News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Pernod aims to grow "massive" uplift in Christmas spirits with two premium focused campaigns

Published: 17 August, 2017

Pernod Ricard kicked off its Christmas briefing strategy this morning with a reminder of why Christmas is the most important period in the trade’s calendar.

Cognac exports reach record levels as shipments to Europe return to growth

Published: 17 August, 2017

Cognac exports continued to go from strength to strength in the past year with double-digit value and volume growth, boosted by a return to growth for the European market driven by the UK and Germany.

Looking ahead to the Xmas run up: Nik Darlington, MD, Red Squirrel Wine

Published: 17 August, 2017

With the autumn tasting season soon upon us, as the trade prepares for the run up to the all-important Christmas trading period, Harpers is running a web series asking leading voices in the trade what trends and challenges they’re expecting to face in the latter half of 2017.

Lanchester hits sweet spot with confectionery acquisition

Published: 16 August, 2017

Lanchester Wines is continuing to diversify its offering and expanding its gifting business with the buyout of a high-end chocolate maker.

Hine appoints Speciality Brands as UK distributor

Published: 16 August, 2017

Hine Cognac has appointed premium spirits agent Speciality Brands as its new UK distributor.

WineTraining founder Raul Diaz embarks on online venture

Published: 16 August, 2017

WineTraining founder Raul Diaz has embarked on his latest venture - an online ‘lifestyle’ wine subscription business.

NWTC sets out plans for Manchester

Published: 16 August, 2017

One of Manchester’s most prominent outdoor eating and drinking hotspots has secured a long-term agreement to allow them to set down roots and expand.

Looking ahead: Neil Anderson, Kingsland Drinks

Published: 16 August, 2017

The autumn tasting season will be upon us before we know it, as the trade prepares for the run up to the all-important Christmas trading period.

Start-up Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates acquires first vineyards

Published: 16 August, 2017

Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates Limited Partnership (ANZFWE) has acquired two vineyards, and part in a third – the company’s first purchases since it was set up at the beginning of this year.

Majestic reports surging Sherry sales

Published: 15 August, 2017

Majestic Wine has reported a 46% hike in annual Sherry sales driven by an increasing thirst for the tipple among Britain’s ‘hipsters’.

IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year Award shortlist revealed

Published: 15 August, 2017

The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has unveiled the shortlist for its Spirits Communicator of the Year Award.

Benevolent bike ride in memory of Dan Townsend raises £13,000

Published: 15 August, 2017

An impressive £13,000 was raised by the peloton of riders that participated in the charity bike ride that took place Sunday in memory of Dan Townsend - the late managing director at Treasury Wine Estates (TWE).

Wine Source UK adds Champagne Gosset to its portfolio

Published: 15 August, 2017

Wine Source UK has added Champagne Gosset to its portfolio.

Majestic appoints former Sainsbury’s buyer

Published: 14 August, 2017

Majestic has appointed former Sainsbury’s and Oddbins buyer Julie Buckley as senior buyer.

Maker’s Mark launches 'bartender engagement' programme

Published: 14 August, 2017

Premium bourbon brand Maker’s Mark has revealed a new ‘bartender engagement’ series of workshops hosted by new ‘brand diplomat’ Amanda Humphrey.

Australia’s alternative varieties buck trend in UK market

Published: 14 August, 2017

Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, Verdelho and Fiano are among a host of alternative and less established varieties from Australia that are on the rise, helping drive premium sales from Down Under in the UK.