News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Govt U-turn on pub lockdown sales

Published: 04 November, 2020

In a U-turn, the government has agreed to allow England’s pubs to sell takeaway alcohol during the national lockdown that begins on Thursday.

Trade bodies demand six-month support package

Published: 04 November, 2020

A group of trade bodies have written to the Chancellor to call for a six-month support package to secure the future of British pubs, hospitality and its supply chain.

Banrock Station launches first flat-bottled wines

Published: 03 November, 2020

Banrock Station, the Accolade Wines brand, is to release two of its wines in flat bottles made from 100% recycled plastic for the first time.

Sussex winery launches with two vintages

Published: 03 November, 2020

New boutique Sussex vineyard Artelium has launched with two sparkling vintages created by winemaker Dermot Sugrue.

Occitanie raises profile with online films

Published: 03 November, 2020

The Occitanie region of France is about to be much better known in the UK.

OIV gears up to launch digital transformation strategy

Published: 03 November, 2020

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) is gearing up to implement a digital transformation strategy spurred on by the pandemic having highlighted ecommerce as “an extraordinary determinative to more traditional distribution channels”.

Prosecco gets go ahead for rosé exports

Published: 03 November, 2020

Prosecco DOC has been given the green light by the EU to export rosé.

‘Shop out to help out’ scheme needed for small retailers

Published: 02 November, 2020

Extra help is needed to support small, independent retailers through a second lockdown, including a ‘Shop out to help out’ scheme and a cashflow windfall, it has been suggested.

Trade slams new lockdown ban on takeaway drink sales

Published: 02 November, 2020

In a new blow for England’s on-trade, the government has banned the sale of takeaway alcohol for the duration of the second national lockdown, which begins at midnight on Wednesday 4 November.

González Byass releases rare 1878 vintage

Published: 02 November, 2020

González Byass has released an ultra-limited-edition Pedro Ximénez – with just 78 bottles for sale.

CyT thrives in Q3 despite pandemic

Published: 02 November, 2020

Net profits at Chilean wine giant Viña Concha y Toro have risen 54% in the third quarter, the company has announced, with EBITDA growing 53%.

Second national lockdown a "calamity" for hospitality without more govt support

Published: 02 November, 2020

There are deep concerns across the hospitality sector about the impact of the government’s latest lockdown measures for England which were announced on Saturday evening by the prime minister.

Miraval releases £12 wine exclusively at Co-op

Published: 30 October, 2020

The Chateau Miraval estate owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has launched a new wine exclusively at Co-op stores.

Henners unveils new look ahead of plans to double capacity

Published: 30 October, 2020

Henners Vineyard, the English wine estate in East Sussex owned by Boutinot, has unveiled a new look ahead of plans to double capacity.

Hospitality sales drop 48%

Published: 30 October, 2020

Sales in hospitality dropped by 48% in the third quarter of 2020, according to the latest Quarterly Tracker from UK Hospitality (UKH) and CGA.

Caribbean Export looks to unlock UK opportunity

Published: 30 October, 2020

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is gearing up to launch its first virtual event to tap increasing thirst for the spirit across Europe, including the UK, as highlighted in a new report release by the body today.

Friday Read: Monoculture wars – the vineyards killing ecosystems

Published: 30 October, 2020

In Napa, John Williams, winemaker and the owner of Frogs Leap, is a winemaker in the minority. Around 6-7% of his land is devoted to crops other than vines. It’s a move that makes him stick out like a sore thumb surrounded by Rutherford’s rolling valleys where there’s barely a fruit tree in sight. In a region where a single hectare costs on average $1m, why devote a single plot to anything else?

Aldi claims supermarket first with Prosecco rosé launch

Published: 29 October, 2020

Aldi is gearing up to launch a Prosecco rosé, a move the retailer claims will make it the first supermarket to sell the pink bubbles.

US election could shape demand for Bordeaux and Burgundy

Published: 29 October, 2020

UK fine wine and spirits merchant BI Wine & Spirits has highlighted how the result of the US election may shape demand for Bordeaux and Burgundy, currently impacted by the tariffs imposed by Trump.

Roberson adds Cali wines to London Cru

Published: 29 October, 2020

Roberson Wine has expanded its own London Cru brand with two Californian producers, marking the first wines from the wine country to join the portfolio.