The week that was: Top news, Q&As and opinion

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Top Stories: Small to medium sized businesses showing dynamic growth included several prominent wine and spirits companies in a list compiled by the London Stock Exchange Group.

New head honcho for the LWF

Carmen appoints new winemaker

Chilean winery Viña Carmen has appointed a new winemaker – Emily Faulconer - as part of a strategy to ‘reinstate’ the value of the terroir.

Côtes du Rhône unveils ‘sophisticated’ UK push

Rhône Valley Vineyards has unveiled its 2017 Côtes du Rhône campaign

Berry Bros & Rudd reveals ‘accessible' own-label wine collection

Berry Bros & Rudd has launched a range of wines priced from £7.95 in a bid to provide greater accessibility.

Chapel Down, Lanchester Wines and Fever Tree named top SMEs

A number of key players in the drinks industry have been named in a list which celebrates the UK’s fastest growing small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).

Rio Ferdinand captains new Captain Morgan push

Diageo has signed ex-England football captain Rio Ferdinand to head up a new global TV campaign for the rum brand. 
The commercial, which kicks off today in the UK, features Ferdinand and brand ambassador Captain Morgan, and is focused on the former’s insatiable appetite for ‘fun and infectious’ humour. T

Champagne Castelnau reveals contemporary look

Castelnau has received a contemporary makeover as part of e new strategy to widen its appeal.

LWF event director to step down as new venue rumours circulate

Ooberstock secures on-trade I Heart Wines distribution deal

Online drinks distributor Ooberstock has signed a deal to become the official UK on-trade distributor of Copestick Murray’s I Heart Wines collection.

Show celebrating English bubbles to launch during London Wine Week

An English sparkling wine show is poised to make its debut during this year’s English Wine Week

Brexit panel debate set for LWF

Brexit and its impact on wine industry’s the flow of trade will take centre stage at this months’ London Wine Fair (LWF).

Volume dip for UK harvest

UK harvest production figures dipped in the past year, but 2016 was a “high quality” vintage year, according to data released today.   

WSTA outlines industry requirements in General Election manifesto

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) this morning laid out its five key asks of the next government ahead of the upcoming General Election on 8^th June.  

Hendrick’s bolsters brand with Orbium

Hendrick’s gin has released a brand extension which combines quinine, wormwood and blue lotus.

New Zealand exports on the march in the US and the UK

New Zealand wine has passed a significant stepping-stone in its quest for world domination.

EU-Canada trade deal to benefit Scotc

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is joining a ‘high-level’ mission to Canada as part of a strategy to increase exports of Scotch Whisky to the country. 

The Vineyard Cellars imports its first Santa Barbara wines

Californian wine importer The Vineyard Cellars has signed a deal as importer of the Sta. Rita Hills-based Melville Winery.

Twitter campaign #HotCraftSpirits returns for second year

Twitter campaign #HotCraftSpirits - aimed at crowning the UK’s top craft spirit - has returned for the second year running.

Value and volume of Scotch exports up for first time since 2011

Amid the uncertainty surrounding trade routes and tariffs thrown up by Brexit, exports of Scotch rose in both value and volume last year, rising by 4% to more than £4 billion and 4.8% to 1.2bn bottles respectively.