News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Pub closures surge again in Q2 breaking Q1 record

Published: 07 August, 2023

Pub closures reached back-to-back quarterly records in Q2 2023, smashing the previous unwanted benchmark set in Q1.

Royal Tokaji eyeing ‘potential for growth’ as Essencia 2016 unveiled in UK

Published: 07 August, 2023

Sweet wines may be less in vogue these days in many mature western markets, but the uniqueness of Tokaji – and especially its flagship Aszú wines – are bucking that trend.

UK chains enjoy profit increase

Published: 07 August, 2023

According to research from UHY Hacker Young, the UK’s Top 100 restaurant groups have recorded a twelvefold increase in their profits in the last six months, rising from £19.9m in September 2022 to £241.8m in March 2023.

SITT Alentejo ‘Spotlight’ confirmed

Published: 07 August, 2023

SITT Autumn, the trade event for specialist importers and independent buyers, will host 12 tables dedicated to Wines of Alentejo.

‘Most buyer-friendly Champagne market in recent memory’ says Cult Wine

Published: 07 August, 2023

Cult Wine, the fine wine investment platform, believes the ‘slow-down’ of high-end vintage Champagne prices might provide an opportunity for potential investors in the coming months.

Amber Beverage UK merges with Indie Brands

Published: 04 August, 2023

Amber Beverage UK (ABUK), the distributor for up-and-coming spirits brands, has merged with drinks marketing company Indie Brands.

Over the line on duty

Published: 04 August, 2023

So, the deadline has come and gone – and despite an avalanche of criticism, including a letter sent by Hennings Wine owner Matt Hennings to his local MP in June, begging the government to wake up and smell the bonfire, the trade is now facing increases to the tune of 20% or 44p per 75cl bottle.

The WSTA to launch ‘low and no’ alcohol guides

Published: 04 August, 2023

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has spearheaded the development of the UK’s first low and no alcohol guides, amid exponential growth in the burgeoning sector.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Owen Morgan, Bar 44

Published: 04 August, 2023

Midway through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Owen Morgan, owner of the Bar 44 tapas group, to find out how the year has gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Kate Goodman named Australian Winemaker of the Year

Published: 03 August, 2023

Kate Goodman, head winemaker for Penley Estate Winery, in Coonawarra, South Australia, has been named Australian Winemaker of the Year 2024 by the Halliday Wine Companion.

Curious Vines and Proof Insight to launch women in wine survey

Published: 03 August, 2023

Curious Vines and Proof Insight are to collaborate on the ‘first-ever’ survey to discover how women feel about working in the wine industry.

OIV adds Italian producer to its research consortium

Published: 03 August, 2023

Leading Valpolicella producer Masi Agricola has become the sixth member of the OIV’s technical and scientific consortium.

iDealwine begins shipping to Australia

Published: 02 August, 2023

iDealwine, the Paris-based online marketplace for fine wine and spirits has announced it will now deliver to Australia.

WineGB appoints sustainability ambassador

Published: 02 August, 2023

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) has appointed Anne Jones as its first-ever sustainability ambassador.

The Whisky Exchange to launch first Chinese Whiskey in UK

Published: 02 August, 2023

Spirits retailer, The Whisky Exchange, has exclusively launched three Goalong Chinese whiskies and a botanical gin on its website and in-store.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Vanessa Stolz, Restaurant Pine

Published: 02 August, 2023

Midway through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Vanessa Stolz, head sommelier at Restaurant Pine, to find out how the year has gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Rioja adds 15 new ‘Singular Vineyards’

Published: 01 August, 2023

The government of Spain has added 15 new wine-growing sites of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin with the qualitative distinction of ‘Singular Vineyard’.

Reduction in product innovations, as economic pressure bites for drinks brands

Published: 31 July, 2023

Circana, the leading advisor on consumer complexity, has launched its Race for Resilience: Innovation Pacesetters report for Europe. Covering the six largest markets in Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, UK, and the Netherlands), the report reveals declining product innovations for alcoholic drinks brands across the last two years.

Duty changes emphasise the law of increasing returns

Published: 31 July, 2023

The changes to alcohol duty, due to come into effect tomorrow (1 August), are the biggest the UK has seen in nearly fifty years. As businesses make their final preparations, it seems we could see a raft of new changes entering the drinks landscape – including the need to better communicate the law of increasing returns when it comes to wine and the benefits of trading up.

Oxford Wine Group announces new bar opening

Published: 31 July, 2023

Having celebrated its crowning as the number one merchant in Harpers' 50 Best Indies list 2023, The Oxford Wine Group has announced it will open a brand-new city centre venue later this year.