News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Government to support SMEs in energy disputes

Published: 08 April, 2024

The government has announced it will support British businesses to settle energy disputes.

30 Under 30 to be announced live at the LWF

Published: 08 April, 2024

30 Under 30 is once again returning to the London Wine Fair (LWF), where we will be announcing this year’s final list live at 12.45pm on Monday 20 May.

Nick Gillett: Staffing issues yet another blow under a government failing hospitality

Published: 08 April, 2024

The UK government recently announced that it would create 20,000 new apprenticeships by reforming the complex, paperwork-fuelled, resource-thirsty apprenticeship levy system for SMEs. A move that should benefit hospitality businesses up and down the country by bringing in new blood at the beginning of their careers. Phrases like ‘cut red tape’ and ‘regulatory burdens slashed’ appear throughout the government’s official, grand announcement – but forgive me if I retain my cynicism for now. This is coming from a government that has done nothing but increase the burden on business. And I’ll come back to that shortly.

Waterford Distillery announces Craftwork as new distributor

Published: 08 April, 2024

Waterford Distillery, producer of single malt whiskies, has appointed Craftwork as its new UK distributor. Craftwork will now expedite product roll-out for the full Waterford Whisky range and its sister brand Renegade Rum.

Rail strikes in 2024 have cost hospitality £750m

Published: 05 April, 2024

Industrial action across the rail network from Friday 5 April to Monday 8 April is estimated to cost the hospitality sector £387m, according to UKhospitality.

Majestic acquires Vagabond Wines

Published: 05 April, 2024

Wine retailer Majestic has bought Vagabond Wines after the business went into administration last month.

Friday read: Perrier-Jouët embraces regenerative viticulture

Published: 05 April, 2024

Maison Perrier-Jouët welcomed a group of European journalists to its new tasting room to introduce the vins clairs of the most recent harvest, revealing the vibrance and resilience of its flagship grape Chardonnay.

How will tequila’s price spiral impact the UK?

Published: 05 April, 2024

Prices for agave are currently in a tailspin as sales of premium products slow in key markets like the US and years of zealous plantings finally catch up – and outstrip – demand.

Broadland makes the case for concentrate via new range

Published: 05 April, 2024

Broadland Drinks has mounted a passionate defence of wine made from grape concentrate as it reveals new research which shows such products can undercut a traditionally made wine’s carbon footprint by up to a quarter.

Co-op launches online tastings for customers

Published: 04 April, 2024

The Co-op has launched online wine tastings for its members, offering customers exclusive access to the producers behind its own-label ranges.

Be Inclusive Hospitality launches winemaking programme with Plumpton College

Published: 03 April, 2024

Be Inclusive Hospitality has launched a winemaking programme with Plumpton College for hospitality professionals who identify as Black, Asian or ethnic minority.

Padstow Distilling joins forces with Thorman Hunt

Published: 03 April, 2024

Young Cornish distillery Padstow Distilling has appointed Thorman Hunt as its sole UK distributor, in a move which will see its range distributed nationwide.

Nyetimber to buy The Lakes Distillery in £46m deal

Published: 03 April, 2024

English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber has agreed a deal in principle to buy The Lakes Distillery in a £46.1m deal.

Fine wine market shows signs of recovery

Published: 02 April, 2024

Signs of economic recovery are starting to appear in the fine wine market after a year of consistent declines. The industry benchmark, the Liv-ex 100 index, has been in freefall since March 2023, dipping 14.6%, whilst the broader Liv-ex 1000 index has fallen 15.3%.

Largest ever increase to minimum wage takes effect

Published: 02 April, 2024

As of yesterday (1 April), employment costs have increased for hospitality businesses following a rise in the National Minimum Wage.

Easter weekend Hospitality bookings up 40%

Published: 28 March, 2024

The latest insight from hospitality technology partner Zonal reveals bookings for Easter weekend are up 40% compared to 2023.

Ticket sales surge for Whisky Exchange in-person events

Published: 28 March, 2024

The Whisky Exchange has revealed a surge in consumer interest towards immersive, educational experiences within the world of wine and spirits.

Australia welcomes removal of Chinese wine tariffs

Published: 28 March, 2024

The Chinese Commerce Ministry has confirmed that China will end three years of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Australian wine from March 29.

Inside Berry Bros. & Rudd's new Spirits Shop

Published: 28 March, 2024

After over one hundred years of being a wine-front merchant, a spirits fascia bearing the name Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) is days away from opening to the public on the hallowed pavements of St James’.

London Wine Fair to host ‘Judgement of Paris’ inspired tasting

Published: 27 March, 2024

London Wine Fair (LWF) will host a homage to the late Steven Spurrier’s (pictured) landmark ‘Judgment of Paris’ blind tasting in 1976, which saw Burgundy and Bordeaux pitched against California, with the latter comparing favourably to the former, sending shockwaves around the wine world.