, Merseyside, in what it says is “a major investment in the region and setting a new standard for service and sustainability”.

Brand Phoenix partners with Australia’s McWilliam's Wines

Published: 16 July, 2025

Wine agency and distributor Brand Phoenix has unveiled a new partnership with New South Wales-based McWilliam's Wines.

Hallgarten & Novum Wines continues expansion with 18 new staff

Published: 09 July, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has added 18 new team members in a move that means it has boosted its numbers by nearly 50% in the last 18 months.

Hallgarten & Novum Wines partners with Champagne Gosset

Published: 02 July, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has entered a strategic partnership with Champagne Gosset, becoming the exclusive distributor of its portfolio to the UK hospitality and retail sectors.

Provençal rosé estate Château Sainte Roseline partners with North South

Published: 13 June, 2025

North South Wines, the Bicester-based importer, has bolstered its Provençal rosé offering with the addition of Château Sainte Roseline to its range.

Bottle weight update to Hallgarten Eco Standard

Published: 06 June, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has updated its sustainability guide to include analysis of bottle weight and use of recycled materials in wine bottles.

EWGA slashes emissions with HVO fuel switch

Published: 05 June, 2025

Lancashire wine importer and wholesaler EWGA Wines has announced it is switching its entire fleet of vans from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel.

Bibendum-owner C&C Group's operating profit rises with revenue stable

Published: 28 May, 2025

The owner of importer Bibendum, C&C Group has announced its results for the financial year ending 28 February 2025.

Venus Wine and Spirits expansion continues with new Birmingham depot

Published: 14 May, 2025

Venus Wine and Spirits Merchants is poised to open a fifth distribution centre one year after the business was acquired by the Booker Group in 2024.

Profile: Thorman Hunt’s Simon Thorpe MW

Published: 13 May, 2025

Being selfish, please don’t tell the world how good TH are!” As pleas of the ‘don’t spoil the party for those in the know’ go, this comment, from a London-based wine consultant, stands as pretty flattering, whichever way you slice it. And it certainly seems to fit with the image of Thorman Hunt out in the wider trade; namely that this team of self-described ‘wine shippers’ quietly gets on with doing what it does well – shifting great wines without fanfare or fuss. And, as anyone who has attended its tastings will doubtless attest, the French-dominated, generally smaller domaine-led portfolio lands some beautiful organoleptic punches, with subtle and elegant styles being to the fore.

Diageo GB announces new marketing and innovation director

Published: 30 April, 2025

Drinks giant Diageo Great Britain has announced the appointment of Ursula Mejía Melgar as its new marketing and innovation director. The role will see the new director responsible for shaping leading brands including Guiness, Smirnoff and Gordon’s in the UK market.

LWC and MDCV enter new on-trade partnership

Published: 24 April, 2025

Producer of English and Provençal wines MDCV UK has announced a fresh on-trade distribution partnership with wholesaler LWC. The deal will see LWC distribute two of MDCV’s English wine brands: Silverhand Estate and Harlot.