News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Liberty strengthens Loire portfolio with two fresh additions

Published: 06 November, 2026

Liberty Wines has bolstered its Loire range with the addition of Domaine Ogereau from Anjou and Goustine in Vouvray.

Bad Appel launch: New Calvados aims to ‘corrupt the classics’

Published: 06 November, 2026

At the launch of brand new Calvados, Bad Appel, Spirit Cartel co-founder Charles Marshall (pictured) explained how his ambition is to show the trade “how this underrated spirit can work”.

Familia Torres launches bottle ‘reuse circuit’ with PortAventura World

Published: 06 November, 2026

Familia Torres has joined up with entertainment resort PortAventura World to create what it calls a “reuse circuit” for more than 8,000 wine bottles.

MBH Holding: Scotch expertise combines for new £16m spirits group

Published: 05 November, 2026

Charlie MacLean MBE, Vikki Bruce, Jamie Burke, Liam Hughes and Mike Hayward have joined to form MBH Holding, a brand new ‘independent Scottish spirits group’ that is set to operate across the world of Scotch, from indie bottling and cask ownership to travel and rare spirits.

Diageo sees net sales improvements in Q1 2027

Published: 05 November, 2026

In Q1 2027, Diageo saw organic growth of 1.4% and 1.1% in net sales and volume, respectively, when compared to the year before – with the improvement coming on the back of a restructuring plan implemented by CEO Sir Dave Lewis.

Exclusive: The Wine Fusion acquires Roberson Wine

Published: 04 November, 2026

Bespoke wine innovator The Wine Fusion has brought specialist agency business Roberson Wine into the fold, with the aim of expanding the latter’s reach beyond its London stronghold.

Revived Oxford Artisan Distillery appoints board of directors

Published: 04 November, 2026

Oxford Spirts Group, the owner of the recently revived The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD), has announced the board of directors that will spearhead the producer’s return to the city at its original Headington site.

Drinkaware: One in five Brits drink at level of ‘increasing risk’

Published: 04 November, 2026

Alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has detailed new research that one in five Brits is drinking at a level of ‘increasing risk’, though it said many would view this consumption as “normal, routine and an expected part of social life”.

Wine Guild banquet set to honour Hugh Johnson

Published: 04 November, 2026

The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom has said that this year its most important annual tradition – the Celebratory Winter Banquet & Ceremony – will be “particularly momentous”, as it encourages the trade to attend.

Flor de Caña: Rum brand pens distribution agreement with Paragon Brands

Published: 04 November, 2026

Super-premium Nicaraguan rum brand Flor de Caña has announced that Paragon Brands is set to be its exclusive UK distribution partner.

Concha y Toro forecasts 2027 sales rebound after Q3 improvements

Published: 03 November, 2026

Viña Concha y Toro has updated its revenue predictions, forecasting a 2027 sales rebound of between 1.9% and 4.7%.

London Wine Fair puts the spotlight on Portugal with new initiative

Published: 02 November, 2026

London Wine Fair (LWF) has announced the launch of its ‘Spotlight Nation’ initiative for 2027, placing focus on a single country’s wines.

Vagabond’s ‘exciting expansion’ sees Brighton location open its doors

Published: 02 November, 2026

Vagabond has opened the doors of its newest venue in Brighton, the first outside of London since it unveiled a bar in Birmingham in 2021.

Australian Grape & Wine unveils Mark Harvey-Sutton as new CEO

Published: 02 November, 2026

Trade body Australian Grape & Wine (AGW) has revealed that Mark Harvey-Sutton has been appointed as its new CEO.

Enter now! Sommelier Wine Awards 2027

Published: 02 November, 2026

The Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) is currently open to entries for its 2027 edition, representing a major opportunity for wines looking to raise their profile in hotels, pubs, bars, and restaurants.

Scotland: Fizz Feast trade preview to donate proceeds to Drinks Trust

Published: 02 November, 2026

Popular Edinburgh consumer wine event Fizz Feast is set to host its first ever trade preview on Friday 27 November, with all proceeds going to The Drinks Trust.

Wine Paris continues to evolve to meet industry challenges

Published: 30 October, 2026

Vinexposium – the organiser of Wine Paris – has announced the key focuses and changes for the 2027 edition of the trade fair, giving potential attendees a glimpse of what’s in store for next year’s event.

Pinnacle Guide: Stoke-on-Trent and Edinburgh bars among fresh awardees

Published: 30 October, 2026

Global cocktail bar recognition system The Pinnacle Guide has unveiled 29 new bars that have been awarded either one or two pins.

Nick Larsson-Bell and Freeman Ho join The Whisky Exchange

Published: 30 October, 2026

The Whisky Exchange has appointed Nick Larsson-Bell (pictured, left) as its buying director and Freeman Ho (pictured, right) as its head of auction, collectively bringing over 35 years of experience in spirits buying, retail, collecting and auction to its expert team.

John Healy’s Budget provokes mixed reaction from UK drinks trade

Published: 29 October, 2026

Following yesterday’s Autumn Budget the drinks industry has been mulling over what it means for the trade. Rates relief for small business is welcome but a duty rise of 4.55% in line with RPI will be a headache for many.