News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New date for Occitania trade fair while Vinexpo prepares to launch

Published: 08 February, 2022

The inaugural edition of a new regional wine fair in Montpellier, Dégustez en VO!, will take place on 2 and 3 May 2022.

Hospitality sector urges government to stall VAT hike in April

Published: 08 February, 2022

In a campaign organised by UKHospitality, more than 250 business leaders from the service and leisure industries have written to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, urging the government to keep VAT at 12.5% beyond March 2022.

Enotria & Coe marks 50th anniversary with new agency quartet

Published: 08 February, 2022

Leading distributor Enotria & Coe has welcomed four leading brands into its portfolio: Susana Balbo, from Argentina; Martín Códax, from Galicia; Frescobaldi, from Tuscany; and Teusner, from the Barossa Valley.

Australian wine brand removes over 10 million plastic bottles from world oceans

Published: 08 February, 2022

The Hidden Sea, founded by Aussie rules football star-turned-winemaker Richie Vandenberg and Justin Moran in 2021, and brought into the UK by Kingsland Drinks, has achieved a major sustainability milestone by removing the equivalent of more than 10 million single-use plastic bottles from the ocean.

Bibendum expands portfolio with 'inspirational' South African wine brand

Published: 08 February, 2022

South African wine brand, Kumusha Wines, has appointed Bibendum as its exclusive distributor in the UK.

Prosecco Consortium ramps up sustainable initiatives

Published: 07 February, 2022

The Prosecco DOC Consortium has announced a series of ongoing and new projects to address key sustainability issues, in addition to a renewed focus on terroir zoning and encouraging biodiversity.

New Zealand Winegrowers launch 'Wine Trade Hub' as part of NZ Wine Week

Published: 07 February, 2022

As the second digital edition of the New Zealand Wine Week gets under way, NZ Winegrowers has launched a new educational tool – the New Zealand Wine Trade Hub.

Hospitality industry braced for soaring inflation

Published: 07 February, 2022

As the cost of living crisis and soaring energy bills continue to affect households across the UK, many in the hospitality sector are predicting double-digit price rises, inevitably to be passed on to consumers.

Koshu: A distinctly Japanese elixir with a growing stable of styles

Published: 07 February, 2022

It’s difficult to gauge how much is known in the UK about the white wine grape Koshu. Hailing almost exclusively from Yamanashi prefecture’s Katsunuma region – the ‘birthplace’ of Japanese viticulture – the wine remains largely shrouded in mystery to the UK trade, despite Koshu of Japan’s faithful annual tastings.

Entries now open for Golden Vine Diversity Scholarships

Published: 07 February, 2022

Fine wine research and production company Liquid Icon has opened its diversity scholarship programme to the 2022 intake, a scheme pioneered by the late Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET.

Quintessential Brands unveils 'industry-first' Spirit Centre

Published: 04 February, 2022

International spirits business Quintessential Brands has launched a first-of-its-kind Spirit Centre, designed to “take customer collaboration to new heights to drive better, insight-driven innovation within spirits”.

Ecommerce to remain key driver as US online alcohol sales hit $6.1 billion

Published: 04 February, 2022

Ecommerce is becoming a major force in global retail, with online sales of BWS achieving a total value of $6.1 billion in the US market last year.

Sign up to our new campaign

Published: 04 February, 2022

Welcome to the unveiling of our Sustainability Charter, which forms the central pillar of an exciting new Harpers campaign. With sustainability rising back to the top of the world’s collective agenda, this initiative is designed to further galvanise the drinks trade and assist it in moving towards ever more pressing sustainable goals.

Occitanie Tasting returns to London after three year hiatus

Published: 04 February, 2022

The 10th edition of the Occitanie Annual Trade Tasting will showcase a diverse range of wines from the South of France, featuring over 300 labels produced in the largest wine region in the world.

Sales of BWS resurgent in hospitality sector after relaxation of restrictions

Published: 04 February, 2022

The easing of Covid-19 restrictions is having a positive impact on drink sales across the on-trade, according to the latest CGA Drinks Recovery Tracker.

Connected packaging could become 'main' marketing bridge to customers

Published: 03 February, 2022

More and more brands are using QR codes and smartphone apps to transform simple packaging into digital experiences.

Green Wine Future launches podcast series

Published: 03 February, 2022

The organisers of environmental conference initiative Green Wine Future 2022 have launched a new podcast tackling “the most important sustainability and climate crisis response issues in the wine industry.”

Barcelona Wine Week to lead on sustainability, oenotourism and innovation

Published: 03 February, 2022

The organiser's of the second edition of Barcelona Wine Week (BWW) have unveiled an eclectic programme of events, including masterclasses and presentations led by renowned personalities in the world of wine.

Generation sobriety turns to fine wine for alternative investments

Published: 03 February, 2022

Gen Z investors are turning to fine wine to boost their finances in the wake of the pandemic.

British office workers excited about return to pub lunch occasions

Published: 03 February, 2022

Despite the inevitable trepidation surrounding the Omicron variant, 85% of British office workers say they are looking forward to a return to the office and getting to spend more time with colleagues – with work social events high on the agenda.