News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Bottega dabbles in Vermouth

Published: 16 October, 2017

Italian prosecco producer Bottega has launched into the Vermouth market with the launch of Vermouth Bianco Bottega and Vermouth Rosso Bottega.

TWE turns spotlight on Wolf Blass

Published: 16 October, 2017

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has launched a £500,000 push for Wolf Blass, including TV spots celebrating its award-winning history.

Number of Napa wineries damaged by wildfires rises

Published: 16 October, 2017

The number of Napa wineries damaged by the wildfires ravaging northern California continued to rise this weekend, with the fires yet to be defeated.

WSTA warns of further hefty price hikes if duty is not frozen

Published: 16 October, 2017

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned of further wine and spirit price hikes if the Chancellor fails to freeze duty in the November Budget.

Berlin bar show breaks records ahead of NYC launch

Published: 13 October, 2017

As a barometer of the spirits and cocktail world, this week’s edition of Bar Convent Berlin revealed a sector in rude health, with record numbers of visitor and exhibitors attending a heavily over-subscribed event.

How consumer on-trade spend could top 2016 this Christmas

Published: 13 October, 2017

Forecasters are predicting that bars and pubs could be set to exceed last year's Christmas takings, despite continued “shaky” consumer confidence post-Brexit.

The week that was

Published: 13 October, 2017

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.

UK trade reaches out as Cali fire claims homes, lives and historic vineyards

Published: 12 October, 2017

The UK trade has begun to rally around its friends and colleagues in California where fire continues to wreak havoc on residents and businesses.

CAP to double local partnerships to 300

Published: 12 October, 2017

The Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) has unveiled plans to double its number of local partnerships, aimed at tackling underage drinking, to 300 in the next four years.

McWilliam’s Wines moves to Enotria&Coe

Published: 12 October, 2017

Australian producer McWilliam’s Wines Group (MWG) is taking up Enotria&Coe in the UK.

Scotch Whisky sales dive on the back of hiked spirits tax

Published: 12 October, 2017

Scotch whisky sales fell by one million bottles in the first half of 2017 in the UK following the hiked spirits tax in the March budget.

Pinot Noir Alliance debuts as UK sales of the grape soars

Published: 11 October, 2017

Pinot Noir sales in the UK have almost doubled in value and volume in the past four years.

Heineken launches “plug and pour” dispenser for casual diners

Published: 11 October, 2017

Heineken is releasing a new countertop draught beer dispenser, which it says could help to capture growth of on-tap in the unrepresented casual dining sector.

Hallgarten adds more sparkle to its Champagne portfolio

Published: 11 October, 2017

Hallgarten has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of Champagne Collet and certified organic producer, Champagne Lelarge-Pugeot, to the on-trade and independents.

Update Wednesday 10.30am: Wildfires in California

Published: 11 October, 2017

At least four physical wineries belonging to Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) members have been confirmed as having suffered total or very significant losses due to the wildfires in northern California.

Former Dunelm CFO joins Majestic board

Published: 10 October, 2017

Majestic Wine has appointed former Dunelm head of finance, David Stead, to its board as an independent non-executive director.

Matthew Clark bolsters wine menu with 83 tipples

Published: 10 October, 2017

Matthew Clark has bolstered its menu with an additional 83 wines, taking it to a total of more than 1,400, as part of its autumn wine release.

Wildfire devastates California wine country

Published: 10 October, 2017

Deadly wildfires which have already claimed ten lives have devastated areas of northern California which authorities are calling the worst the state has ever seen.