News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Regine Lee MW becomes WSET trustee

Published: 17 October, 2024

The WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) has appointed Regine Lee MW to its Board of Trustees as the representative for the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).

WineGB urges government to remove ‘competitive disadvantage’ ahead of budget

Published: 17 October, 2024

With just two weeks remaining until the autumn Budget, WineGB has called on the UK government to prioritise the English and Welsh wine industry by reducing excise duty and offering targeted support to boost growth.

China slowdown and US challenges weigh on Pernod Ricard

Published: 17 October, 2024

Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-largest spirits group, reported revenue slump of 8.5% to €2.783 billion and a 5.9% organic decline for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, as a challenging macroeconomic environment in China and ongoing inventory adjustments in the US contributed to an underwhelming performance.

New director and president for Centre-Loire Wines

Published: 16 October, 2024

Interprofessionnel des Vins du Centre-Loire (BIVC) has made two major new changes to its leadership team with François Bouteille officially taking over from Edouard Mognetti as director and Bertrand Minchin taking on the role of co-president.

Webinar sign up: Social Responsibility at the Cellar Door

Published: 16 October, 2024

The Harpers team invites you to sign up for a latest free webinar, Social Responsibility at the Cellar Door, to take place a week today.

Perrier-Jouët toasts new Chardonnay cellar

Published: 16 October, 2024

Maison Perrier-Jouët has announced the inauguration of its new Chardonnay dedicated cellar, aimed at enhancing this key grape variety in its wines.

Domaine Bousquet ramps up sustainability achievements in report update

Published: 16 October, 2024

Sustainability leader Domaine Bousquet has released a half-year update to its inaugural sustainability impact report, detailing a significant increase in the production of lightweight bottles and recycled waste.

Armand de Brignac adds first vintage to luxury portfolio

Published: 16 October, 2024

Armand de Brignac Champagne has unveiled its first ever vintage release, a magnum of Blanc de Noirs from 2015 which will sit at the top of the pile as the house’s newest ultra-prestige cuvée.

South Africa hopeful of recovery after ‘challenging’ 2024 harvest

Published: 15 October, 2024

After a difficult 2024 season, which was characterised by floods, frost and strong winds, South African wine producers are optimistic about the 2025 harvest.

Indie retailers warn against new employee rights as Starmer vows to ‘rip up the rulebook’ on bureaucracy

Published: 15 October, 2024

The government’s proposed ‘biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation’ could stifle job creation in independent shops and place further financial pressures on already struggling retailers, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has warned.

Armit Wines invests in staff to support growth plans

Published: 14 October, 2024

Armit Wines is investing in new staff as part of its five-year strategy to build on its recent turnaround.

Purnell’s restaurant closes after 17 years amid wider Michelin-star closures

Published: 14 October, 2024

Glynn Purnell’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Purnell’s, has shut its doors after 17 years. The Birmingham-based restaurant served its final guests on 12 October, with Purnell citing economic challenges and pressures on the hospitality sector as key reasons for the closure.

Ridgeview begins 2024 harvest after ‘challenging’ year

Published: 14 October, 2024

Ridgeview Wine Estate, a key player in English sparkling wine, has started its 2024 harvest. Despite challenging growing conditions in the UK and Europe, the estate is confident in the quality of its grapes, sourced from both its home estate and long-term partner vineyards across southern England.

EWGA Wines earns ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental practices

Published: 14 October, 2024

EWGA Wines, a Lancashire-based importer and wholesaler, has been awarded the ISO 14001 certification, marking its commitment to sustainability in the wine trade.

Drinks United appoints programme manager to lead industry culture change

Published: 14 October, 2024

Drinks United, the joint initiative by The Drinks Trust, WSTA and WSET, has named Laura Aiken as programme manager to steer its three-year strategy aimed at reshaping the UK drinks industry. Aiken brings experience in managing global culture change projects.

Alcohol consumers less supportive of calorie labelling, UCL study finds

Published: 11 October, 2024

A new study has shed light on how mandatory calorie labelling on alcoholic beverages might influence consumer attitudes and drinking habits in the UK. Conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), the survey assessed the potential impact of introducing calorie information on alcohol packaging and its implications for low-risk and hazardous drinkers.

Catena Institute joins SWR Bottle Weight Accord

Published: 11 October, 2024

The Catena Institute of Wine has officially joined the SWR Bottle Weight Accord, reaffirming its sustainability commitment as a founding member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR). The institute’s efforts include light-weighting bottles and tackling the misconception that heavier bottles signify higher quality.

Friday Read: Gerard Bertrand’s rosé tinted Temple

Published: 11 October, 2024

Clos du Temple, three words that spell close to £200 for consumers of fine rosé wines. So, when the opportunity came to see behind the curtain (literally) of one of the world’s most expensive wines, during harvest, and to taste the latest vintage; I was tickled pink.

UKHospitality welcomes flexibility focus in employment rights bill

Published: 10 October, 2024

UKHospitality has welcomed the government’s focus on employment flexibility in the Employment Rights Bill but cautioned that the proposed changes could lead to additional costs and require further consultation to avoid unintended consequences.

Alcohol-free brands urge health minister to update outdated drink labels

Published: 10 October, 2024

Nearly 80 alcohol-free brands, suppliers and drinks experts have urged health minister Andrew Gwynne MP to take swift action on outdated alcohol-free drink descriptors.