News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Johnnie Walker master blender awarded OBE

Published: 10 June, 2019

Dr Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker’s master blender, has been awarded an OBE for his outstanding service to the Scotch whisky industry.

On-trade is moving with the times, say suppliers, as Jamie’s and other well-known faces disappear from the high street

Published: 07 June, 2019

The tired, middle of the road, mid-market section of the on-trade is falling away to make way for new, more innovative concepts, suppliers have told Harpers.

Plumpton reveals Dr Greg Dunn to take over when Chris Foss retires

Published: 07 June, 2019

Plumpton College has announced that Dr Greg Dunn, currently programme manager for its MSc in Viticulture & Oenologye, will take over as curriculum manager for the wine division when Chris Foss retires later this month.

Soave’s top sites upgraded to crus

Published: 07 June, 2019

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture has officially recognised 33 cru vineyards in Soave, following an 18-year “zoning” project by the region’s consorzio.

The Oxford Wine Company reveals new hires

Published: 07 June, 2019

The Oxford Wine Company has boosted its team with two new members.

The week that was

Published: 07 June, 2019

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Thirst for premium spirits boosts Rémy Cointreau

Published: 06 June, 2019

Rémy Cointreau has posted annual sales growth of 7.9% to €1,22bn driven by strong global sales of its key premium brands.

In store rationalisation means consumers are seeking out diversity online

Published: 06 June, 2019

Wine is the most frequently purchased alcoholic beverage online, it has been revealed, as consumers increasingly turn to the web to seek out the product diversity that’s been lost from the high street.

Martini and William Grant & Sons enter burgeoning low/no sector

Published: 06 June, 2019

Martini and William Grant & Sons have entered the burgeoning low/lo alcohol category.

Denbies releases traditional method sparkling Bacchus wine

Published: 06 June, 2019

Denbies Wine Estate has released a sparkling Bacchus made using the traditional method, which it claims to be the first of its kind to be produced in this way in the UK.

Online wine platform Winebuyers adds ‘Direct from the Distillery’ section

Published: 06 June, 2019

Online wine platform and members club Winebuyers has added a new section to its website that allows customers to connect with, and buy directly from British and Irish distilleries.

FDF reports biggest first quarter on record for UK food and drink exports

Published: 05 June, 2019

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has reported a 10.7% year on year increase in the exports of UK food and drink to £5.8bn for the first quarter of 2019, boosted by strong performances from whisky, gin and wine.

Amathus to distribute Kanpai sake

Published: 05 June, 2019

Amathus Drinks has teamed up with Kanpai for a UK-wide distribution deal.

Record number of drinks enter organic awards

Published: 05 June, 2019

The Boom awards (Best of Organic Market), organised by the Soil Association Certification, has seen a record amount of organic wine and spirit entries across the UK.

Waitrose unveils refillable wine

Published: 05 June, 2019

Waitrose is trialling refillable wine at its Oxford Botley Road store, as part of a drive to cut down on packaging.

Hong Kong “more engaged” with wine but exports to China go flat

Published: 05 June, 2019

The latest Wine Intelligence report on Hong Kong says after “many years of substantial growth” as the key Asian trading hub for wine, sales have plateaued after China, its biggest customer, established direct trade connections with wine-producing regions.

Hatch Mansfield unveils latest sustainability initiative

Published: 05 June, 2019

Hatch Mansfield has announced its next sustainability initiative is a borehole project in the North region of Uganda.

European trade association commits to providing energy value on spirits

Published: 05 June, 2019

SpiritsEUROPE, the trade association for European spirits producers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide energy information on labels, together with full ingredient listings and detailed product-specific information online.