News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

2025 Golden Vines Award winners announced

Published: 10 November, 2025

On 8 November 2025, the winners of the 2025 Golden Vines Awards were announced in a ceremony at the Faena Forum in Miami.

Former Tesco chief Dave Lewis announced as Diageo CEO

Published: 10 November, 2025

Drinks giant Diageo has unveiled its new chief executive with Sir Dave Lewis taking the helm at the company. The new hire will commence his role from 1 January 2026.

Leading hospitality businesses demand action at upcoming Budget

Published: 10 November, 2025

Trade body UKHospitality has called for action ahead of the upcoming Budget in an open letter backed by 345 hospitality businesses.

Nick Gillett: EPR is hitting spirits hard

Published: 10 November, 2025

October marked the beginning of fees coming into play for the notorious Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme – the UK government’s latest attempt at minimising waste packaging in our supply chains. Now, this new scheme’s effects are far reaching, it spans industries and channels but I would argue there are few worse affected than spirits.

Old vines celebrated at biggest conference to date

Published: 07 November, 2025

Dubbed ‘The Meeting of the Minds’, the recent Old Vine Conference in California brought together an unrivalled number of speakers, delegates and stakeholders for a celebration and exploration of one of the wine world’s most important assets.

JSS launches 'Emergency Guarantee System' as rice falls short for sake

Published: 07 November, 2025

The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) has introduced the ‘Emergency Guarantee System for Sharp Rice Price Increases’ which guarantees breweries’ debts when they borrow production funds from financial institutions.

IWSR: Global H1 alcohol volume sales decline, value steady

Published: 06 November, 2025

Fresh data from IWSR can reveal that global total beverage alcohol (TBA) consumption volume was in decline during the first half of the financial year, with a drop of -1% reported.

London Wine Fair announces management buyout

Published: 05 November, 2025

The London Wine Fair (LWF) has been acquired by current event director Hannah Tovey in an unprecedented buyout, marking a new chapter for the UK's longest-running drinks exhibition.

WineCap releases Q3 Fine Wine Report

Published: 05 November, 2025

The wine investment platform WineCap has released its Q3 2025 Fine Wine Report, highlighting a strengthening market background.

Equal Measures UK expands into wine sector

Published: 05 November, 2025

Equal Measures UK, a non-profit organisation dedicated to driving intersectional inclusion across the drinks and hospitality industries, has announced its expansion into the wine trade.

Armit unveils new portfolio director

Published: 05 November, 2025

Leading distributor Armit Wines has announced the appointment of Svet Manolov MS as its new portfolio director.

Viña Concha y Toro celebrates revenue growth as premium brands drive performance

Published: 05 November, 2025

Multinational wine producer Viña Concha y Toro has reported a strong third quarter, unveiling a sales increase of 10% - its eighth consecutive quarter of growth.

Berry Bros. & Rudd launches in the US

Published: 04 November, 2025

The UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd has announced that it is expanding into the US market with the opening of a flagship store in Washington D.C.

Craft distillers call for inclusion of spirits in Small Producer Relief

Published: 04 November, 2025

An open letter calling upon the chancellor to extend UK Small Producer Relief (SPR) to spirits businesses has garnered the support of multiple small distilleries, including Elsham Wold Distillery, Wharf Distillery, Doghouse distillery and London Distilling Co.

Campari-owner sees €1.3bn seized due to alleged tax evasion

Published: 03 November, 2025

Shares in Campari Group have fallen 5% today, after police seized shares worth €1.3bn from its majority-owner Lagfin over alleged tax evasion, as reported by the BBC.

Pub insolvencies on rise as cost pressures take toll

Published: 03 November, 2025

Pub insolvencies saw a marked increase during Q2 and Q3 of 2025, reversing a tentative recovery seen earlier this year. According to accountancy firm Price Bailey, 219 pubs entered insolvency in Q2, followed by 189 in Q3. Q1 saw 161 establishments not able to pay their debts.

Research highlights viticultural value of old vine Garnacha

Published: 03 November, 2025

The results of two studies that form part of the Garnachas Históricas project were presented at the Old Vine Conference in California this past weekend (1 November).

‘Turbo autumn’ sees top German producers negotiate early ripening

Published: 03 November, 2025

The German wine association Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) – which represents around 200 of the nation’s top producers – has announced the completion of this year’s harvest.

The Whisky Exchange unveils Indian agave spirit range

Published: 31 October, 2025

The Whisky Exchange and The Whisky Exchange Trade have announced the addition of Maya Pistola Agavepura – India’s first aged 100% agave spirit – to its portfolio.

Diageo launches campaign to improve understanding of alcohol units

Published: 31 October, 2025

Diageo has launched an educational campaign – Fancy That! – which is aimed at helping consumers better understand alcohol units. The campaign will also highlight the role spirits can play for people who plan to moderate.