News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

WHO report highlights global alcohol consumption impact

Published: 26 June, 2024

A new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that alcohol consumption was responsible for 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019.

Chapel Down considers sale amid expansion plans

Published: 26 June, 2024

Leading English wine producer Chapel Down has revealed it will undertake a strategic review to explore funding options for its ambitious long-term growth strategy. This plan aims to secure significant investments for new vineyards, a state-of-the-art winery and the enhancement of its brand home in Tenterden.

UK restaurant groups see record May delivery sales growth

Published: 25 June, 2024

Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups experienced their highest year-on-year growth in delivery sales for 2024 last month, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker.

The Golden Pineapples return to celebrate industry excellence and wellbeing initiatives

Published: 25 June, 2024

Now in its third year, The Golden Pineapples is set to return in 2024, celebrating businesses, brands and individuals who have significantly impacted the industry workforce. As a prominent event on the industry calendar, The Golden Pineapples offers a unique platform for attendees and brands to engage with industry leaders while supporting The Drinks Trust through fundraising initiatives.

Lay & Wheeler announces key appointments

Published: 25 June, 2024

Lay & Wheeler, a prominent fine wine merchant under the Coterie Holdings umbrella, has announced a series of significant appointments to strengthen its management and buying teams, aligning with its long-term growth strategy.

AI delivers individual bottle labels for new Maison Wessman wine

Published: 24 June, 2024

Bergerac producer Maison Wessman defines itself as ‘reinventing tradition’, and this innovative winemaker has embraced AI-enhanced graphics which deliver an individual label for each bottle of its Imprévu wine.

Abruzzo wine implements ‘Abruzzo Model’

Published: 24 June, 2024

The Abruzzo wine region is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of the ‘Abruzzo Model’.

Gin brands innovate with local flavours says IWSR

Published: 24 June, 2024

According to IWSR data, while gin encounters challenges in certain markets, the category continues to evolve and innovate.

Whisky association urges duty cut after revenue loss

Published: 24 June, 2024

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is urging the next government to reverse the damage caused by Jeremy Hunt’s 10% increase in spirits excise duty. Newly published figures from HMRC reveal that the Treasury has lost more than £100m since the tax hike last August.

UKH welcomes pledge of ‘comprehensive review’ for England's nighttime economy

Published: 24 June, 2024

The Conservative Party has committed in its manifesto to a comprehensive review of England's nighttime economy, aiming to overhaul existing licensing laws and planning regulations.

Chile launches first WineTech Fund to boost Valparaíso region

Published: 21 June, 2024

The recent Wine Innova Tech 2024 international seminar in Viña del Mar culminated with the announcement of Chile's first WineTech Private Fund, aimed at addressing key challenges in the winemaking industry in the Valparaíso region. The fund will focus on climate change adaptation, sustainability and integrating new technologies into viticulture and grape genetics. Notably, Chile boasts the largest area of non-grafted, European variety vine stocks globally.

WineGB Awards celebrate record-breaking achievements and innovation in English Wine Week

Published: 21 June, 2024

The eighth annual WineGB Awards concluded with a showcase of the finest wines from England and Wales, marking the end of English Wine Week with a record number of entries and gold medals. This year’s competition celebrated the diversity and quality of wines produced across 33 counties, with over 350 medals awarded.

Gen Z shifts towards low & no alcohol amid declining disposable income

Published: 21 June, 2024

In the midst of declining disposable incomes and economic uncertainty, Generation Z is driving a significant shift in the beverage market. New research indicates that while overall alcohol sales have decreased, the no & low alcohol segment is experiencing impressive growth. This trend signals the need for a clear category vision that aligns with the evolving preferences of Gen Z, a demographic acutely feeling the pinch of high interest rates and economic challenges.

TWE reports surge in Chinese demand post-tariff removal

Published: 20 June, 2024

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has provided a significant update on its Penfolds brand and strategic direction in China, almost three months after the lifting of tariffs on Australian wine imports.

Wine tourism booms in the UK as visits to vineyards surge by 55%

Published: 20 June, 2024

WineGB has released its first comprehensive wine tourism report, revealing a significant surge in visits to UK vineyards and wineries. According to the findings, visits have increased by 55% over the past two years, highlighting the burgeoning appeal of English and Welsh wine tourism.

The Wine Society annual sales results: A strong year despite challenges

Published: 19 June, 2024

The Wine Society has reported a successful financial year, with annual sales reaching £149.1m, an increase from £147.7m the previous year. The company also saw a significant profit increase, up 12% to £1.8m from £1.6m in 2022/23. This growth comes after a particularly strong performance during the Christmas season and a robust second half of the year.

Caution advised on over-hyping the English wine ‘boom’

Published: 19 June, 2024

The UK wine industry has to be “Careful about spreading the message too much that English wine is booming” experts have said, as the industry enters into a potential period of oversupply and overinvestment.

Gilby lauds ‘new era’ at landmark CEE tasting

Published: 19 June, 2024

Interest in central and eastern European wines has undeniably been growing, with the turnout at The Ultimate CEE Wine Fair on 18 June seeming to confirm this trend. Bringing together 15 countries, from Armenia to Ukraine, by way of the Czech Republic and Slovakia down to the Balkans, and even Cyprus, this inaugural London event may have stretched the definition of ‘central and eastern Europe’, but couldn’t be faulted for the diversity and quality of wines on show.

Hospitality faces mixed fortunes amidst economic challenges

Published: 19 June, 2024

The UK hospitality sector continues to experience a turbulent period, as highlighted by a series of reports and statistics. Despite significant challenges, the industry demonstrated resilience with a notable year-on-year sales growth in May 2024.

Jackson Family Wines joins WineGB

Published: 18 June, 2024

Jackson Family Wines’ UK division has joined WineGB, the trade association for English and Welsh wine, marking a significant investment in the English wine industry by the major still wine producer.