News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Vinoteca rescued by private equity firm

Published: 24 August, 2023

Wine bar group Vinoteca’s future has been secured with the purchase of the business out of administration by a private equity firm.

WineGB announces new CEO

Published: 23 August, 2023

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) has announced the appointed of Nicola Bates as its new CEO.

Fourth Wave Wine lauds FTA for UK growth

Published: 23 August, 2023

Australian wine company, Fourth Wave Wine, has reported that since launching into the UK market in August 2022, it has made significant strides with UK retail customers and consumers alike, by surpassing more than 500,000 sold.

WSTA speakers sign up for SITT Autumn

Published: 23 August, 2023

The Specialist Importers’ Trade Tasting can reveal that the WSTA’s Miles Beale and Simon Cairns will be joining Harpers at its autumn edition, taking place in both London (18 September) and Manchester (20 September).

Details of first Vinexposium Business Awards revealed

Published: 23 August, 2023

Vinexposium, the leading organiser of global wine and spirits events, has launched its first-ever V d’Or Business Awards.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Ben Knollys, Hatch Mansfield

Published: 23 August, 2023

Midway through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Ben Knollys, MD of Hatch Mansfield, to find out how the year as gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Wines of Greece tastings mark record exports

Published: 22 August, 2023

Following the success of the June tastings in London and Edinburgh, Wines of Greece is back with a series of ‘Highlight Tastings’ in Manchester (11 September) and London (25 & 26 September).

Majestic’s organic wine sales jump 22% YOY

Published: 22 August, 2023

Majestic has announced a significant increase in its organic wine sales and predicted a further spike in demand for the category in the coming years.

Austria sets legal precedent for single vineyards

Published: 21 August, 2023

Austria has officially established the legal basis for a new classification of single vineyards, which will now see plots divided into two camps: Erste Lage (premier cru) and Große Lage (grand cru).

Yangarra joins Fells portfolio

Published: 21 August, 2023

John E Fells & Sons has strengthened its portfolio of premium family-owned wines from Australia with the addition of Yangarra Estate – a family-owned producer specialising in, but not limited to, Grenache.

Gusbourne wine released in support of The Drinks Trust

Published: 21 August, 2023

Fine wine merchant Lay & Wheeler has partnered exclusively with English winemaker Gusbourne on the release of its 2022 Winemakers’ Edition Pinot Meunier, crafted by oenologist Mary Bridges.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Bella Babbit, NoMad London

Published: 21 August, 2023

Midway through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Bella Babbit, wine director, NoMad London, to find out how the year as gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Vivino switches up UK strategy

Published: 18 August, 2023

Vivino, the wine scoring and recommendations app, is switching up its ecommerce strategy in the UK, where it will no longer be pursuing direct sales and is instead leaning on its network of indie merchants.

Amathus boosts booming Greek portfolio

Published: 18 August, 2023

Amathus Drinks has added 14 new Greek producers to its portfolio in response to strong growth in the category.

Vinoteca’s future hangs in balance

Published: 17 August, 2023

Vinoteca has filed for protection from its creditors, leaving a big question mark over the future for the business.

Scotch whisky maintains export boom

Published: 17 August, 2023

Scotch whisky has managed to maintain its momentum on the export market following a record-breaking year in 2022, with the first six months of 2023 bringing home over £2.5bn.

Indies Survey: What’s the deal with duty?

Published: 17 August, 2023

Harpers wants to hear from indie retailers as to how the 1 August duty rises – and associated costs – are impacting business.

Gallo embraces premium Oz with Wirra Wirra partnership

Published: 17 August, 2023

Wirra Wirra has signed a distribution agreement with California giant E. & J. Gallo to boost the Mclaren Vale winery’s presence in the US.

Vacancies fall while prices rise for hospitality

Published: 16 August, 2023

The rate of overall UK inflation experienced a sharp fall to 6.8% in July – the same month which marked the fourth consecutive reduction in vacancies for hospitality. However, the sector is still facing numerous challenges.

Global beverage industry lags behind green targets

Published: 16 August, 2023

A new report has said the global beverage industry could achieve its emissions reduction goals by 2028 if a clear plan is put in place. However, it is not currently on course to meet either its 2030 or 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) targets.