News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

ASC acquires US-based Single Cask Nation

Published: 08 January, 2024

The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC), owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has acquired the US-based independent bottling brand, Single Cask Nation.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Matt Tipping, Jeroboams

Published: 08 January, 2024

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Matt Tipping, CEO of Jeroboams, reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

January tube strikes will cost hospitality businesses £50m

Published: 05 January, 2024

The London Underground will be subject to strike action on separate days between 5-12 January the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has confirmed in yet another blow to the hospitality industry.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Jamie Wynne-Griffiths, Propeller

Published: 05 January, 2024

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Jamie Wynne-Griffiths, MD of Propeller, reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Asda predicts to sell 420,000 low & no units in January

Published: 05 January, 2024

Major multiple retailer Asda has revealed to Harpers that it plans to sell 420,000 units of low & no beers, wines and spirits this ‘dry’ January, an increase of 7.7% on last year.

British alcohol sales rise in CPTPP countries

Published: 04 January, 2024

Sales of British alcohol products such as English sparkling and Scotch whisky are on the rise in the Indo-Pacific region, the UK government has announced.

YouGov poll shows rise in popularity of low & no

Published: 03 January, 2024

The Portman Group’s sixth annual survey in partnership with YouGov reveals young people are the biggest consumers of low & no alcohol alternatives, with nearly half (44%) of 18-24-year-olds surveyed considering themselves either occasional or regular drinkers of alcohol alternatives, compared to 31% in 2022.

New wine label reforms take effect

Published: 02 January, 2024

As of yesterday (1 January 2024), several new wine reforms introduced by the government have taken effect, including the removal of importer addresses from wine labels.

Government lauds ‘pint’-sized wine as Brexit benefit

Published: 02 January, 2024

The UK government has permitted the sale of ‘pint’ sized still and sparkling wine across supermarkets, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Action on growth and jobs critical in 2024

Published: 02 January, 2024

In a New Year message, UKHospitality (UKH) has outlined its priorities for the year ahead, with “respite from endless price rises” among those at the top of the pile.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Tom Platt, Liberty Wines

Published: 02 January, 2024

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, Tom Platt, CEO of Liberty Wines, reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Half of Brits exaggerate wine knowledge

Published: 22 December, 2023

New research commissioned by glass manufacturer and bottler Encirc has revealed almost half of Brits (45%) lie about their wine knowledge at the dinner table.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Miles Beale, WSTA

Published: 22 December, 2023

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Miles Beale, CEO of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus the hopes and plans for businesses in the year ahead.

WineGB looks back on ‘miracle’ harvest

Published: 21 December, 2023

WineGB is celebrating what it believes will be Great Britain’s largest-ever grape harvest as freshly collected data reveals 2023 is set to produce a record-breaking estimated 20 million bottles – twice the size of Britain’s previous record year in 2018.

The Wine Society marks 150 years with new ranges

Published: 21 December, 2023

The world’s oldest wine club, The Wine Society, has announced a calendar of celebrations in 2024 to mark its 150th anniversary.

Exclusive: Bewes and Saunders chart the future for Hallgarten and Coterie

Published: 20 December, 2023

The sale of leading specialist importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines from the Pieroth family has been five years in the making, Harpers has learned. Now, as it moves its portfolio of premium on-trade accounts and producers to Coterie Holdings, a new chapter is in store for both businesses as they look to bolster their portfolios and advance their march into the fine wine market, with Coterie, in particular, looking to establish its hold as a key player in the nation’s top restaurants.

Scottish hospitality businesses denied rates relief

Published: 20 December, 2023

Following months of campaigning, leading hospitality bodies are ‘extremely disappointed’ with yesterday’s Budget announcement in Scotland.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Michael Hanratty, Carnegie Whisky Cellars

Published: 20 December, 2023

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Michael Hanratty at Dornoch’s Carnegie Whisky Cellars, reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Cava sales boosted by domestic market

Published: 20 December, 2023

The Cava Designation of Origin (Cava DO) has announced that total Cava sales have risen by 2.35% from January to September 2023, with a notable increase of 7.65% in the domestic market.

Hallgarten acquired by Coterie Holdings

Published: 19 December, 2023

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has been purchased by Coterie Holdings, joining Lay & Wheeler, bonded warehousing Coterie Vaults and wine lender Jera in a growing fine wine portfolio.