News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

North South embraces Argentina via Santa Rita Estates

Published: 01 July, 2022

North South Wines is launching two new wine ranges into the UK from the Santa Rita Estate stable.

Friday read: Why whisky is bouncing back from the pandemic

Published: 01 July, 2022

Alan Hamilton, director of corporate finance at Johnston Carmichael, explains why whisky’s fortunes are on the rise in the global stage.

New Zealand seals the deal with Europe

Published: 01 July, 2022

New Zealand has signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU in a deal which largely mirrors the UK’s own NZ FTA.

German Riesling NFTs to support The Drinks Trust

Published: 01 July, 2022

Wines of Germany has taken a leap into the metaverse with the launch of 31 Riesling-themed NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens).

Bollinger expands Loire footprint with Hubert Brochard

Published: 01 July, 2022

The Bollinger Group has increased its presence in the Loire Valley with the acquisition of Sancerre’s Hubert Brochard estate.

'Champagne Charlie' returns after 37 years

Published: 30 June, 2022

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Heidsieck and the rebirth of the legendary Cuvée Champagne Charlie, members of the trade and press were invited to an epic voyage on the River Thames.

‘It’s not the job of businesses to solve global problems’ says Mangrove MD

Published: 30 June, 2022

A new taxpayer-funded ad campaign will ask businesses to cut prices to help with the cost-of-living crisis from July.

The drinks trend casualties in the cost-of-living crisis

Published: 30 June, 2022

As we hover on the edge of a possible recession, with inflation reaching a 40-year year high in June, it’s no surprise that UK consumers are tightening their belts.

Cross-party report issues dire warning about Deposit Return Scheme

Published: 29 June, 2022

An inquiry led by the cross-party beer and pubs group in the Scottish Parliament has warned that a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) cannot be successfully implemented without drastic changes to the scope and remit of the proposed initiative.

Freixenet Copestick bolsters its Argentine portfolio

Published: 29 June, 2022

Leading distributor Freixenet Copestick has welcomed a new agency into its portfolio: Bodega Navarro Correas.

Rioja Wine Month returns this October

Published: 29 June, 2022

A month-long celebration of Spain’s finest wine-producing region across independent retailers and restaurants nationwide, Rioja Wine Month returns this October to bring the quality and diversity of Rioja to life for consumers across the UK.

Penfolds unveils UK summer pop-up

Published: 29 June, 2022

Aussie wine brand Penfolds is undertaking a whistle-stop tour of the UK's leading festivals this summer, which began with the Isle of Wight Festival earlier this month.

National Hospitality Day returns for second edition

Published: 29 June, 2022

A landmark event pioneered in 2021 will return to the UK this year, uniting a diverse cross-section of businesses in the hospitality sector.

Southern Italy’s largest winery receives B-Corp certification

Published: 29 June, 2022

Feudi di San Gregorio in southern Italy has been awarded B-Corp status this month – a testament to the brand's success in adopting more sustainable farming and business practices.

Liquid Icons announces recipients of 14 new scholarships

Published: 28 June, 2022

Liquid Icons, the fine wine research company founded by the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET, have announced the recipients of The 2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines Master of Wine & Master Sommelier Scholarships, as well as the recipients of The 2022 Golden Vines Wine Scholar Guild Scholarships.

Festa and the future of wine tastings

Published: 27 June, 2022

Last weekend a landmark wine festival, Festa, opened its doors for a celebration of Portuguese wine in London’s Tabacco Dock.

Scotland’s oldest wine merchant opens new shop

Published: 27 June, 2022

Scotland’s oldest wine merchant, which counted Sir Walter Scott, Charles Dickens, and King George IV among its customers, has been reinvigorated with new premises in Edinburgh’s New Town.

Britain’s cities back in growth as spend and inflation rise

Published: 27 June, 2022

Out-of-home food and drink sales are in growth in all of Britain’s 10 biggest city centres, with higher spend-per-visit driving growth rather than footfall.

Friday read: The future looks bright for ambitious Garda DOC

Published: 24 June, 2022

With prices rising for wines from top Italian DOCs and other producers – thanks to high demand and prices coupled with the collapse in sterling – these are tough times for the UK wine trade, with the pressure on margins tougher than ever.