Nick Gillett: Wholesale at a crossroads – which way now?

We’re now at a crossroads in the UK. I don’t mean economically or politically. I will leave others to comment on that. Having worked previously for a wholesaler and now as a distributor, it’s the changing wholesale drinks market I want to discuss.

C&C Group’s Bibendum and Matthew Clark join Harpers Sustainability Charter

One of the UK’s leading premium wine specialists, Bibendum, has signed onto the Harpers Sustainability Charter as a ‘Sustainability Champion’. 

Raymond Reynolds imports Pico Wines via zero-emission sail vessel

Pico Wines and their UK importer Raymond Reynolds have announced the first shipment of wine from the Island of Pico, the first to the UK in over 80 years.

Fine wine gets the January blues

Fine wine got off to a slow start in the first month of 2023 at fine wine investment platform Cult Wines, deflating a more encouraging bubble which began towards the end of 2022.

Tim Atkin MW releases new Rioja report

Renowned critic and Harpers columnist Tim Atkin MW has launched the 2023 edition of his Rioja Report.

Hospitality sector under massive strain as insolvencies hit decade-high

Old Vine Conference unveils new award scheme

The founders of the Old Vine Conference have launched an inaugural 'Old Vine Hero Award', dedicated to winegrowers who champion parcels of old vines around the world.

Hoxton Spirits beefs up its range

Hoxton Spirits, the artisan brand founded by Gerry Calabrese, has launched three new labels: Hoxton London Spritz, Hoxton Spiced Whisky and a classic London Dry gin.

Vine diversity project sketches path ahead for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

A plant breeding research project looking at how Sauvignon Blanc vines adapt to external stress in New Zealand could unlock the future potential for the grape when facing an increasingly ‘chaotic’ climate.

The Drinks Trust calls on industry to have its say in annual survey

The Drinks Trust has released its annual industry survey to help better understand the needs of the drinks and hospitality industry.

VSPT Wine Group announces launch of UK subsidiary

VSPT Wine Group has announced the launch of a new subsidiary – VSPT UK – to strengthen its distribution and service to the market and retailers. 

Harpers Taste Off: Adding more ‘oomph’ to sparkling sales

Everyone loves a glass of fizz and nowhere is this evidenced more than in the rise and rise of English sparkling. But it’s not just English bubbly that is buoying sales of wine. As Harpers recently reported, analyst firm IRI’s most recent FMCG Demand Signals report confirmed that across six major European markets, sparkling wine sales remain in robust shape, set against a 4% off-trade decline in wines, beers and spirits.

Millesime Bio sets the bar for organic wine

“At the time, organic winegrowers like myself were treated like oddballs.” These are the words of Oliver Azan, a winegrower at Domaine de Petit Roubie in Languedoc. 

Friday read: Why are non-alcoholic brands so obsessed with…alcohol?

Nazy Farkondeh, senior writer at verbal branding agency Reed Words, on why low & no brands should stop focusing on what they’re not.

First ever ‘French Champions’ awarded at VIN

The first-ever edition of The French Champion Awards took place at VIN, the flagship trade tasting dedicated to French wines in London organised by Business France, the French governmental trade agency.

SITT announces strongest lineup of exhibitors yet

The Specialist Importers’ Trade Tasting (SITT) returns this spring, with a dedicated focus on the independent sector.

Bordeaux Wines Forum: "There are no more climate-sceptics"

Last week, Bordeaux’s Palais des Congrès hosted the 2023 edition of the Sustainable Development of Bordeaux Wines Forum. 

Premium English sparkling wine producer, Gusbourne, reports significant sales growth in 2022

Gusbourne, the Kent and West Sussex-based premium sparkling wine producer, has reported significant sales increases in its unaudited trading update for the 12 months to 31 December 2022.

Jascots expands New Zealand portfolio with Prophet’s Rock

Jascots Wine Merchants has added New Zealand producer Prophet’s Rock to its expanding portfolio.

Scotland on-trade facing ‘tidal wave’ of challenges, says SLTA

Scotland’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels face an unprecedented cocktail of challenges, according to the most recent Scottish Licenced Trade Association (SLTA) survey.