News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

London Wine Fair pushed back by ProWein

Published: 27 January, 2022

London Wine Fair (LWF) has shifted to new dates in summer in response to a clash created by the move of rival exhibition ProWein.

Hospitality entrepreneur launches government petition to extend visa programme

Published: 26 January, 2022

In light of the ongoing staff crisis facing the UK's hospitality sector, bar owner Sunny Hodge has raised a petition to extend the Skilled Worker Visa programme, arguing that it should be expanded to include non-managerial on-trade positions such as sommeliers, cocktail bartenders and maitre’ds.

Trade urged to act ahead of duty review consultation deadline

Published: 26 January, 2022

With just four days to go before the 30 January consultation deadline on the UK Government’s proposed changes to the way excise duty on alcohol is calculated, the last chance to be heard is fast closing in.

UK importer launches distribution service for canned wines

Published: 26 January, 2022

Propeller, the hybrid importer founded by Jamie Wynne-Griffiths in 2020, is embracing new formats with the launch of The Can Collective.

Hospitality sector welcomes relaxation of work from home rules in Scotland

Published: 26 January, 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday (January 25) that office workers would be allowed to return to their desks from 31 January, a move that has been enthusiastically welcomed by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.

Winner of the UKBG's National Cocktail Competition announced

Published: 25 January, 2022

Matteo Basso, head bartender at the Malt Lounge and Bar in London, has won the UK Bartenders Guild’s National Cocktail Competition 2022.

Laithwaites launches new Sicilian label packaged in 'wild' glass

Published: 25 January, 2022

Online retailer Laithwaites has enhanced its sustainability credentials with the release of W/O (standing for 'without') Frappato 2020, an organic Sicilian red housed in ‘wild’ glass – claiming a UK first for wine.

Christie’s appoints new global head of wine and spirits in Hong Kong

Published: 25 January, 2022

Leading auction house Christie’s has welcomed Adam Bilbey into its ranks, appointed as the new head of the wine and spirits department in Hong Kong.

Easing of testing restrictions 'shot in the arm' for hospitality sector

Published: 25 January, 2022

Yesterday's (24 January) announcement from the government that international visitors to the UK that are vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer be required to test on arrival from February has been welcomed by UKHospitality.

South Africa anticipates reduced grape harvest in 2022

Published: 24 January, 2022

As vintage 2022 approches, South Africa's winegrowers are expecting a relatively small crop overall, when compared to last year.

Concha y Toro slams proposed alcohol duty changes as 'regressive step'

Published: 24 January, 2022

Leading Chilean brand Concha y Toro (CyT) has criticised the government for adding to the inflationary woes currently hurting consumers across the UK.

Australian wine producers lobby UK government over proposed duty reform

Published: 24 January, 2022

Australian wine producers have joined forces with Wine Drinkers UK, a collection of leading wine lovers, makers and sellers, to lobby the Chancellor to rethink his proposed alcohol duty reform.

The Wine Society creates new sustainability post

Published: 21 January, 2022

Leading online retailer The Wine Society has appointed Dom de Ville as its inaugural 'director of sustainability and social impact', adding a new strand to the organisation's executive team.

Outrage over ‘cynical’ ProWein move

Published: 21 January, 2022

The UK trade has expressed its outrage that ProWein has changed its date to clash with the London Wine Fair (LWF) in 2022 – while also expressing deep sympathy for the LWF which is due to return in physical form for the first time in two years.

Alliance Wine expands portfolio with new sparkling wine agency

Published: 21 January, 2022

West Sussex-based Roebuck Estates has become the latest producer to join the Alliance Wine collection of premium brands.

South Africa's wine industry “must adapt to survive”

Published: 21 January, 2022

Wine oversight body Vinpro has urged South Africa’s winegrowers to use the pandemic crisis as an opportunity “to revive, recover and rebuild,” adapting current business models to better cope with a rapidly changing world.

Duty amends will “wipe out the benefits” of non-EU trade deals – make your voice heard

Published: 21 January, 2022

Accolade Wines is the latest major wine company to join calls urging the government to take stock of its alcohol duty review.

London Wine Fair brands ProWein move ‘aggressive’

Published: 20 January, 2022

The London Wine Fair (LWF) organisers have called the new direct clash between their event and a rescheduled ProWein a ‘direct attack’ on the UK’s biggest wine trade show event.

ProWein May reschedule to clash with LWF

Published: 20 January, 2022

Messe Düsseldorf, the body responsible for organising ProWein, has confirmed that the trade fair will not take place in March as originally planned.

South African packaged wine exports to UK rise 25%

Published: 20 January, 2022

In a massive boon for South Africa's quality-led growers, total exports of South African wine to the UK rose 20% by value and 12% in volume in 2021 according to the latest figures released by industry body SAWIS.