Catering exec and wine enthusiast dies in tragic plane crash

The foodservice industry is mourning the loss of one of its giants this morning, as the world media reports the tragic loss of Richard Cousins, CEO of catering company Compass Group.

Oz government opens Wine Export Grants applications

Brexit and bad harvests could dampen supply of fizz

2018 could be the year that Brits’ love of sparkling catches up with them as experts predict a fizz shortage could be about to descend on the UK.

Ian Harris receives MBE in New Year’s Honours List

Ian Harris, chief executive of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), has been awarded MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Harpers

Well, that’s pretty much it for 2017, at least from the team at Harpers, although as we down iQuills until 2018, we know that most of you out there in the trade are still at full tilt, meeting the festive thirst of the public at this busy time of year.

New food and pairing app for Cognac

The Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) has launched the first cognac and food-pairing app.

Farr Vintners reports strong trading

Fine wine trader Farr Vintners has reported its turnover for 2017 is up 25.5% hitting £96M.

Hayman’s Gin creates UK sales team

Hayman’s Gin has revealed plans to create a UK sales team to support its ambitions for the home market.

Distell sells Bisquit Cognac brand to Campari

Distell has agreed to sell its Bisquit Dubouche et Ci Cognac business to Campari Group for €52.5m.

Nepenthe re-introduces flavour of Adelaide Hills to the UK

Premium Australian winery Nepenthe has re-introduced a selection of cool climate wines from its Altitude and Pinnacle collections to the UK seven years after distribution stalled.

Australia Day Tasting returns with special guest

The annual Australia Day Tasting (ADT) returns to the UK in January in its usual slot – but this year will feature a special guest.

Harpers’ Shop Rioja winners help deliver big value uplift

This year’s Shop Rioja winners Cork’s Out and Mumbles Fine Wines helped drive an 82.5% increase in volume sales, with an impressive average sale price per bottle of £18.50, across the 100 independent outlets involved in the promotion.

Champagne Armand de Brignac appoints new UK importer

Champagne Armand de Brignac has appointed New Generation McKinley (NGM) as its new exclusive UK importer for the brand, commencing 1 January 2018.

Samantha Caporn MW to join The Wine Gang as Jane Parkinson exits

The Wine Gang has revealed Samantha Caporn MW will be joining the fold from January 2018, taking over from BBC Saturday Kitchen’s Jane Parkinson.

BI Wines & Spirits reveals soaring online sales

Fine wine and spirits merchant BI has reported double-digit value growth for its online platform, LiveTrade.

Pubs keep up with coffee shops as consumers vote for top out of home activity

New research suggests going to the pub is one of the top out of home activity for consumers, marking hope for the struggling sector as it adapts to new trends.

Sarah Jane Evans MW wins WSET Outstanding Alumni Award

Sarah Jane Evans MW has been announced as this year’s Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Outstanding Alumni Award winner.

Matt Pym to lead “ambitious growth” plan at Vintae UK

Majestic’s former head buyer has joined Spanish and Chilean producer Vintae to head-up the producer’s plan to “heavily invest” in the UK and Ireland.

Underage drinking hits historic low as trade initiatives deliver

The number of young people aged between 8 to 15 years old drinking alcohol is at a record low, a new survey by NHS Digital has revealed.

Symington donates 10th ambulance in wake of Douro fires

Port producer Symington Family Estates, has presented a new ambulance to the Sabrosa Volunteer Fire Brigade following the devastating fires in the region.