Global decline in per capita alcohol consumption as change sweeps wine world

Disruption is the new political norm, with fundamental changes in consumer behaviour fuelling an ongoing global decrease in personal alcohol consumption, according to the latest research from Wine Intelligence.

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.

Sauvignon Blanc Celebration trip up for grabs courtesy of NZ Winegrowers

New Zealand Winegrowers are offering the chance for trade form UK and Ireland to win a trip to the international Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough from 28 to 30 January 2019.

Harpers Wine Stars Awards: calling final entries for South Africa, New Zealand and England

Would you like your wines to feature among the Stars? Then don’t miss the 17 March entry submission deadline for our South Africa, New Zealand and England Wine Stars Awards (see below).

Buyers hunt for mainstream alternatives at SITT

Snow may have ground most of the UK to a halt, but the even frostier conditions of the market at the moment meant that buyers braved the weather and headed to Harpers’ Spring SITT event to discover point of difference wines at competitive prices.

Maison Mumm launches ‘revolutionising’ cuvée

Maison Mumm has launched a cuvée aimed at redefining traditional perspectives on ageing Champagne.

SWA secures GI protection for Scotch Whisky in New Zealand

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has secured Geographical Indications (GI) protection for the spirit in New Zealand.

New fizz category and Cabernet Franc interest lifts Loire

Nine Loire wine producers and regional wine body, Interloire, have joined forces to launch a premium category for Crémant de Loire and sparkling wines.

Skyrocketing Aperol lifts Campari’s spirits

Italian spirits group Campari has posted strong annual results boosted by the success of Aperol.

Bolney turns to screwcap

Bolney Wine Estate has announced going forward it's replacing its cork closures across its still wine portfolio with screwcaps.

WSTA wins European award for annual conference

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has been awarded the Best Conference gong at the European Association Awards (EAC) ceremony for its annual conference

Balance of power shifts to producers as bulk wine outstrips bottled supply

Unpredictability is the new norm, securing supply has become more critical than price and power has shifted from buyers to producers.

Wine Australia reveals ProWein ‘wine bar’ feature

Wine Australia has revealed it is introducing a new free-pour tasting area at this year ProWein as part of its biggest presence at the show to date.

Yealands on campaign trail to push sustainability credentials

Marlborough family winery Yealands has launched a competition offering wine lovers the chance to win a holiday to New Zealand to ‘see sustainability in action’.

New Zealand premium exports hit a high note in the US and UK

New Zealand’s reputition as a top producer of quality wines continue to rise in the UK and across the world, as it is named the third biggest wine importer in value to the US.

French organic wine sales grow to a billion euros with UK sales on the rise

Majestic releases first ‘NDA’ English wine

Majestic has released a batch of sparkling wine for which it is asking buyers to comply with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect the details of the tipple.

The Midlands Wine & Spirit Association appoints new chairman

The Midlands Wine & Spirit Association (MWSA) has appointed Iain Phillips of Mentzendorff & Co as its new chairman.

Ehrmanns turns spotlight on rosé

Ehrmanns Wine turned the spotlight on rosé at its annual tasting with the launch of a new area dedicated to the category.

London’s first bulk wine show reflects growth of premium private label

IBWSS London opens its doors to the UK trade on 26 and 27 February against the backdrop of a market that has seen huge growth in bulk shipping and in-market bottling, along with the rise of premium private label.