News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

One Champagne house left standing in Royal Warrant refresh

Published: 13 May, 2024

A number of Champagne brands could have fallen out of favour in King Charles III’s first Royal Warrant list after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Vinca wines now available in Booker branches nationwide

Published: 13 May, 2024

Buckingham Schenk has announced the listing of organic canned wines Vinca, in the major UK wholesaler, Booker. Starting today (13 May), the full range, comprising an Organic Catarratto white, a pale Organic Syrah rosé and an Organic Nero d’Avola & Frappato, will be accessible nationwide across 162 Booker branches.

UK distillery boom continues: 54 new ventures added in 2023

Published: 13 May, 2024

The independent spirits industry in Britain is growing rapidly – according to UHY Hacker Young, the national accountancy group, 54 new distilleries opened in 2023.

Sommelier Wine Awards 2024 revealed

Published: 13 May, 2024

The results of the Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) 2024 are now live, revealing the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal wines.

Accolade Wines eyes deal with Pernod Ricard

Published: 13 May, 2024

Accolade Wines is currently in negotiations with Pernod Ricard regarding the sale of some of its assets, Harpers has learned.

Nick Gillett: Satisfying distributors – the secret sauce for spirits brands

Published: 13 May, 2024

I don’t think I have to preach about the benefits of working with a distributor when it comes to the UK spirits industry. It’s a complicated market at the best of times and currently full of challenges like cost-of-living pressures and hospitality closures, which in turn lead to more cautious buyers that are harder to access.

WSET appoints new trustee Georgie Bell

Published: 10 May, 2024

The global leader in drinks education, UK-based WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), has appointed Georgie Bell to its Board of Trustees.

‘Resilient’ hospitality pushes back

Published: 10 May, 2024

A joint survey spanning several leading hospitality bodies has showed that venues have the appetite to invest in the future of their businesses, despite continuing to face a wide range of cost pressures.

James Halliday announces retirement

Published: 09 May, 2024

Veteran Australian wine critic James Halliday AM has announced he is stepping back from his wine writing and tasting commitments, while also embarking on a wine memoir.

Hallgarten launches second Inclusivity in Wine Programme

Published: 09 May, 2024

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has launched its second Inclusivity in Wine Programme, designed to encourage and provide a pathway for people of diverse backgrounds in hospitality to enter the wine trade.

Bousquet impact report aims to ‘move the sustainability needle’ in South America

Published: 09 May, 2024

Domaine Bousquet has released a seminal Sustainability Impact Report which outlines the achievements and future direction for wineries in South America.

China to recognise Burgundy AOCs

Published: 08 May, 2024

Burgundy has taken its first step on the road to gaining protection for its appellations in China, with recognition now officially in place for two of its top AOCs.

BBR continues to roll with thirst for sake

Published: 08 May, 2024

Berry Bros. & Rudd is to repeat its en primeur sake offer this year, reflecting the ongoing growth in this spirits category.

Rate of hospitality closures slows

Published: 08 May, 2024

The latest data from CGA shows that closures in Britain’s hospitality sector slowed from eight sites a day in 2023 to four a day in the first quarter of 2024.

Nominations now open for Top 50 Sommeliers

Published: 08 May, 2024

Harpers is delighted to open this year’s round of nominations for Top 50 Sommeliers.

Joint WSTA, Drinks Trust and WSET initiative aims to create ‘meaningful changes’ on EDI

Published: 07 May, 2024

The WSTA, The Drinks Trust and the WSET are currently coordinating an industry response to the issues identified around safeguarding and equity for those working in drinks, with the next step on the journey being a seminar at this month’s London Wine Fair (LWF).

Champagne faces off against sparkling Riesling

Published: 07 May, 2024

Champagne’s supremacy was put through its paces last week when it went head to head with a ‘lost and forgotten world-class category’ of sparkling wines in a blind tasting.

Fortnum & Mason Awards 2024: Henry Jeffreys wins Drink Book of the Year

Published: 03 May, 2024

Food and drink industry figures gathered yesterday (2 May) at The Royal Exchange in London for the annual Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards. The awards honour UK writers, publishers, photographers, broadcasters and personalities in the food and drink sectors.

Roussillon ‘Coup de Coeur’ dozen unveiled

Published: 02 May, 2024

Roussillon may be a tenth the size of its sprawling Languedoc neighbour, but this diverse corner of France has increasingly been pushing its own credentials as a vibrant and innovative source of wines.

Wine industry leaders share SEO strategies for success

Published: 02 May, 2024

In the rapidly changing world of wine marketing, digital visibility is crucial for brand success, with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) playing a pivotal role. Harpers has explored strategies shared by industry leaders for unlocking SEO success.