LVMH chief said to be looking to his children to succeed him

Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy's chief executive officer, 64-year-old Bernard Arnault, may be grooming both his son Antoine and daughter Delphine as possible successors to the world's largest luxury goods company, according to Bloomberg News Agency.

Heavy rain in Douro valley hits 2013 Port harvest

The 2013 Port harvest has been hit by heavy rain in the Douro valley, with 34mm falling on Pinhao last Friday and Saturday, and more expected today (Tuesday) and tomorrow.

John Osborne to take control of PLB in the new year

John Osborne, sales director at wine agency PLB, is to take over as the company's new managing director in January when Peter Darbyshire steps down.

La Hechicera rum launches bartender competition

La Hechicera, an aged rum from Colombia, is launching a competition called Wanderlust Columbia, which will give two bartenders from the UK the chance to live and work in the capital of Colombia, with accommodation and a month's salary.

UK representative chosen for Champagne Ambassador's Awards 2013

The Champagne Bureau has announced the winner of the Champagne Ambassador's Awards 2013 UK final, which recognises excellence in wine education and will see the winning candidate represent the UK in the European final later this month.

William Grant & Sons tops £1 billion turnover for second year running

William Grant & Sons, which produces and distributes leading spirits brands inculding Glenfiddich, Hendrick's Gin and Monkey Shoulder, has reported a 7% increase in sales on core brands year-on-year to hit a record topping £1.06 billion.

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Funkin seeks Innovation Champion brand ambassador

Funkin has selected six UK bartenders to go head-to-head in the final of its competition to find an Innovation Champion brand ambassador and come up with a future concept for the range that they believe would shake up the cocktail industry.

England rugby star opens innovative wine and coffee outlet

England rugby player and Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw has teamed up with school friend and entrepreneur Kevin Latouf to open innovative coffee shop and wine bar Black White Red in Winchester.

Whisky Show 2013 trade day line-up announced

Over 80 whisky brands, 400 whiskies and a selection of masterclasses will be on offer at this year's Whisky Exchange Whisky Show 2013 trade session, in October.

Swig comes out of downturn with growth in sales across all sectors

Swig, the online wine retailer and distributor, has told Harpers.co.uk it is up 18% in sales since April, with growth coming from all sectors of the trade, be it direct to the on-trade and retail or through its own trading website, which alone has seen a 100% increase in sales year on year.

New Islay distillery on the cards

Scotland's Islay is to get its ninth distillery, although plans have yet to be made public.

UK trade's favourite French wines showcased at Absolutely Cracking tasting

Some of the wine trade's favourite French wines were on show this week at the Absolutely Cracking Wines from France tasting and Harpers is giving you the chance to win a case of specially selected wines from the event.

Drakes Tabanco brings a taste of Jerez to Fitzrovia

In a bid to excite the sherry market, Drakes Tabanco, a traditional tavern typical of Jerez, which serves fine and rare sherries straight from the barrel, is to open in London's Fitzrovia in October.

New Michelin Guide awards stars to top eateries

The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2014 has awarded two London eateries, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and the Greenhouse in Mayfair, two Michelin stars each, while 15 other dining spots walked away with one star.

Alliance Wine looks to bring new life to the traditional wine tasting

Scottish-based wine distributor Alliance Wine was the latest wine company to host a different style of tasting this week with a Latin-themed event in Glasgow complete with music, food and tango dancers.

Whisky fans name Glenmorangie single malt Taghta

Glenmorangie, which is running a crowd-sourcing Cask Masters whisky creation programme aimed at getting members of the public involved in the whisky-making process, has announced the winner of a contest run last month to name the single malt, confirming it will be called Taghta, which is the Gaelic word for "chosen".

London Wine Fair 2014 sees return of key exhibitors

A raft of UK agents and importers absent from last year's London International Wine Fair have signed up to exhibit at the newly branded London Wine Fair at Olympia, London, on June 2-4 2014.

Hawksmoor duo to open Foxlow restaurant in November

The team behind Hawksmoor is set to open a 100-cover restaurant and bar on St John Street in Clerkenwell, London.

WSTA launches campaign for duty escalator to be scrapped early

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association is today starting a campaign to get the alcohol duty escalator scrapped a year early.