Popular b.f.t. organiser Ben Campbell-Johnston passes away

Respected and much-liked stalwart of the trade, Ben Campbell-Johnston, will be missed by the trade

New Waddesdon national sales director looks to expand Rothschild wines in the UK

Waddesdon Wine, which imports and markets wines from the Rothschild wineries, has appointed a national sales director as they look to expand the presence of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR Lafite) within the UK off-trade.

Revenues double at Conviviality following "transformational" year

Conviviality Plc has reported strong growth across all three of its new business units, formed following the acquisition of Matthew Clark and Bibendum PLB.

Sam Harrop MW to step down as IWC chair after 11 years on judging panel

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced a shuffle of its judging panel ahead of its November tastings.

On-trade deserves credit for reducing alcohol related harm, says trade body

The government needs to credit the on-trade for the efforts it has made in reducing alcohol related harm and consumption and not keep hammering an engine of economic growth, according to the Association of Licensed Retailers.

40% of all online Majestic orders to be fulfilled through new e-commerce partnership

Majestic Wine has partnered with logistics firm Wincanton to streamline its e-commerce approach and become a "customer-focused multi-channel retailer."

Wine and spirits hit £4bn in duty revenues for the Exchequer

Duty contributions for the wine and spirits industry has hit the £4bn benchmark for the first time, with alcohol sales hitting an all-time high.

Chile knocks out South Africa to enter top five countries by value in UK off-trade

Chile has stormed into the top five countries of origins rankings for the first time, overtaking South Africa as the country which has sold the most in the UK off-trade by value over the past year.

M&S and Aldi driving growth in latest Kantar Worldpanel report

M&S and Aldi showed the strongest performances in Kantar's latest Worldpanel report for wine, measuring 24 week year on year share to 13 September 2016.

Millennials behind Aldi and Lidl's growth as the fastest growing spenders on grocery shopping

Millennial-led households are the fastest growing spenders on grocery shopping and are driving the growth of the discounters, according to new data.

Conviviality signs two-year supply agreement with Palmer & Harvey

Leading independent wholesaler Convivality Plc is entering into a two-way supply deal with Palmer and Harvey McLane Limited (P&H), supplying beers, wines and spirits in exchange for tobacco.

Does the new Costa coffee hybrid proposition pose a threat to bars and pubs?

In October 2016, Costa became the latest major UK coffee chain to offer its customers two hits instead of one: caffeine and alcohol all under one roof. 

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

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.

New Kent vineyard celebrates first harvest

Another English vineyard is officially open for business, having completed their first harvest and opened their winery.

World wine production 2016 one of the poorest in 20 years

The amount of wine being produced worldwide has dropped to one of the lowest in 20 years according to the latest figures from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

Bordeaux 2016: the yin-yang vintage

Fortuitous rain and an Indian summer deliver promising vintage for Bordeaux

Morrisons launches new Chilean brand Head Honcho

Following the recent launch of the innovative Argentinian Club Asado, Morrisons' South American buying team have introduced a new, wholly-owned Chilean brand, Head Honcho. 

First M&S listing for Champagne Lanson

Marks & Spencer is to list Champagne Lanson for the first time with its award-winning Extra Age Brut NV gift box.

UK lags on wine affordability, survey shows

The UK ranks just 24th among the most affordable countries in which to buy wine, according to a survey released today.

No Malbec and rule-breaking makes a song and dance at Wines of Argentina tasting