News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Tesco showcases revamped own brand range at autumn tasting

Published: 16 September, 2016

Tesco showcased over 130 wines at the Hospital Club in Covent Garden at its autumn retail tasting this week.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 16 September, 2016

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.

French microalgae may be the answer to key vine diseases

Published: 15 September, 2016

A microalgae found in the sea off Brittany's coastline can wipe-out key vine diseases with new scientific tests in France showing 100% efficiency in destroying Downey Mildew. The major scientific breakthrough could provide natural alternatives to the use of pesticides on vineyards.

Morrison H1 results show signs of recovery and beats expectations

Published: 15 September, 2016

Morrisons Supermarkets Plc first half of the year results are showing signs of recovery under the new leadership team and beat analysts expectations.

Edinburgh Gin purchased by Ian Macleod Distillers

Published: 15 September, 2016

Spencerfield Spirit Company and owner of the Edinburgh Gin brand has been acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers for an undisclosed sum.

AdVini acquires a 50% share of share in Ken Forrester Vineyards

Published: 15 September, 2016

AdVini, a predominately French wine estate owner, has acquired a 50% share in South African producer Ken Forrester Vineyards.

CAMRA says new safe drinking limits are a slippery slope to prohibition

Published: 15 September, 2016

The editor of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide (GBG) 2017 says the move to restrict drinking to no more than 14 units a week for men and women is "bad science" - and is urging punters not to listen to "killjoys".

31 days of German Riesling winners announced

Published: 14 September, 2016

The annual push to promote Germany's most famous grape has come to an end, with additional categories created to reflect the quality of entrants.

Clegg addresses "denial and disbelief" at Brexit Ipsos Mori debate

Published: 14 September, 2016

Brexit was at the heart of informative discussions at two leading institutions in London yesterday, at the WSTA's annual conference and Ipsos Mori's panel discussion featuring former Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.

Dan Jago takes over as chairman as WSTA outlines Brexit strategy

Published: 14 September, 2016

Berry Bros. & Rudd MD Dan Jago will lead the WSTA through a tumultuous period in British politics and history and the association prepares to make Brexit its focus over the next two years.

Ocado sales continue to climb despite ongoing price wars

Published: 14 September, 2016

Ocado saw group sales climb 15.4% to £314 million in the third quarter despite the chief executive indicating that the continued price wars were expected to continue in the future.

New pastures for Lidl boss and Barwell & Jones MD

Published: 14 September, 2016

Two new departures have been announced since the end of last week.

Sherry is celebrated in UK on-trade at the annual Great Sherry Tasting

Published: 13 September, 2016

At yesterday's annual Great Sherry Tasting, the category seems to be making head way, particularly in the UK on-trade as sommeliers and Michelin starred chefs sampled nearly 200 Sherries being poured.

WSTA in talks with non-EU countries on post-Brexit free-trade agreements

Published: 13 September, 2016

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has begun talks with its Australian and New Zealand counterparts about how to ensure the UK remains the beating heart of global drinks industry.

WSTA: Gin crosses the £1b barrier earlier than forecasted

Published: 13 September, 2016

Due to the warm English summer both gin sales have soared and the value of gin sales has now crossed the £1 billion barrier six months earlier than forecasted, according the Wine and Spirits Trade Association's latest figures.

Miquel Hudin receives 2016 Geoffrey Roberts Award for book on Georgian Wine

Published: 13 September, 2016

Wine journalist Miquel Hudin has received a bursary award to allow him to complete a new book about Georgian wine.

SITT returns for Autumn indie tasting

Published: 13 September, 2016

The trade tasting which is aimed exclusivity at independents in the on and off-trade returns to England and Manchester next week.

Morrisons targets millennials with launch of Asado Club in 250ml carry pack

Published: 12 September, 2016

Morrisons have thrown down the gauntlet in terms of collaborative product development, with a new, exclusive Argentinian Malbec, Asado Club.

How young Bordeaux winemakers are leading the charge for accessibility and affordability

Published: 12 September, 2016

Organic Bordeaux producer and educator Laetitia Ouspointour is one of a generation young, dynamic winemakers who have made it their mission to debunk some of the most persistent Bordeaux myths.

Pernod Ricard UK pushes NZ via virtual reality tasting and label reboot

Published: 12 September, 2016

Pernod Rocard UK is hoping to accelerate growth in the New Zealand category with new packaging and a multisensory consumer experience for its flagship New Zealand brand.