News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Off-trade alcohol sales surge 29% over the Easter weekend

Published: 20 April, 2020

Off-trade sales of alcohol surged 29% over the bank holiday weekend although overall Brits spent £160m less on Easter than in 2019.

South Africa makes U-turn and bans wine exports

Published: 17 April, 2020

The South African government has banned exports of wine and spirits during lockdown.

English wine initiative reaches 13 million consumers

Published: 17 April, 2020

The #theBIGenglishwinegoodfriday initiative has been hailed an "unmitigated success" by English and Welsh wineries, reaching 13 million consumers.

Friday Read: Covid-19 set to devastate Champagne's recovery?

Published: 17 April, 2020

Like a staunch liberal and a UKIP voter forced by coronavirus to cohabit under one roof, Champagne has enjoyed a troubled – and complex - relationship with the UK of late. Both Nielsen and CGA Strategy have tracked falling demand for Champagne over the past few years in the UK; in the 12 months to December 2019, the total volume and value of Champagne sales fell by 5.8% and 4.9% respectively in the on-trade. Meanwhile, Nielsen figures indicate that Champagne sales in the Christmas period 2019 fell well short of expectations. It's hard to rally against statistical evidence - the figures do not lie.

Living with lockdown - Oxford Wine Company

Published: 17 April, 2020

Ted Sandbach, MD, at Oxford Wine Company, gives Lisa Riley a glimpse of the realities of life as a multifaceted indie merchant adjusting to lockdown.

Twiddling your furloughed thumbs? Take our 2020 Innovations Survey…

Published: 17 April, 2020

Ahead of Harpers annual Innovations Report we're once again inviting you to single out the most impressive and business-enhancing innovations from across the drinks trade via a quick online survey.

Justerini & Brooks launches weekly spotlight series on ‘affordable’ wine

Published: 17 April, 2020

Justerini & Brooks has launched a weekly spotlight series focused on an "affordable, everyday drinking wine".

Generics respond to the pandemic: New Zealand Winegrowers

Published: 17 April, 2020

In the first of a series focusing on how the generic bodies are dealing with the current crisis, we talk to Chris Stroud, marketing manager Europe, New Zealand Winegrowers.

Hatch Mansfield and Villa Maria latest to support The Drinks Trust

Published: 17 April, 2020

Hatch Mansfield and Villa Maria have become the latest to support The Drinks Trust’s Covid-19 Emergency Fund.

Craft breweries take significant lockdown hit

Published: 17 April, 2020

An average 82% drop in beers sales has been recorded by small independent breweries across the UK since the outbreak of Covid-19, according to new Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) research released today

Trade associations collectively urge governments to keep food and drink imports and exports flowing

Published: 16 April, 2020

Trade associations from across the UK food and drink supply chain have come together to publish a letter, calling on governments to ensure the continuation of imports and exports of food and drink at this critical time.

Five key ways to adjust wine marketing during and after Covid-19

Published: 16 April, 2020

In its latest series of market insights, Wine Intelligence has highlighted five focus areas for wine marketeers to consider as companies battle through the extreme challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 pandemic and the developing recession.

Whisky.Auction raises in excess of £100,000 for The Drinks Trust

Published: 16 April, 2020

The Whisky.Auction has raised a grand total of £104,184 via its charity auction in support of The Drinks Trust’s Covid-19 Emergency Fund.

Majestic refocuses range, upping ‘interesting parcels’ at affordable level

Published: 16 April, 2020

In a move to reclaim its mojo, Majestic has unveiled a return to its “historic strengths” of exciting and unusual wines in its spring range review.

Tim Atkin MW launches first Uruguay report

Published: 16 April, 2020

Tim Atkin MW, Harpers columnist and leading UK wine writer, has launched his inaugural Uruguay Special Report, following a visit to the country in January this year.

Oz wine exports to UK drop in value and volume

Published: 16 April, 2020

Wine Australia has reported a drop in exports to the UK in both value and volume terms.

Waitrose claims UK supermarket first with ‘wine in a tube’

Published: 15 April, 2020

Waitrose has claimed a UK supermarket first with the launch of a fully recyclable ‘wine in a tube’ range.

Hudin.com offers one-year free membership for hospitality staff

Published: 15 April, 2020

Catalonia-based American wine writer Miquel Hudin is offering hospitality staff one-year free membership to his website, which is built around original, first-hand content about wines from Spain and elsewhere.

Wine and whisky investment bounce back in China

Published: 15 April, 2020

Global trader BI Fine Wine & Spirits has reported that its volume sales of high-end wine and rare whisky to Asia jumped 25% in March as Chinese buyers returned to the market.

Campari UK employees make £16,000 personal donation to The Drinks Trust

Published: 15 April, 2020

The Drinks Trust has received a £16,000 donation from the 60-strong employees of Campari UK who have pulled together to help fellow colleagues in the drinks industry by making personal donations.