News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

SITT Spring unveils masterclass topics

Published: 21 January, 2026

The leading tasting event for independent drinks suppliers, SITT – which is due to return this Spring – has revealed the topics for two of its masterclasses.

WSET announces Laurent-Perrier as newest Gold Partner

Published: 21 January, 2026

WSET has announced that independent, family-run Champagne house Laurent-Perrier has become its newest Gold Partner.

Study finds price is biggest pressure on alcohol sales

Published: 21 January, 2026

A new study by MMR Research has found that nearly four in ten UK consumers (39%) say they are lowering their alcohol consumption because of affordability.

Nearly 9,000 hospitality jobs lost since Budget

Published: 20 January, 2026

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the hospitality sector employed 8,784 fewer people in December 2025 compared to November 2025.

Drinks Trust unveils refreshed campaign for 140th anniversary

Published: 20 January, 2026

Hospitality charity The Drinks Trust has revealed a special edition of its “Face It Together” campaign – encouraging the drinks industry to extend its support to the Trust – launched for the company’s 140th anniversary.

Majestic hails best Christmas ever

Published: 20 January, 2026

Leading wine retailer Majestic Wine has announced that this Christmas trading period was the biggest in its 45-year history, reporting a 0.9% increase in total sales over the five weeks to 29th December 2025.

Zonin1821 UK announces major investment in low and no-alcohol segment

Published: 19 January, 2026

Multinational wine brand Zonin1821 has unveiled plans to step up its focus on category innovation in 2026, with new launches designed to capture a slice of the increasingly lucrative low and no-alcohol market.

Indie Beer Week set to return this Spring

Published: 19 January, 2026

Returning for its second year, Indie Beer Week 2026, a UK-wide series of events promoting "independent beer, pubs and people” is due to take place from 10-19 April.

Journey's End unveils significant rebrand

Published: 19 January, 2026

South African producer Journey's End will henceforth be known as Gabb Family Wines, retaining the original name for its flagship estate in Stellenbosch.

Cité du Vin takes stock as it enters 10th anniversary year

Published: 19 January, 2026

As it approaches its 10th anniversary, the Cité du Vin has released figures looking back over 2025, a year in which it welcomed 390,000 visitors of 170 different nationalities.

30 Under 30 is back for 2026: Nominations now open

Published: 19 January, 2026

Nominations are now open for our annual celebration of up-and-coming stars in the wine & spirits trade. Whether you have a colleague who you feel is worthy of recognition for their skill, knowledge and creativity or if you wish to self-nominate for you contribution to uplifting the drinks trade, the time is now.

Prowein introduces new VIP Buyers programme to entice UK market

Published: 16 January, 2026

Prowein Düsseldorf has unveiled a new ‘VIP Hosted Buyer Program’ with a special focus on the UK market for the 2026 edition of the conference.

Alliance reveals events calendar shake up for 2026

Published: 16 January, 2026

Leading independent wholesaler Alliance Wine has unveiled a new look events calendar for 2026. The “bold, refreshed events strategy”, as the importer puts it, aims to forge deeper connections with its customer base.

Ellis Wines achieves B Corp certification

Published: 16 January, 2026

Family-run wine merchant Ellis Wines – which supplies the on-trade – has achieved B Corp certification, with a B impact score of 84.8.

Badenhorst and South Africa expert Damon Quinlan join Liberty Wines

Published: 16 January, 2026

Distributor Liberty Wines has strengthened its South Africa portfolio with the addition of A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines and the expertise of Damon Quinlan, who joins the team with over 20 years’ experience selling South African wine into the UK.

Overall Prosecco sales growth muted but impressive US increase

Published: 15 January, 2026

The Prosecco DOC has unveiled its sales figures for 2025 with 667 million bottles sold globally – representing 1.1% growth year on year. The value of these sales stood at €3.6bn, approximately the same as 2024.

Hallgarten strengthens Chilean portfolio with Garage Wine Co

Published: 15 January, 2026

Wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has reinforced its Chilean portfolio with the addition of old-vine specialist Garage Wine Co.

Raimat launches largest natural European gravity-based water treatment plant

Published: 14 January, 2026

Lleida-based winery Raimat has constructed the largest natural gravity-based water treatment plant in Europe, creating 40,000m2 of wetlands in the middle of its vineyards that can purify 80,000 litres of water per day.

Old Vine Registry vineyard registrations double in year to 9,400

Published: 14 January, 2026

The Old Vine Registry, the world’s largest database of historic vine plantings, has announced that it has reached 9,393 registered vineyards across 42 countries to date. The figure represents an impressive surge in registrations, with 4,000 total entries this time last year by comparison.

Champagnes & Chateaux tap Richard Nunn for new role

Published: 14 January, 2026

Premium wine distributor Champagnes & Chateaux has announced that Richard Nunn will be appointed to the new role of off-trade key account manager. The well-known industry figure joins the company following 35 years with Louis Latour.