News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Croxsons unveils British sparkling wine bottle

Published: 02 February, 2026

UK glass bottle manufacturer Croxsons has announced a new British sparkling wine bottle designed for English and Welsh producers.

WSTA asks government to end ‘doom loop’ as duty to rise

Published: 31 January, 2026

The WSTA has called on the government to end the “doom loop” caused by its decision to continue to increase alcohol duty at the last Budget (as Harpers reported).

South African wine industry stalwart passes away

Published: 30 January, 2026

The South African wine industry is mourning the loss of André Morgenthal, a much-respected and familiar face globally to advocates and champions of the wines of The Cape.

Cult Wines forecasts cautious optimism for 2026

Published: 30 January, 2026

Fine wine investment platform Cult Wines has released its Top Wines of 2025 report, which offers a “cautiously optimistic” look forwards to 2026.

Hallgarten & Novum expands Californian portfolio

Published: 30 January, 2026

Specialist wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has partnered with Freemark Abbey (pictured) – a Napa Valley producer, and La Crema – based in the Russian River Valley, expanding its Californian range.

'Good progress' on whisky after Starmer meets Xi

Published: 29 January, 2026

As reported by the BBC, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that him and Chinese President Xi Jinping have made “really good progress on tariffs for whisky” after a meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Anthony George Pigé Leschallas dies aged 92

Published: 29 January, 2026

Anthony George Pigé Leschallas – MD at Mentzendorff between 1972 and 1990 – has passed away aged 92.

Alliance welcomes new MW to buying team

Published: 29 January, 2026

Alliance Wine has announced that Sarah Benson MW has joined its buying team.

Hospitality industry reacts to Reeves' pub support package

Published: 28 January, 2026

The hospitality industry has reacted to yesterday’s announcement by the government that pubs and music venues would receive a rates relief package costing £80m next year alone (as Harpers reported).

Bottle Weight Accord welcomes five new members

Published: 28 January, 2026

The Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) has welcomed five new members to its Bottle Weight Accord (BWA), meaning that it now covers 2.5bn bottles of wine produced annually (9% of all wine consumed globally).

Government announces £80m U-turn on pubs and music venues

Published: 27 January, 2026

The government has revealed a support package aimed at helping pubs and music venues in England, worth £80m.

Virgin Wines sees strong Christmas trading period

Published: 27 January, 2026

Online wine retailer Virgin Wines has released its Christmas trading update, which shows a strong performance across the seven weeks to 26 December.

Over 2,000 jobs at risk as Revel Collective files for administration

Published: 27 January, 2026

As reported by the BBC and elsewhere, Revel Collective – the parent company of the Revolution bar chain, Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs – has filed to enter administration.

JFOODO launches campaign to encourage Sake pairing with non-Japanese food

Published: 26 January, 2026

The organisation responsible for promoting Japanese food and drinks globally, JFOODO, has launched a campaign that will see some of the top restaurants in London celebrate the “food-pairing versatility of Sake” this February.

South African exports show resilience amid global market pressure

Published: 26 January, 2026

According to industry body Wines of South Africa (WoSA), South African wine exports this year have demonstrated resilience against a challenging global market.

Fentimans Report suggests premium shift includes soft drinks

Published: 26 January, 2026

The annual release of Fentimans market report appears to confirm that the well documented consumer shift to ‘less but better’ is also entrenched in the market for soft drinks and mixers.

Australian winemaker Simon Hackett passes away aged 73

Published: 26 January, 2026

“Larger than life” Australian winemaker Simon Hackett died on Friday (23 January) after suffering a stroke.

Nick Gillett: Toe to toe with giants – how independent spirits can compete

Published: 26 January, 2026

In today’s challenging economy, with all the difficulties UK hospitality is facing, it can feel like the drinks industry is being shaped more and more by our sector’s biggest players; the big boys of global industry with deep, deep pockets and reach. But let’s get it straight: the environment we’re currently in gives them a competitive edge. It helps them to win shelf space and bar listings – and that’s intimidating. I imagine if you’re a challenger brand or reasonably new to the market, you’re frustrated by the status quo.

Friday Read: Wine in the crosshairs of geopolitics, again

Published: 23 January, 2026

In the wake of Trump’s latest threat to impose 200% tariffs on French wine, Jens-Peter Barynin, chief economist at VIVI Economics, assesses the ongoing cost of such uncertainty.

Reach for Ribera del Duero campaign returns to UK

Published: 23 January, 2026

For its fifth consecutive year, the Reach for Ribera del Duero campaign will return this April, inviting 50 independent wine merchants across the UK to promote the region.