News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Amber Beverage UK welcomes Flor de Caña Rum to premium portfolio

Published: 24 April, 2024

Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has announced the addition of Flor de Caña to its portfolio.

Record number graduate with WSET Diploma

Published: 24 April, 2024

A record number of graduates were awarded their Diploma by the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) last night at the annual ceremony in London’s Guildhall.

The Fladgate Partnership announces release of two Vintage Ports from 2022

Published: 24 April, 2024

On St. George’s Day, 23 April, The Fladgate Partnership traditionally discloses whether it will introduce a new Vintage Port release.

Coravin to bring exclusive wines to UK restaurants

Published: 24 April, 2024

Coravin, the leading company in wine preservation technology, has launched its latest global venture aimed at revolutionising the ‘by the glass’ wine experience on a global scale.

Charity ordered to pay legal costs in Dry January trademark dispute

Published: 23 April, 2024

A brewing company has won a legal battle against Alcohol Change UK (ACUK), the charity behind the annual alcohol abstention campaign ‘Dry January’. The dispute arose when ACUK attempted to extend its trademark to cover sales of products such as low-alcohol beers.

James Wheeler takes helm as director of Lyan Bars

Published: 23 April, 2024

James Wheeler has assumed the role of director at Lyan Bars, joining forces with bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) and MD Alex Lawrence. Wheeler’s tenure spans over nine years with the Lore Group, overseeing the Lyan bars portfolio including Seed Library at One Hundred Shoreditch and Lyaness at Sea Containers. His new responsibilities extend to overseeing all Mr Lyan bars globally, including Super Lyan in Amsterdam and Silver Lyan in Washington DC.

Shift in drinking trends emerges amid record alcohol-related deaths in UK

Published: 23 April, 2024

Alcohol-related deaths in the UK hit a record high in 2022, with nearly 2,500 more fatalities compared to 2019, according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Symington Family releases 2022 Capela do Vesúvio Vintage Port

Published: 22 April, 2024

The Symington family has introduced the 2022 Capela do Vesúvio Vintage Port, marking only the fifth vintage of the micro-terroir wine.

Campari Group expands Aperol production capacity

Published: 22 April, 2024

Campari Group is set to double the production capacity of Aperol by expanding its Novi Ligure Plant, the group’s largest production hub globally.

Incipio unveils F&B plans for Olympia development

Published: 22 April, 2024

Incipio Group, known for The Libertine, The Prince, and Pergola on the Wharf, has unveiled plans to introduce an elevated food and beverage (F&B) offering to the new Olympia development in West London. The venue, famous for hosting trade shows like the London Wine Fair, will soon showcase several premium dining and drinking experiences.

Demographic shifts propel stout resurgence

Published: 22 April, 2024

In a dynamic market landscape marked by shifting consumer preferences, the stout category is experiencing a notable resurgence, driven by changing demographics. Guinness is chief among the brands leading this charge, as highlighted in Diageo’s recent six-month performance update ending December 2023.

The CEE Wine Fair premieres in London

Published: 19 April, 2024

The Ultimate Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) Wine Fair is set to debut in London on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, offering UK trade and press an opportunity to explore the diverse wine scene in Central and Eastern Europe.

Denbies makes history as first ‘Net Zero’ UK vineyard

Published: 19 April, 2024

Denbies Wine Estate has made headlines by becoming the first vineyard and winery in the UK to attain Net Zero status according to the UK Carbon Code of Conduct standard (UKCCC). The distinction now places Denbies among a select few wine producers worldwide to achieve Net Zero in wine production.

Government launches £1.5m Future Winemakers’ Scheme to boost UK wine industry

Published: 19 April, 2024

The British government has unveiled a new initiative, the Future Winemakers’ Scheme, aimed at bolstering training opportunities within the domestic wine industry. The scheme is designed to ensure the availability of a skilled workforce to support the burgeoning British wine sector.

Friday read: France embraces dealcoholisation of IGP wines

Published: 19 April, 2024

Set against the march of low & no, Jacopo Mazzeo reports on the first EU member state to approve a low abv threshold, with predictions of a ready uptake.

CLASS Bar Awards 2024 celebrates excellence in UK bar scene

Published: 18 April, 2024

CLASS magazine unveiled the winners of its CLASS Bar Awards 2024 during an event held at Battersea Arts Centre in London on Tuesday. Established in 2003, the CLASS Bar Awards is the longest-running celebration of the UK's bar industry.

UK inflation decline prompts interest rate uncertainty

Published: 18 April, 2024

UK inflation slowed less than expected last month, despite the rate of price increases falling below that of the US for the first time in two years.

Hospitality groups enjoy 5.2% growth in March

Published: 18 April, 2024

In March 2024, Britain’s leading hospitality groups achieved above-inflation like-for-like sales growth of 5.2%, according to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker.

WineCap Q1 2024 Report: A summary

Published: 18 April, 2024

Wine investment firm WineCap has released its Q1 2024 Fine Wine Report offering a comprehensive market overview.

Brits marry on English fizz but divorce on Champagne, finds Aldi

Published: 18 April, 2024

Much is written about the wine purchasing habits of Brits, but less so about the occasions with which they match certain styles of wines. However, a new survey, commissioned by Aldi and conducted by Prospectus Global, has thrown up some intriguing insights into which wines are paired with what life events by UK wine drinkers. The aim, said Aldi, was to help customers to navigate the wine aisle with a different approach beyond food pairing.