Lower alcohol Marlborough wines launch in M&S

New Zealand Lighter Wines has launched two new 9.5% abv wines in Marks & Spencer to tap into the growing demand for naturally lower alcohol wine.

WSTA reveals this year’s Brexit LWF debate panel

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has revealed the industry experts that will form part of its Brexit debate panel at this year’s London Wine Fair (LWF).

Premium agenda at Sicilia en Primeur as bottled exports hit new high

Bottlings of Sicilian wine rose 123% in the first quarter of 2018 (vs Q1 2017), reflected in both an ongoing trend to more premium exports and a reduction in bulk sales following the short 2017 harvest.

UK sales of Aperol and Campari drive group growth

Campari’s stable of brands continue to drive “sustainable growth” for the group, including Aperol and Campari, where sales rose in the UK during the first three months of the year.

Distell sells Uitkyk to Warwick Wine Estate

Distell has sold its Uitkyk wine farm to Warwick Wine Estate for an undisclosed sum.

Hallgarten & Novum signs UK distribution deal for Jim Barry Wines

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of Jim Barry Wines, taking over from Negociants UK.

Buckingham Schenk boosts off-trade team

Buckingham Schenk has appointed John Ruck-Keene as off-trade account manager.

Co-op's major own label conversion boosts UK Fairtrade wine volumes by 20%

The Co-op’s new conversion of its major own-label range will boost the UK’s Fairtrade wine volumes by 20%.

Distribution switch-up at Halewood Wines & Spirits

Halewood Wines & Spirits has announced a number of changes to its line-up while revealing a new spirits focus for its agency business.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

We're in the money?

An increasingly competitive retail environment has led to yet another mega-merger, this time between Asda and Sainsbury’s. We ask what this new giant force could have in store for wine

Wine expert urges UK to avoid comparing German Pinot Noir with counterparts

A German wine expert has urged the UK wine industry not to compare Pinot Noir from Germany with rival counterpart production of the grape variety in regions such as Burgundy.

Wakefield predicts best Shiraz vintage in decades

Wakefield Wines has predicted the 2018 Shiraz vintage will be the best in decades.

NZ Winegrowers gears up for Sauvignon Blanc day with digital push

New Zealand Winegrowers has launched an online campaign ahead of International Sauvignon Blanc day tomorrow (4th May).

Phantom Creek puts focus on Riesling and Pinot Gris

Phantom Creek Estates has partnered with Olivier Humbrecht MW as part of its strategy to start producing Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Wine Intelligence highlights alternative format trends

Justerini & Brooks reclaims UK distribution of J&B Rare whisky

Justerini & Brooks has reclaimed the exclusive UK distribution of its house whisky - J&B Rare, after a 21 year gap.

Distell defies challenging season with promising harvest

Distell has reported a ‘promising quality’ harvest despite experiencing one of the most challenging seasons in recent years.

Think Gin: The big flavour debate

The colourful world of flavoured gin was a hot topic at yesterday’s annual Harper’s Think Gin event, coming up time and time again as sub-section driving overall gin growth, yet at the same time dividing opinion on what role it should play within the wider category.

Splash Wines gears up for UK launch

Splash Wines, the US based direct-to-consumer wine marketer, has announced its intention to expand into the UK market.