News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Kingsland Drinks MD exits drinks

Published: 09 July, 2024

Long-standing Kingsland Drinks MD of Ed Baker is leaving the role he has occupied for more than a decade in order to take up a role outside the drinks industry.

BIH Spotlight Awards open for nominations

Published: 09 July, 2024

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) has opened nominations for the third BIH Spotlight Awards, scheduled for 21 October 2024 at M Threadneedle Street, London. The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and businesses from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds in the hospitality, food and drink sectors.

Deputy mayor for business pledges support for hospitality at inaugural LCW event

Published: 09 July, 2024

The deputy mayor of London for business was one of a number of senior officials to descend on Diageo’s global HQ yesterday (8 July), where the organisers of London Cocktail Week convened a daylong collaborative event aimed at hearing from the city’s hospitality sector.

Hallgarten & Novum Wines launches eLearning platform and ED&I initiative

Published: 09 July, 2024

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has launched a bespoke eLearning platform to enhance its WineSure training programme, reflecting the varied needs of individuals in the wine trade.

Majestic plans major UK expansion with 125 new store locations

Published: 09 July, 2024

Majestic has identified 125 locations for potential new store openings across England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, accelerating its investment into bricks-and-mortar retail.

Brad Pitt and Perrin Family launch The Gardener Gin with Amathus Drinks

Published: 08 July, 2024

Family-owned specialist drinks importer, distributor and retailer Amathus Drinks introduces The Gardener Gin, the latest creation from Brad Pitt and the Perrin Family in collaboration with master distiller Tom Nichol.

Viña Undurraga acquires VFC Wines, expanding global presence

Published: 08 July, 2024

Chile’s Viña Undurraga has announced the acquisition of VFC Wines, the company that controls both Viña Bouchon and Viña Bisquertt. The move further strengthens Viña Undurraga’s position in the global market and diversifies its portfolio of premium wines.

Quinta de la Rosa partners with Thorman Hunt for UK distribution

Published: 08 July, 2024

The distribution of Quinta de la Rosa, the single quinta winery on the banks of the Douro in Portugal, is being transferred to Thorman Hunt from 1 August 2024. Sophia Bergqvist, proprietor of Quinta de la Rosa, and her son, Kit Weaver, have expressed their gratitude to outgoing distributor Bibendum for its efforts in the market in recent years.

Penfolds awards AU$200,000 in inaugural Evermore Grant Programme

Published: 08 July, 2024

Penfolds has announced the recipients of the inaugural Penfolds Evermore Grant Programme. Four recipients in Australia have been selected for their projects contributing to community and culture and will share in AU$200,000 of funding.

Trade amplifies pleas to new government

Published: 05 July, 2024

With a new day and a new government in situ in Westminster, the trade has reiterated the need for support for the UK’s struggling hospitality sector, with reform to business rates and permanently extending the duty easement both top of the agenda.

Provençal producer Château d’Astros joins Jascots

Published: 05 July, 2024

Jascots Wine Merchants has announced a new partnership with Château d’Astros, a ninth-generation family-owned and certified organic Côte de Provence producer.

Jukes inks global distribution agreement with Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Published: 04 July, 2024

The new distribution arm of Champagne Billecart-Salmon is looking to bolster its ranks of zero alcohol drinks in France and beyond by teaming up with Jukes – the premium zero alcohol wine range from wine writer Matthew Jukes.

Inaugural 67 Pall Mall global communicator awards – finalists revealed

Published: 04 July, 2024

Private members’ club 67 Pall Mall has revealed the finalists for its inaugural Global Wine Communication Awards, with 24 communicators in the running for six new prizes.

UK vineyards surpass 1,000 as wine sales rise 10%

Published: 04 July, 2024

WineGB has announced significant growth in the UK’s wine industry, with the number of vineyards reaching 1,030, a 9.2% increase from the previous year. According to the Food Standards Agency Wine Team, English and Welsh wine sales also grew by 10% from 2022.

Australia and New Zealand team up for 2025 trade tasting

Published: 03 July, 2024

Wine Australia and New Zealand Winegrowers will be buddying up for their annual UK trade tastings next year in what will be their first ever joint event.

Copa Jerez returns with all-star judging panel

Published: 03 July, 2024

The search is on for UK sommelier and chef teams to compete in the 2024 UK finals of Copa Jerez and win their place to represent Britain at the prestigious international culinary competition in Spain next year.

Trade unites behind WSTA to petition incoming government on duty easement

Published: 03 July, 2024

With the UK general election just a whisker away and the current Prime Minster all but admitting a crushing defeat, the WSTA has issued an open letter calling on the incoming government to make permanent the duty easement.

Women in drinks create first-of-its-kind network

Published: 03 July, 2024

Female leaders from across the drinks trade have come together to launch a new business network aimed at driving inclusivity for women.

Founders of Mischief and Mayhem winery to depart after 20 Years

Published: 02 July, 2024

The founders of the boutique winery Mischief and Mayhem are set to depart after two decades to pursue new projects in Burgundy, Champagne and California. Michael L. Ragg and Fiona Traill-Stevenson established the winery from scratch, working through 20 vintages from 2004 to 2023. The first eight years were spent as a négociant, followed by twelve years as a domaine. Notable milestones include the completion of a new winery in Aloxe-Corton in 2022 and the record-breaking 2023 vintage, Traill-Stevenson’s final one for the company.

Businesses face uncertain future with general election

Published: 02 July, 2024

With issues such as cash flow, VAT, businesses rates and staffing all placing continued strain on the UK drinks industry, businesses have just a few days left to decide which parties’ pledges have the best hope of steering the sector towards prosperity.