WSTA and SWA call for 2% duty cut with launch of Drop the Duty! campaign

The Wine and Spirits Trade Association and the Scotch Whisky Association have teamed up to launch the Drop the Duty campaign which calls for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the March Budget, saying it will boost public finances by £1.5 billion. 

The Week That Was: news, views and opinions on Harpers.co.uk

If you have been out and about a lot this week enjoying the build up to Christmas, or busy trying to cash in on some festive sales, here is a round up what you might have mised here on Harpers.co.uk:

Chiefs of the Week: Plucky members of Skin Côntact - live March 9, Vinopolis, London

Whisky Birmingham to attract 150 whisky players to its 2015 show

Over 150 whiskies will be on show at Whisky Birmingham on March 7, 2015, England's largest whisky festival outside London.

EWGA acquires Heritage Wines and strengthens distribution across south west and London

Two of the UK's largest regional wine wholesalers have come together in a deal that sees Heritage Wines and its bonded warehouse acquired by EWGA.

Lidl comes out top of the grocers for the most effective Christmas TV ad

As if Lidl's 2014 could not get any better, it has now been found to have produced the most effective Christmas television advert, even beating John Lewis's Monty the penguin in to second place.

David Beckham's Haig Club whisky to open pop-up bar and retail store for Christmas

Minister backs call for lower duty tax band for reduced alcohol wines

The UK's public health minister has expressed "frustration" with a lack of flexibility around introducing a lower tax band for lower end wines, but the WSTA warns such a step would discriminate against wine from warmer climes.

Wines from Argentina putting in 'serious effort' to drive UK growth

Wines from Argentina are enjoying a "unique time" in the UK market, and the country is putting in serious effort to drive growth, says the generic body's European head.

Prosecco dominates festive fizz sales at major retailers

Sales of Prosecco are fizzing across the major retailers in the run-up to Christmas, with Tesco predicting one in three bottles of sparkling wine sold this year will be the Italian favourite.

Alcohol wholesaler scheme 'massive' boost for legitimate traders and retailers

A new registration scheme for alcohol wholesalers will be a "massive boost for legitimate traders and taxpayers", and a "positive step" for retailers, say trade bodies. 

Eating out growth boosts pub and restaurant sales

Pub and restaurant groups saw like-for-like sales grow 3.4% in November, marking the 20^th consecutive month of growth for the sector.

Wine trade supergroup bands together for Comic Relief

A plethora of talented wine trade musicians is set to thrill the industry with a one-off barnstormer of a gig in aid of Comic Relief.

Think of a winning caption for this cartoon and the original could be yours...

Here's the chance to win a very special Christmas present that you have helped create. Yes, simply think up a funny caption to go along with this cartoon and the winner will receive the original cartoon, with your caption.

Codorniu continues search for UK chief

Spanish wine company Codorniu Raventos is still on the look-out for a UK managing director, after senior Diageo wine executive John Hearn failed to take up the post.

Upcoming Australia Day Tasting builds on revamped 2014 event

2015's Australia Day tasting will showcase more than 1,000 wines and offer a fresh take on food and wine pairings, say event organisers.

Liv-ex: Value of trades drops 19% in November 2014

According to the Liv-ex's most recent market report, "the value of trades in November was down 19% on this time last year" signalling the on-going challenge of Bordeaux's most iconic wines continually demanding the historical prices of just a few years ago.

UK needs to 'take off blinkers' when it comes to bulk wine, says top broker

Seventy percent of all wines are traded at least once in bulk, says leading broker Daniel Murphy, who believes the UK trade needs to wake up to the reality of trading in bulk.

Tesco credit rating in further jeopardy following profit warning

Moody's Investor Services, an international credit rating agency, says Tesco's profit warning "will further increase negative pressure on Tesco's current rating" and that Tesco would remain under review for another possible downgrade.

Small business issues are high on the "political agenda" says leading Treasury minister

Small business issues are being placed firmly up the political agenda in the build up to next year's general election, according to the David Gauke MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury.