News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Berkmann expands premium portfolio with EPC Champagne

Published: 13 March, 2024

Berkmann Wine Cellars has reached an agreement with EPC Champagne to distribute the brand in the UK market.

Justerini & Brooks opens Burlington Arcade boutique

Published: 13 March, 2024

Justerini & Brooks (J&B) will mark its 275th anniversary with the unveiling of its first boutique and tasting rooms.

LWF welcomes return of UK agents and Wines of South Africa

Published: 12 March, 2024

Several leading UK agents including Mentzendorff (for the first time in 12 years), Buckingham Schenk and Freixenet Copestick will return to London Wine Fair (LWF) following absences.

Festa reaffirms ‘home of Portugal’ status

Published: 12 March, 2024

Festa, the online retailer and supplier of Portuguese wines, showcased its spring portfolio at Bar Douro yesterday, the bar/restaurant owned by Festa founder Max Graham.

Prowein 2024: Wine industry needs to professionalise to survive

Published: 12 March, 2024

Economic sustainability is the big topic at Prowein this year, as the global cost of living crisis chafes against the challenges of decreasing consumption rates and an overabundance of supply.

Newly-merged Goedhuis Waddesdon announces two portfolio additions

Published: 12 March, 2024

Goedhuis Waddesdon has announced the addition of two new suppliers – Roche de Bellene and Ox Hardy. The new additions are the first since Goedhuis & Co and Waddesdon Wine merged in November 2023.

Moldova unveils new AI-produced cuvées at Prowein

Published: 12 March, 2024

The controversial world of advanced technology has taken a new direction this week, as Wine of Moldova launches two new cuvées produced by AI at the 2024 edition of Prowein.

The Cocktail Co agrees LWC listing

Published: 11 March, 2024

The Cocktail Co, a producer of premium, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, has secured a listing with the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, LWC, with a view to on-trade expansion.

Hospices de Nuits auction’s ambitions ride high despite dip in prices

Published: 11 March, 2024

The 63rd Hospices de Nuits Vente de Vin, which took place this Sunday (10 March), marked another step in the evolution of this more modest rival to its glitzier cousin in Beaune.

Kopke releases trio of rare bottlings

Published: 11 March, 2024

Kopke, the world’s oldest port house, has launched The Library Collection, an exclusive library of some of the rarest wines in the world.

Hospitality industry hit by 63% cost surge

Published: 11 March, 2024

Research conducted by the price comparison website money.co.uk has found that the hospitality industry has been the most affected by cost increases.

Nick Gillett: When celebrity spirits deliver substance over style

Published: 11 March, 2024

We’re seeing an increase in the number of celebrities entering the spirits industry. And who can blame them – our industry is vibrant, fun, and full of top-notch people who are creative and love what they do. George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, Matthew McConaughey and Kendall Jenner are just a few of the household names who have gone and produced their own booze brand. And it’s not restricted to spirits, with big names like Kylie Minogue and even Graham Norton entering the wine industry.

Rioja launches educational camp

Published: 11 March, 2024

A new training programme in the heart of Rioja has been set up by the DOCa for leading wine professionals around the world.

Trade celebrates International Women’s Day

Published: 08 March, 2024

Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) is one of the many businesses celebrating women in wine today, 8 March, International Women’s Day.

North South celebrates ‘Ten Years Young’ anniversary

Published: 08 March, 2024

North South Wines marked its first decade yesterday (7 March) with its most comprehensive portfolio tasting to date, capped by a lively party at Covent Garden’s Bunga Bunga.

Calls to the LTC helpline increased by 43% in 2023

Published: 08 March, 2024

The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC), which supports drinks professionals in need of emotional support, specialist advice and financial assistance, experienced a 43% jump in calls to its helpline in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Double Dutch reveals scholars for Bartending Scholarship Programme

Published: 07 March, 2024

Double Dutch, the manufacturer of premium tonics and mixers, has revealed the 12 women set to join its Female Bartending Scholarship Programme.

Trade and national press divided on duty

Published: 07 March, 2024

Taking a glass-half-full approach, much of the right-wing press applauded Jeremy Hunt’s extension of the alcohol duty freeze till February 2025, described as a ‘victory for drinkers’ up and down the country by one tabloid.

Simpsons’ exports on the rise

Published: 07 March, 2024

Kent-based Simpsons’ Wine Estate is flying the flag for English wine exports following news of further expansion in the Scandinavian market.

Vagabond under ‘no threat of closure’ despite appointing administrators

Published: 07 March, 2024

A spokesperson for Vagabond Wines, the popular ‘self-pour’ wine bar chain founded by Stephen Finch in 2009, has confirmed the business will continue to trade as usual despite running into financial difficulties.