Northern restaurant and bar scene powers ahead of London

The restaurant and bar scenes in Liverpool, Manchester & Leeds have been revealed as growing at rates more than double those of London.

Baileys goes dairy-free

Baileys has launched a dairy-free version of the Irish cream liqueur to tap the trend for free-from food and drinks.

Diageo acquires German aperitif Belsazar from Distill Ventures

Diageo has acquired premium aperitif Belsazar from Germany’s Black Forest for an undisclosed sum.

Devon manor to launch vineyard

Lympstone Manor has revealed plans to plant a vineyard within its 28-acre estate.

China to squeeze bulk supply of Australian red to critical levels over next 3-5 years

ABS expands Italian portfolio with first Maremma wines

Awin Barratt Siegel (ABS) has signed a deal as the new UK distributor for Tuscan winery Nittardi, taking over from OW Loeb.

Conviviality shares suspended

Shares in Conviviality have been temporarily suspended from trading on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) as it faces £30 million tax bill.

Waddesdon Wine adds organic Provence producer Château Léoube

Château Léoube has partnered with Waddesdon Wine, marking the first time their entire range will be available in the UK.

Fever-Tree continues to lead the premium pack by adapting to low-cal and dark spirit trends

Fever-Tree accounted for 91% of the value growth of all mixers on the UK’s retail shelves last year, as the UK-based company continues to lead the march of premium mixers.

Sussex Wineries launch to boost marketing and tourism

Eight leading Sussex wineries came together on Monday in Brighton to mark a strengthened collaboration between producers across the twin counties.

Wine key driver of Fairtrade sales

Alcohol has, albeit from a small platform, emerged as a key driver of Fairtrade with UK consumers showing increasing support for drinks accredited as such.

Rioja exports on the up boosted by the UK and white

Export sales of Rioja increased by 4.39% in 2017 compared to the previous year boosted by a strong UK performance, the Consejo Regulador of Rioja DOCa has revealed.

Hardys and Echo Falls achieve ‘Superbrands’ status for third time

Accolade wine brands Hardys and Echo Falls have made it into the UK’s Superbrand list.

Sparkling drives growth as inflation bites down on average prices

Volume sales of alcohol continued to decline in the UK off-trade in 2017, but value sales increased in both yearly and quarterly sales, particularly in sparkling wine, which remains the main driver of growth for the overall wine category.

Wines of Spain unveils new Caballeros for 2018

Wines of Spain has unveiled two new Caballeros for 2018 - Peter Dauthieu and Marisol Bueno.

Plotting the indigenous jewels on Hungary’s wine map

Hungary has come a long way since the heyday of Bull’s Blood in the 1970s. Now it’s rich tapestry of indigenous styles are finding their feet

Wine gaucho Crozier urges UK to embrace second wave of niche Argentine wineries

Speaking at an Alternative Argentina tasting in London yesterday (8 March), Argentine wine expert Phil Crozier outlined the opportunities for the country to expand its offer with more focus on its diversity and smaller producers.

Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2018 open for entries

The international Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2018 has thrown down the gauntlet to UK somms, inviting entries for this year’s competition to be held on 9 April at 67 Pall Mall.

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.

Industry stalwart Jeremy Rockett co-founds distribution venture

Jeremy Rockett, former Marblehead MD and marketing director for González Byass UK, has joined forces with a trio of drinks experts to launch a distribution agency.