The Week That Was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

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

On-trade losing thousands of pounds in wine sales says new Harpers consumer report

The UK on-trade is potentially losing out on thousands of pounds of trade a day because of its inability to sell wine effectively, according to a new exclusive report publsihed today by Harpers Wine & Spirit.

Californian wineries look to make use of a trade loophole and build exports to Cuba

From this side of the Atlantic relations between Cuba and the United States would hardly be described as friendly. But, as Katherine Canfield, explains there is far more bridge building going on than you might think. Here she looks at how the Californian wine industry is looking to promote its wines to the Cuban wine trade.

Tim Atkin: why the Chinese wine market is so hard to predict

First time visitors to Beijing are often struck by the pollution that seems to blanket the city on a daily basis, reducing visibility and filling lungs with undesirable gunk. It's a symbol of China's rush towards industrialisation, as well as the lack of environmental checks and controls. But it's tempting to see it as a metaphor, too, not least for the wine industry. Trying to understand what is going on in China can feel like staring into a Stygian fug at times.

Wine not expected to be affected by Russian sanctions

The rising political tensions between the EU and Russia and the subsequent sanctions against the country may not have an impact on EU wine imports.

Pinot Grigio shortage could see consumers opt for other white wines

Pinot Grigio is in short supply on the bulk market around the globe, which is starting to push up prices.

Tour de France helps Cono Sur wine double sales to £14m

Concha y Toro wine brand Cono Sur is toasting a £7m boost to sales - growth of 100% - which has catapulted it into fourth position in the Chilean brand leader board in the UK off-trade.

Wine must adapt its branding for China or face failure

Wine firms that do not adapt their brands for the Chinese market - such as by having a Chinese brand name - face "immediate disadvantage" and possible failure.

Start-up Wineist sends sample wine packs direct to consumers

Slovenian start-up firm Wineist has landed upon a unique concept - to send out monthly wine tasting kits, complete with samples to consumers the world over.

Independents to compete in the Sud de France Retailer of the Year merchants programme

Bloom gin launches upmarket rose lemonade RTD

Bloom gin is expanding its range of upmarket ready-to-serve drinks with its gin and rose lemonade - presented in an old-fashioned glass bottle.

Your chance to vote in Harpers France Wine Awards and take part in France Summit

Harpers is once again looking to reward the very best retailers, restaurants, distributors and individuals that are leading the way in selling and promoting French wine in the UK in our second Harpers France Awards.

Scotch whisky The Macallan gets green light for £100m distillery

Edrington's The Macallan whisky brand is to get a new £100 million distillery and visitor centre in Speyside, after Moray Council granted planning permission.

Evuna looks to build on success of second Manchester Spanish wine bar concept

It's taken over a decade for Manchester's tapas and Spanish wine institution Evuna to get round to opening its second site, but now it has its sights set on opening more.

Diageo names Charles Joly World's Best Bartender

Diageo's sixth annual global world's best bartender competition came to a close last week with Charles Joly from the US beating 47 other mixologists in a week long series of challenges held across London.

Circle 360 plans to expand its shopping centre Champagne bar concept to up to 20 UK sites

Champagne and cocktail bar concept Circle 360 is planning to have 15 to 20 UK sites by the end of 2015, with its first international outlets also in the pipeline.

New Zealand's Mission estate eyes UK growth

New Zealand's Mission Estate is targeting UK growth in the independent and on-trade sectors with the appointment of its first UK business development manager.

Tesco invites consumers to come up with wine descriptions

Tesco is inviting its consumers to join in a wine tasting to help come up with more customer friendly and impartial wine descriptors.

Italy's Franciacorta wines double sales to UK

Sales of Italy's Franciacorta wines in the UK have doubled in the first six months of 2014 thanks to growing market awareness.

Panos Sarantopoulos takes charge of Rémy Cointreau's liqueurs and spirits division

Panos Sarantopoulos has been promoted to chief executive of Rémy Cointreau's liqueurs and spirits division after a successful time headling up Metaxa, the company's Greek spirit business.