News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Exton Park launches new 'multi vintage' Blanc de Blancs

Published: 16 September, 2021

Sparkling wine producer Exton Park has unveiled a new 100% Chardonnay cuvée based exclusively on reserve wines.

Alto Adige producing Cabernet Sauvignon to “rival Bordeaux”

Published: 16 September, 2021

Rising temperatures are encouraging winegrowers in Italy’s Alto Adige region to plant more Bordeaux varieties that had previously struggled to ripen, according to a leading producer.

Bibendum adds Lenz Moser project and six more to portfolio

Published: 15 September, 2021

UK premium wine and spirits distributor Bibendum Wine has added seven new producers to its on-trade portfolio, spanning an English Charmat to Portuguese trailblazers and a team-up between Austrian icons Lenz Moser and Markus Huber.

Aldi launches inaugural 'Zerozecco' ahead of Christmas 2021

Published: 15 September, 2021

The German discounter Aldi has unveiled a new range of alcohol-free drinks ahead of the festive season, including a zero abv Prosecco imitation.

MW 2021 examination tests candidates on marginal climates

Published: 15 September, 2021

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has made available every question posed to students taking the 2021 MW exam, including the list of wines for the practical tasting segment.

WSTA Summit: Beale outlines path for trade recovery

Published: 15 September, 2021

In his opening address at the WSTA Industry Summit 2021, CEO Miles Beale took an imaginary look back at the past decade from 2031 to highlight the lobbying and initiatives that the industry body has planned or instigated.

Foundation puts Basset front and centre as it unveils expanded remit

Published: 15 September, 2021

The charity founded by family and colleagues of the late Gerard Basset OBE MW MS has broadened its mission statement to include promoting diversity and inclusion across the hospitality industry, in addition to embracing a shorter title.

Hospitality sector remains in ‘fragile state’

Published: 15 September, 2021

Following the UK government's unveiling of its strategy for managing Covid-19 during the autumn and winter months, UK Hospitality (UKH) chief executive Kate Nicholls has issued a stark warning about the importance of allowing businesses to remain open.

‘Return to normality’ impacts sales of BWS in grocery sector

Published: 14 September, 2021

The latest data released by Kantar indicates that UK drinkers are consuming less alcohol at home, with total grocery sales of BWS falling significantly over the past three months.

Inflexible hospitality sector faces continued labour crisis, as job vacancies surge past one million

Published: 14 September, 2021

The UK’s hospitality industry must embrace more flexible working patterns if it intends to survive, a leading commentator has claimed.

Bancroft showcases new-look portfolio at first post-lockdown tasting

Published: 14 September, 2021

The trade was in fine form at Trivet restaurant in London Bridge yesterday, where mid-sized supplier Bancroft Wines debuted many of the wines brought over from the trimming of Berry Bros & Rudd’s wholesale arm, Field, Morris & Verdin (FMV).

31Dover to embrace pioneering low-carbon distribution technology

Published: 14 September, 2021

Independent supplier 31Dover will start to distribute spirit brands using an innovative distribution system that nearly eliminates packaging waste in the supply chain.

Lockdown accelerated Champagne's growth in mainland China

Published: 14 September, 2021

Demand for Champagne has risen dramatically in mainland China over the past 12 months, according to market expert Lei Meng.

Sud de France: Incredible white diversity on display

Published: 13 September, 2021

Tim Atkin MW has paid homage to huge breadth of white wine available across the Languedoc-Roussillon and the South West, even comparing its diversity to a South American wine cousin.

Latest crop of Fortnum & Mason drink writers announced

Published: 13 September, 2021

The Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, championing “excellence on food and drink writing”, have again delivered a winning roster of up-and-coming and established drinks writers for 2021.

August on-trade recovery hits new high

Published: 13 September, 2021

A mix of growing consumer confidence, pent up demand and staycations pushed sales in Britain’s managed restaurants, pubs and bars above pre-pandemic levels in August.

UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021: The Top 10

Published: 09 September, 2021

Welcome to the final release instalment of our UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021, featuring the chart-topping Top 10, along with all of those that have made it into the ranking this year.

Masi wraps organic range in sustainable style

Published: 09 September, 2021

Italian wine producer Masi Estates has launched a new range of organic wines in 100% sustainable packaging to meet growing consumer concern over sustainability.

Bancroft takes on distribution of Juliet Victor Tokaj

Published: 09 September, 2021

Bancroft Wines has teamed up with Tokaj producer Juliet Victor for the UK distribution of its single vineyard Furmints and sweet wines.

UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021: 11-20

Published: 09 September, 2021

Welcome to the release of our fourth tranche of our 50 Best Indies list, from 11-20, also featuring all of those that have made it into the ranking from 21-50.