News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Stoli Group announces rebrand in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Published: 09 March, 2022

Due to the Ukraine crisis, the Stoli Group will no longer sell its vodka under the Stolichnaya name.

Pernod Ricard extends range in response to ongoing Malbec and Sauvignon growth

Published: 09 March, 2022

Pernod Ricard UK is adding to its portfolio of premium wines with the launch of two new expressions, extending its Cafayate and Leaps & Bounds ranges.

Russian buyers blocked from Barcelona

Published: 09 March, 2022

Twelve Russian wine buyers have been banned from attending the forthcoming Spanish wine fair, Barcelona Wine Week (BWW).

Andrea Montague appointed head of advocacy at Edrington UK

Published: 09 March, 2022

The UK’s number one whisky distributor, Edrington UK, has announced Andrea Montague as its head of advocacy in a newly created role for the business.

Trade celebrates achievements while tackling bias via International Women’s Day

Published: 08 March, 2022

International Women’s Day (IWD) is shining a spotlight on the top female talent working in the industry today, with initiatives like Whisky Investment Partners’ Break The Bias campaign also raising awareness of the continuing battle for many to achieve gender parity in the workplace.

Indigo Wine explores the Alpine hills with new additions

Published: 08 March, 2022

Brixton-based distributors Indigo Wine has made some exciting discoveries in the Alpine hills.

Alto Adige’s first female winemaker, Elena Walch, joins Armit’s portfolio

Published: 08 March, 2022

Italian icon Elena Walch is the latest producer to join UK importer and distributor Armit Wines.

C&C signs exclusive partnership with Moët Hennessy in Scotland

Published: 07 March, 2022

C&C Group has announced a new sales and distribution agreement with Moët Hennessy in Scotland, making them the primary distributor for the wine and spirits division of the LVMH group north of the border.

The 2022 Gérard Basset Global Fine Wine Report Survey now open

Published: 07 March, 2022

Last year, 442 wine professionals from 55 countries participated in the Gérard Basset survey, and organisers hope even more will contribute to this year’s edition.

Aldi launches vegan favourites pack to cater for plant-based shoppers

Published: 07 March, 2022

After seeing sales of plant-based products soar 500% during Veganuary, Aldi has launched a new Vegan Favourites wine pack. The online-only bundle includes six of Aldi’s most popular premium vegan wines. The selection includes a mixture of reds, whites and rosés, all free from animal products, for just £59.44 – less than £10 per bottle.

Argentina’s future should embrace ‘ancestral winemaking’

Published: 07 March, 2022

It’s been a few years since globetrotting oenologist Alberto Antonini proclaimed in Mendoza that the future should be ‘a little less Malbec and a little more Argentina’, set against that flagship variety’s exponential rise.

Holly Ninnes to head up wine division at St Austell

Published: 07 March, 2022

St Austell Brewery, the South West family-owned brewery and pub company – and independent owner of over 180 pubs, inns, and hotels – has appointed Holly Ninnes as its new head of wine.

Portuguese wine festival, Festa, announces inaugural line-up

Published: 04 March, 2022

A ground-breaking celebration of Portuguese wine, gastronomy and culture, will be held at Tobacco Dock, in Wapping, London, from June 24-25. The inaugural edition of FESTA will pay tribute to festivals, which are at the heart of traditional Portuguese culture.

Morrisons among UK retailers to boycott Russian vodka

Published: 04 March, 2022

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there have been calls to boycott Russian brands with the country’s most famous commodity, vodka, on the radar of UK retailers.

Beefed up buying power clinches Gérard Bertrand exclusivity at Bibendum

Published: 04 March, 2022

Bibendum Wines has won the exclusive rights to distribute the wines of Southern French pioneer Gérard Bertrand in the UK, Harpers can reveal.

Long Read: Is novel foods legislation stifling innovation in the beverage sector?

Published: 04 March, 2022

When the UK left the EU, some – including Richard Horwell, owner of specialist food and drink marketing and branding company Brand Relations – hoped novel foods regulations would be overhauled in order to facilitate drinks innovation. Sadly, he says, we are still some way behind.

Berry Bros. & Rudd launches its first podcast series

Published: 04 March, 2022

Fine wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd has launched its first podcast, Drinking Well, a six-part series designed to help listeners enjoy and shape their wine collection.

Sogevinus declares 2020 a ‘classic’ vintage

Published: 03 March, 2022

Port company the Sogevinus group has announced the launch of four classic Vintage Ports, one from each of its brands: Kopke, Burmester, Cálem and Barros.

Concha y Toro celebrates B Corp status with social media campaign

Published: 02 March, 2022

Concha y Toro, the UK’s second-largest wine company by retail sales, will mark B Corp month with a wide-ranging social media campaign.

The Drinks Trust welcomes three new patrons

Published: 02 March, 2022

The Drinks Trust, a community organisation for people in the drinks industry, has welcomed three new Patrons to increase the charity's reach and impact.