No deal Brexit “not acceptable” for drinks trade

Brexit is the “most significant” short-term challenge facing the wine sector, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) told delegates at its conference yesterday (18 September).

France still reigns supreme in wine portfolios

French wine is a ‘must-stock’, according to Sopexa’s 2018 Wine Trade Monitor.

ProWein confirms event dates

ProWein, the must-attend premier wine and spirits business show in Europe, has confirmed that ProWein 2020 will take place from 15 to 17 March in Düsseldorf.

Hard Brexit could be “disastrous” for overseas producers

The Fairtrade Foundation has warned that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit could be disastrous for producers.

Fields, Morris & Verdin adds Flint to portfolio

Fields, Morris & Verdin (FMV), the specialist wine and spirits importer, has added UK winery Flint Vineyard to its producer portfolio.

Seedlip launches into Waitrose

Seedlip, the distilled non-alcoholic spirit, has launched its range into Waitrose supermarkets in what has been described as a “milestone”.

Majestic Wine launches Sake campaign

Majestic Wine is launching a campaign to encourage consumption of Japanese rice wine Sake after introducing three new products to its range.

Condor Wines agrees deal with Bouchon Family Wines

Condor Wines, the specialist South American wine importer, has agreed a partnership with Chilean wine producer Bouchon Family Wines.

House of Townend chairman John E Townend dies

John E Townend, chairman of wine merchants House of Townend has died.

Berry Bros & Rudd sees sales rise

Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) has seen sales rise by £16M, for the year ending 31 March 2018.

Gin sales smash records

Brits bought almost 60M bottles of gin in 12 months – worth over £1.6bn and up 38% on last year, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has revealed.

Holiday season boosts eating-out market

La Compagnie de La Burgondie secures first major UK off-trade listing

La Compagnie de La Burgondie has secured its first major UK off-trade deal.

Johnny Walker Blue Label voted the top luxury alcohol brand globally

Johnny Walker Blue Label was voted the top luxury brand globally, followed by Louis XIII and Richard Hennessy, in the Kadence International Luxury Study.

Prosecco continues to lead sparkling wine category

Sparkling wine continues to grow with Prosecco leading the category and English fizz remaining on the rise, according to The Wine Intelligence Sparkling Wine in the UK Market 2018 Report.

The week that was

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.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective launch lays down gauntlet to UK and US buyers

Be prepared to pay more or risk losing top Stellenbosch Cabernets to the Asian market was one of the messages to UK and US buyers at the launch of the Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective at Cape Wine 2018.

Duck Pond sells out

Iconic wine estate Duck Pond Cellars has been sold to a corporate investor.

IMW appoints Adrian Garforth MW chairman

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has appointed Adrian Garforth MW as its new chairman.

Cape Wine 2018 calls to address challenge of profitability with investment in training and people

Sustainability in both economic and human terms was outlined as the key challenge facing Cape winemakers at the opening conference of Cape Wine 2018.