News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Sommelier Wine Awards 2025 now open for entries

Published: 04 November, 2024

The Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) is once again open for entries for its 2025 round of judging.

Oxford’s Sandbach adds to wine bar stable

Published: 04 November, 2024

After a hiatus of several years the original site of the first Oxford Wine Café is to be reborn as the Oxford Wine Tavern.

Hispamerchants adds Funckenhausen Wines to portfolio

Published: 01 November, 2024

UK-based wine importer Hispamerchants has introduced three wines from Mendoza’s Funckenhausen winery to its growing collection, marking the agency’s first entry from the San Rafael sub-region, specifically the area of 25 De Mayo.

Government wine cellar sees reduction in usage but record boost in 2022-24

Published: 01 November, 2024

The government hospitality wine cellar’s latest biennial report, covering April 2022 to March 2024, outlines a restrained increase in bottle usage and a significant boost in revenue from sales.

Hospitality faces £2,500 rise in staff costs following Budget changes

Published: 01 November, 2024

The Autumn Budget’s employment tax measures will raise the cost of employing full-time staff by at least £2,500, according to an analysis released by UKHospitality.

Exclusive: SWR completes global sustainability benchmarking pilot

Published: 01 November, 2024

Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) has completed the initial phase of a new benchmarking scheme which aims to evaluate the world’s various sustainability standards against a single set of criteria, Harpers can reveal.

Friday read: Lago di Garda, Gropello Gentile and Italy’s most memorable rosato

Published: 01 November, 2024

Italy’s wine reputation has never been higher. Many of its reds from Tuscany and Piedmont are well established icons, its whites get better each year, whilst sparkling wines are also on the up with Franciacorta, Alta Langa and Oltrepo Pavese increasingly appealing to higher end consumers tired of Prosecco.

Budget review: A ‘horrific’ state of affairs for the trade

Published: 31 October, 2024

An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.

BCB London show to debut at Tobacco Dock in June 2025

Published: 31 October, 2024

Following the July announcement from international trade fair organiser RX that BCB, a global bar and beverage trade show, will debut in London, organisers have confirmed the date and venue.

Budget sparks criticism with new alcohol duty reforms

Published: 30 October, 2024

The UK’s Autumn Budget, introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has announced significant changes to alcohol duties, drawing sharp criticism from the alcohol and hospitality industries.

Chancellor announces pay rise, adding £1.9bn to hospitality wage bill

Published: 30 October, 2024

The hospitality sector is facing a substantial increase in operating costs as the Chancellor confirms a 6.7% rise in the National Living Wage, set to take effect in April 2025. The uplift will raise the hourly rate from £11.44 to £12.21, directly impacting more than 3 million workers and adding an estimated £1.9bn to the hospitality sector’s wage bill.

Ruth Spivey joins Carte Blanche

Published: 29 October, 2024

Carte Blanche has welcomed wine industry professional Ruth Spivey to their team on a part-time basis to oversee sales across the south east and support marketing efforts.

Justerini & Brooks celebrates 275 years with launch of Limited Series

Published: 29 October, 2024

Wine merchant Justerini & Brooks marked 275 years in business last week via the launch of several exclusive products at its grand anniversary celebration at Burlington Arcade in Mayfair.

Asahi UK first to train sales team in WSET beer qualification

Published: 29 October, 2024

Drinks education body WSET today announced that Asahi UK is the first national field sales and technical operations team to complete its new Level 1 Award in Beer qualification.

Heritage acquires Winchester Wines Group in first step of expansion

Published: 29 October, 2024

Clitheroe-based The Heritage Wine Company has announced the acquisition of Winchester Wines Group, which includes Milton Sandford Wines and The Secret Cellar, as part of the former’s expansion drive.

C&C Group reports robust results amid market challenges

Published: 29 October, 2024

C&C Group has released its interim results for the six months ending 31 August 2024, highlighting mixed performance amid a challenging market landscape. Despite external pressures, the group has reported earnings that align with expectations and remains committed to its operational targets for the full financial year.

2024 Golden Vines Awards honour excellence in wine and spirits

Published: 28 October, 2024

The 2024 Golden Vines Awards, organised by Liquid Icons, celebrated standout names in fine wine and rare spirits at a gala in Madrid’s Palacio Cibeles.

Condor leans into new-wave Argentina with Falasco Wines

Published: 28 October, 2024

Specialist South American importer Condor Wines has expanded its premium portfolio with new listings from fourth generation family winery Falasco Wines.

UK debut of Occitanie wine event highlights growing demand

Published: 28 October, 2024

On Tuesday, 22 October 2024, the Experience le Sud Tasting made its UK debut in London, an event organised by the Bureau de la Région Occitanie à Londres. Created to increase visibility for Occitanie wines among UK trade professionals, the tasting focused on varietals and styles that are rapidly gaining traction in the market. The event attracted key figures from the UK wine trade, including sommeliers, importers, independent merchants and journalists, who were introduced to a wide range of wines that highlight the quality and unique identity of Occitanie.

Calling the Budget

Published: 28 October, 2024

Long-time spirits industry commentator and MD of Mangrove Global, Nick Gillett, speaks out ahead of the new Labour government’s Autumn Statement, arguing that ‘the best hospitality can hope for is to be left well alone’.