News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The week that was

Published: 19 January, 2018

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

No Christmas cheer for restaurant and pub groups

Published: 19 January, 2018

Restaurant and pub groups across the UK recorded a marginal decline in sales during the festive season, with drink-led businesses claiming the best of the festive trade.

Jascots turns focus on organic following surging sales

Published: 18 January, 2018

Jascots has revealed it’s set to double its 18-strong organic portfolio on the back of a “successful” year boosted by its organic wines.

Silent Pool head distiller branches out on his own

Published: 18 January, 2018

Simon Sherlock, head distiller at Silent Pool for the past two and a half years, has left the company to launch his own distillery.

Arbikie goes against the grain with Scottish rye whisky

Published: 18 January, 2018

Scotch is one of the UK’s most formidable trademarks, with a global export presence worth £1.8 billion in the first half of 2017, according to HMRC.

Liberty buoyant but cautions market will remain tough in 2018

Published: 17 January, 2018

A slowing economy, with falling on-trade sales, smaller lists and people drinking less is the predicted outlook for 2018, according to Liberty Wines managing director David Gleave MW.

International expansion for Cult Wines on the back of record results

Published: 17 January, 2018

Cult Wines, investment manager in fine and rare wine, has reported a 67% surge in annual revenues to £33.9m.

Cognac exports reach record volumes in 2017

Published: 17 January, 2018

Exports are on the rise for Cognac.

UK distillery number doubles in five years

Published: 17 January, 2018

The number of UK distilleries in the UK has doubled in the past five years, boosted by the gin boom.

Australia to take on Canada in the WTO

Published: 17 January, 2018

Australia has launched a dispute settlement action against Canada’s “discriminatory measures” affecting Australian wine at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

North South Wines appoints Kim Wilson as its first MD

Published: 16 January, 2018

North South Wines has appointed its commercial director Kim Wilson to MD with immediate effect.

War over planting rights erupts in Champagne

Published: 16 January, 2018

A war over planting rights is being waged in France, where Champagne growers want to severely limit new plantings of vines by rival growers in areas surrounding Champagne’s production zone.

The Benevolent reveals mental health campaign

Published: 16 January, 2018

The Benevolent has launched a mental health awareness campaign to encourage the trade to create a ‘stigma-free’ environment within the workplace.

French grapefruit aperitif goes up against Aperol and Campari

Published: 16 January, 2018

UK spirits distributor Mangrove has announced the addition of French aperitif Pampelle to its portfolio – marking the liqueur’s worldwide launch.

Rioja directs coffers on global promotional spend and single village clarity for 2018

Published: 16 January, 2018

The Rioja Control Board is continuing to invest heavily in its marketing activity in 12 key countries, including the UK.

Buckingham Schenk appoints new technical manager

Published: 16 January, 2018

Buckingham Schenk has appointed former Conviviality employee Emily Brighton to the role of technical manager.

Restructure announced as O.W. Loeb relocated to MARC HQ

Published: 16 January, 2018

Following speculation on the status of O.W. Loeb, owner Marlon Abela’s restaurant group has issued a statement regarding changes at the wine merchant, including a relocation to the head offices of the Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation (MARC) in Mayfair.

Broadland and Paul Schaafsma part ways after just four months

Published: 15 January, 2018

Broadland Wineries has announced the departure of CEO Paul Schaafsma.

New online retail platform for BWS launches

Published: 15 January, 2018

A new online retail platform offering customized wine, beer and spirits selection boxes has been launched.

Tesco renews WSET partnership

Published: 15 January, 2018

Tesco has renewed its position as Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Gold Corporate Patron as part of its strategy to put education at the forefront.