News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hallgarten secures full Bruce Jack Wines UK distribution

Published: 15 January, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum wines has entered an exclusive agreement with Bruce Jack Wines to take over full UK distribution of the producer’s entire range.

Liberty expands Spanish portfolio offerings

Published: 15 January, 2025

Liberty Wines has announced new additions to its Spanish portfolio by becoming the exclusive UK distributor for Casa Castillo from Jumilla and Celler del Roure from Valencia.

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and WSET partner

Published: 15 January, 2025

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) have partnered to offer WSET’s Level 1 and 2 awards at the group’s Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking, Surrey.

Hallgarten continues portfolio expansion with Italian additions

Published: 14 January, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced an expansion to its already diverse Italian portfolio with the announcement of four new suppliers. The specialist wine importer says the addition of Tuscan-based Villa Saletta and Petra, Alois Lageder from Alto Adige and Prosecco producer, Masottina, will enhance its Italian range.

Gérard Basset Foundation announces 2025 Victims of Conflict Scholarship

Published: 14 January, 2025

The Gérard Basset Foundation has announced it is welcoming applications for its Artémis Domaines Golden Vines Victims of Conflict scholarships. The scholarships, which are jointly funded by Artémis Domaines and the charity, hope to provide meaningful support and career progression to wine professionals who have been impacted by war and geo-political conflict.

SWA highlights daily loss for HMRC of £500,000 duty

Published: 14 January, 2025

SWA chief executive has claimed the industry is “not crying wolf” over the impact of the double-digit rise in spirit duty since August 2023. According to Treasury figures, the revenue from spirits duty fell by £255m for the period running 1 August 2023 to 30 November 2024, which equates to an eye-watering half a million-pound loss in revenue every day for HMRC.

Majestic breaks own Christmas sales record

Published: 13 January, 2025

Majestic Wines has announced record Christmas sales, outperforming their previous best in 2023 by 1.9%. The nationwide wine retailer welcomed 70,000 new customers in the six-week period up to 30 December 2024, while achieving their best festive sales in the company’s 44-year history.

Grand Tokaj set for C&C distribution

Published: 13 January, 2025

Grand Tokaj will be distributed in the UK and Ireland by C&C Group as part of a deal which will see the flagship Tokaj producer extend its reach across the UK and Ireland.

The Drinks Trust launches new £1m campaign

Published: 13 January, 2025

The Drinks Trust has today announced a new campaign to raise £1 million to support individuals in the drinks retail trade facing financial hardship. The Face It Together campaign hopes to raise awareness of the challenges those in drinks hospitality sector continue to face due to the turbulent economic circumstances of the past few years.

Alliance and H2Vin launch 2023 Burgundy en primeur

Published: 13 January, 2025

Alliance Wine is launching its first fully fledged Burgundy en primeur campaign thanks to the integration of wines from the newly acquired H2Vin portfolio.

House of Townend and Firth & Co announce new appointments

Published: 10 January, 2025

Two notable UK merchants have greeted 2025 with new appointments and promotions, with Georgia Townend (picured, above) stepping into the role of senior wine buyer and associate director at the eponymous firm, House of Townend.

50 Best Indies 2025: The full list

Published: 10 January, 2025

Once again we reveal our 50 Best Indies, highlighting the most dynamic merchants in the wine and spirits world.

Noble Rot sommelier jumps ship to Burgundy

Published: 10 January, 2025

Stephanie Wangui, erstwhile sommelier at Noble Rot Mayfair and a Sommelier Wine Awards judge, has relocated to the Cote d'Or to work as a trainee viticulturist with Domaine Guy Roulot.

Amber Beverage UK adds Orsadrinks (ODK) to portfolio

Published: 10 January, 2025

Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has become the exclusive UK distributor for a Piedmont-based manufacturer of fruit purees, syrups and RTDs, after being impressed by the company's “unrivalled sourcing, quality, authenticity and design”.

50 Best Indies 2025: Watch the Top 10 reveal at our winners lunch

Published: 10 January, 2025

This week has seen the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Restless River joins Liberty Wines

Published: 10 January, 2025

South African winery Restless River has become the latest addition to the portfolio at Liberty Wines, with this Hemel-en-Aarde estate being renowned for its cool climate varietals.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Erik Simonics, Sunset Hospitality Group

Published: 10 January, 2025

Rounding off our end of year talking heads is Erik Simonics, head of wine & beverage UK for Sunset Hospitality Group, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

50 Best Indies 2025 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 09 January, 2025

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Bancroft appoints new sales director

Published: 09 January, 2025

Bancroft Wines has announced the appointment of Tony Schendel to its governance board, joining the team as sales director following an illustrious career in the trade.

Domaine Lafage becomes latest member of Hallgarten family

Published: 09 January, 2025

A leading producer in the Languedoc-Roussillon has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Hallgarten & Novum Wines, adding further clout to the importer's expanding portfolio of French wineries.