News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Bonhams bolsters global wine team following period of growth

Published: 16 October, 2025

Bonhams, the international network of auction houses, has announced that it is expanding its global wine team following a period of fast growth.

Pernod Ricard sees overall decline in sales over Q1

Published: 16 October, 2025

Pernod Ricard, the wine and spirits giant, has experienced declines across most of its major markets in the first quarter. Overall, Q1 organic net sales were down -7.6%, while reported sales fell -14.3%.

Celebrating 50 years of Crémant de Loire

Published: 15 October, 2025

At the stylish Searcys bar in St Pancras, Vins de Loire celebrated 50 years of the Crémant de Loire AOC.

Winners of Barca-Velha Golden Vines MW scholarships announced

Published: 15 October, 2025

Liquid Icons, the Gérard Basset Foundation and Casa Ferreirinha have announced the winners of the 2025 Barca-Velha Golden Vines MW scholarships – Leila Killoran (pictured) and Sera Svitlana Karamshuk.

Majestic strengthens with three new senior buyers

Published: 15 October, 2025

Majestic Wine, the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, has strengthened its buying team, adding three senior buyers – Phil Edwards, Karen O’Donoghue and Catherine Forbes-Taylor.

Benbecula Distillery secures £1.5m investment from British Business Bank

Published: 15 October, 2025

Benbecula Distillery, which is one of Scotland’s newest whisky producers, has acquired a £1.5m investment boost from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland.

Be Inclusive Hospitality award winners announced

Published: 14 October, 2025

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) has announced the winners of its fourth BIH Spotlight Awards at an awards ceremony at Quaglino’s London last night.

Paso Robles producer DAOU and Bibendum announce distribution partnership

Published: 13 October, 2025

Paso Robles producer DAOU Vineyards has penned a distribution partnership with wine wholesaler Bibendum. The California producer is seeking to grow distribution through independent and luxury retail, as well as in the UK on-trade.

Distillers One of One auction raises £2.9m for charity

Published: 13 October, 2025

The third edition of the biennial Distillers One of One auction has surpassed its pre-sale estimate and raised £2.9m for charity. The majority of the proceeds will go to the Youth Action Fund, a charity that supports disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

Ramón Bilbao becomes official partner of Spanish Football

Published: 13 October, 2025

Spanish wine heavyweight Ramón Bilbao has been announced as an official partner of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Vikki Bruce gains Keeper of the Quaich honour

Published: 13 October, 2025

Vikki Bruce (pictured, centre), MD of whisky specialist MacLean & Bruce, has been inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich at the esteemed society’s 70th anniversary ceremony at Blair Castle. The honour acknowledges Bruce for her contributions to the Scotch whisky trade.

Drinks United survey deadline approaches

Published: 13 October, 2025

Drinks United (DU) is running an industry survey aimed at helping the UK drinks trade to become more inclusive, united and supportive for everyone that works within it. The survey will close on 17 October (this Friday), and anyone who works in the UK drinks industry is eligible to take part.

Eden Mill unveils new distillery and visitor centre

Published: 10 October, 2025

Eden Mill, the St Andrews distiller, has officially opened its new distillery and visitor centre on the banks of the Eden Estuary.

Twelve Grower Champagnes join Jeroboams portfolio

Published: 10 October, 2025

Jeroboams, the fine wine and spirits merchant, has announced that 12 new Grower Champagnes are joining its portfolio.

Exclusive: Amber Beverage secures Ten Lock asset purchase

Published: 10 October, 2025

Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has completed an asset purchase deal with Kingsland-owned Ten Locks in a move that bolsters the former’s portfolio.

Berry Bros. & Rudd achieves B Corp status

Published: 09 October, 2025

Britain’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR), has attained B Corp certification.

Sotheby’s and IMW announce rare wine fundraising auction

Published: 09 October, 2025

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), in collaboration with auction house Sotheby’s, are set to host an online fundraising auction. The proceeds will go towards supporting the IMW’s educational mission.

ASA: 48% of alcohol-free ads could be breaking rules

Published: 09 October, 2025

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has announced the results of a trial that used artificial intelligence (AI) at scale to see if alcohol ads are sticking to the rules.

WineFi Q3 2025 wine market report suggests confidence on the rise

Published: 08 October, 2025

WineFi, the wine investment platform, has released its wine market report for Q3 of 2025.

Dawn Davies showcases The Whisky Exchange’s agave spirits offer

Published: 08 October, 2025

At The Whisky Exchange’s impressive cellar on Great Portland Street, Dawn Davies MW, buying director at The Whisky Exchange Trade, guided Harpers through the company’s fresh agave spirits offer and explained the heady potential of the category.