News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Tourism: Rioja surpassed 1 million visitors in 2025

Published: 12 May, 2026

DOCa Rioja has revealed that it received 1.16 million wine tourism visitors in 2025. This figure represents a 5% uplift compared to 2024.

Adrian Brice appointed head of buying at WineCap

Published: 12 May, 2026

WineCap has appointed Adrian Brice as its new head of buying, giving him responsibility for all purchasing decisions made by the investment platform and its sister company Westgarth Wines.

US saw -5% decline in beverage alcohol consumption in 2025

Published: 12 May, 2026

Total consumption of beverage alcohol in the US declined by -5% during 2025, according to new data released by the IWSR.

Matthew Clark and Bibendum finalise full merger

Published: 11 May, 2026

C&C Group has today announced the merger of distributors Matthew Clark and Bibendum into a single entity – Matthew Clark Bibendum (MCB).

Harpers Top 50 Sommeliers 2026 listing is open for nominations

Published: 11 May, 2026

Our annual Harpers Top 50 Sommeliers feature celebrates the best in the somm world, focusing in on the professionalism and talent shown by those behind many of the great wine and drinks offers we are lucky enough to have in restaurants and hotels across the UK.

Wine-Searcher purchased by Goudet family subsidiary

Published: 11 May, 2026

Pricing and wine discovery database Wine-Searcher has been acquired by GLX. The New York-based company is a subsidiary of Platin Sàrl, the Goudet family’s investment firm.

Coravin highlights research indicating by-the-glass growth

Published: 11 May, 2026

At a recent industry lunch, Coravin highlighted the results of three surveys conducted in 2025, which suggest that consumers are ordering more wine by-the-glass (BTG) than they were two years ago. The company is also expanding its guide to BTG lists.

The Drinks Trust: New campaign highlighting charity’s support line launched

Published: 11 May, 2026

UK drinks industry charity, The Drinks Trust, has introduced a fresh campaign to raise awareness to the trade of the services available via its 24/7, confidential support line.

South African harvest concludes after ‘pendulum’ growing conditions

Published: 11 May, 2026

The South African harvest has yielded a crop of 1.37 million tonnes following what has been described as a ‘pendulum’ growing season for the country’s wine producers.

Campari posts growth in Q1, though below market expectations

Published: 08 May, 2026

Campari Group has unveiled its growth figures for Q1, with the Italian drinks giant seeing a +2.9% rise in organic growth. Despite the uplift, this figure did not reach the anticipated +5.1% growth figure markets expected for the company.

Armit among those awarded at Italian wine trade fair

Published: 08 May, 2026

Importer Armit Wines was among the businesses to receive accolades at the recent first edition of the Wines Experience Market Shapers Awards.

UK Hospitality urges government to provide energy support for sector

Published: 08 May, 2026

In a letter to the chancellor, UK Hospitality has proposed six measures that the government could implement to help hospitality businesses through increasing energy costs.

Yann Bourigault appointed general manager of Castelnau Wine Agencies

Published: 08 May, 2026

Leading Champagne cooperative Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne (TEVC) has announced the appointment of Yann Bourigault (pictured) as the general manager of its UK subsidiary, Castelnau Wine Agencies.

Diageo sees unexpected increase in Q3 growth under new CEO

Published: 07 May, 2026

Diageo has released its Q3 (ending 31 March 2026) trading statement, detailing a +0.3% organic growth in net sales and +0.4% organic growth in volume year-on-year. This coincides with Diageo’s new CEO Sir Dave Lewis’ first full quarter in the role, having taken the helm on 1 January 2026.

Amber Beverage UK onboard two new directors

Published: 06 May, 2026

Spirits distributor Amber Beverage UK has announced the appointment of Selene Cakmak-Rathee (pictured, left) as marketing director and Nick Duncan (pictured, right) as UK sales director.

APCOR pushes cork’s sustainable credentials

Published: 06 May, 2026

The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) has revealed its UK communications campaign for 2026, designed to strengthen cork’s position as the “premium, future proof closure of choice”.

Mangrove appointed UK distributor for Fernet-Branca

Published: 06 May, 2026

UK premium spirits supplier Mangrove Global has unveiled that it has become the UK distributor for Fratelli Branca, the owner of the Fernet-Branca bitter brand.

Fortnum & Mason announces new own-label wine collection

Published: 06 May, 2026

Fortnum & Mason has unveiled its redesigned own-label still wine collection, which it called “a significant evolution” in its wine offering.

Diageo confirms finalists for World Class GB 2026

Published: 06 May, 2026

Diageo has revealed the ten bartenders who will take part in this year’s World Class GB final, with contestants hailing from around the UK.

NWCW to showcase career pathways within wine sector

Published: 05 May, 2026

National Wine Careers Week (NWCW) is set to commence this Saturday 9 May running until Saturday 16 May. The organisers of the initiative are encouraging businesses from across the sector to get involved and showcase the sector to a fresh audience.