News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Mark Bedford, Caviste and The Spirits Room

Published: 16 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 Mark Bedford, owner and director, Caviste and The Spirits Room, to find out how the year as gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Gosset Matchmakers 2023 finalists announced

Published: 15 August, 2023

The Champagne Gosset Matchmakers competition has revealed the top sommelier/chef teams who have made it to the final stages for 2023, where they will be battling out to be crowned top of the class.

Thracians target UK market

Published: 15 August, 2023

The Ancient Thracian Lowlands PGI has launched a three-year campaign aimed at raising the profile of its wines in the UK.

Enotria & Coe welcomes new COO

Published: 15 August, 2023

Enotria & Coe has announced the appointment of Julian Momen as its new chief operating officer (COO), who has joined the company after holding several top jobs across the industry.

Burnt Faith buddies with Proof Drinks for brandy drive

Published: 14 August, 2023

Burnt Faith has joined forces with premium drinks specialists, Proof Drinks, in a move which is hoped will drive interest in British brandy houses across the UK.

Indies short-changed in government duty consultation

Published: 14 August, 2023

Independent merchants, long considered the backbone of the quality drinks trade in the UK, were woefully underrepresented among those consulted by government over the duty changes now hitting businesses.

Takeaway sales for pubs and bars extended

Published: 14 August, 2023

Pubs and bars in England and Wales will be able to continue selling takeaway drinks beyond the September deadline, meaning the on-trade will be able to continue to benefit from ‘hatch sales’ without having to apply for council permission.