News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Government's Low Pay Commission remit to affect hospitality industry

Published: 31 July, 2024

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has been instructed to recommend a new National Living Wage to take effect from April 2025.

Licensed Trade Charity launches new website and podcast

Published: 30 July, 2024

Licensed Trade Charity (LTC), a 230-year-old organisation supporting the licensed hospitality sector and its schools, has launched a new website and podcast series, LTC Talks, to enhance its digital communication resources.

Australian wine exports reach $2.2 billion

Published: 30 July, 2024

Australian wine exports increased by 17% to AU$2.2bn in 2023-24, the highest since September 2021, while volume remained steady at 619 million litres, according to Wine Australia’s Export Report.

UK overtakes China as top market for Chilean wine

Published: 30 July, 2024

Chilean wine exports saw a resurgence in early 2024, according to the Spanish Wine Market Observatory (OEMV). From January to March, the volume of Chilean wine exports rose by 9.6% and its value increased by 3.3%, reaching 184.6 million litres and $366.3m respectively. This comes after a challenging 2023, where export values fell 20% to $1,525.9m, and volumes dropped 18% to 682 million litres.

Adrian Bridge calls for market reforms in Port industry

Published: 29 July, 2024

Adrian Bridge (pictured), CEO of The Fladgate Partnership, has his say on a so-called “social catastrophe” for winegrowers in the Douro region.

Christmas 2024 bookings surge by 54%

Published: 29 July, 2024

Bookings for Christmas 2024 have risen by 54% compared to the same period in 2023, according to hospitality technology partner Zonal. Over half of these bookings (52%) are for Christmas Day, up from 44% last year. Saturday 14 December is currently the most popular day for festive bookings, followed by Saturday 7 December.

67 Pall Mall announces new head of wine for Europe

Published: 29 July, 2024

Private members’ club 67 Pall Mall has announced the appointment of Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS to the role of head of wine for Europe as it continues to expand its popular model at home and abroad.

Waitrose secures listing with Akashi-Tai sake

Published: 29 July, 2024

Akashi-Tai has secured a national grocery listing with Waitrose. The partnership signals Akashi-Tai’s continued expansion in the UK and the growth of the sake category. From August, Akashi-Tai will be the exclusive sake available at Waitrose, offering three different SKUs.

González Byass USA merges with Carolina Wine Brands USA

Published: 26 July, 2024

González Byass USA, the US subsidiary of Spanish wine producer González Byass, has merged with Carolina Wine Brands USA.

Virgin Wines reports robust financial growth and market expansion

Published: 26 July, 2024

Virgin Wines UK has shared its trading update for the year ending 30 June 2024, revealing stable revenue at £59m, matching the previous year’s figure. Improved margins and operational efficiencies, particularly in warehouse fulfilment, significantly boosted profitability.

Friday Read: The Languedoc’s new varieties

Published: 26 July, 2024

From the offset, there were moans and groans about the weather from our hosts in the Languedoc. Yet excessive heat and sunstroke (for once) were not the subjects of their ire.

UK and Spain to boost trade relations at Food Nation Summit

Published: 25 July, 2024

High-quality Spanish wine, fresh produce and gourmet products will take centre stage at an event designed to enhance trade relations between the UK and Spain.

Ridgeview named official sparkling wine supplier for Goodwood Estate

Published: 25 July, 2024

Ridgeview has been named the Official English Sparkling Wine Supplier for the Goodwood Estate, with wines available at Goodwood Estate properties for the next three years.

Vintage Wine Estates files for bankruptcy, plans to delist stock

Published: 25 July, 2024

Vintage Wine Estates (VWE), a major US wine group, has filed for bankruptcy and plans to delist its common stock after failing to pay off US$60.5m in debt.

Penfolds appoints Goedhuis Waddesdon as principal UK distributor

Published: 25 July, 2024

Goedhuis Waddesdon has been named the main UK distribution partner for Penfolds, aiming to expand the distribution of the core Bins Collection, including wines from France and the US.

Insurers expect major payouts after severe frosts hit German vineyards

Published: 24 July, 2024

Insurer Allianz Agrar anticipates paying German winemakers tens of millions of Euros in insurance claims this year following heavy frosts that destroyed many vineyards’ entire harvests.

Fells launches Vinothèque programme

Published: 24 July, 2024

Leading distributor Fells has launched its Vinothèque programme, an initiative releasing small parcels of wine onto the market after an average cellaring period of three to five years in the UK.

AOC Alsace Grand Cru appellation now includes Grand Cru Vorbourg

Published: 24 July, 2024

The AOC Alsace Grand Cru appellation has been extended to include a third terroir.

Maison Ferrand completes acquisition of Identity Drinks

Published: 23 July, 2024

Maison Ferrand has announced the complete acquisition of UK distributor Identity Drinks, finalising a process that began in 2017 when it acquired a 60% stake. This move marks the creation of Maison Ferrand UK, reflecting the brand’s commitment to expanding its presence in the UK market.

Jillian MacLean awarded Freedom of the City of London

Published: 23 July, 2024

Jillian MacLean MBE, CEO and founder of leading bar and restaurant group Drake & Morgan, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London for her contribution to the hospitality industry.