Two becomes one for Harpers Wine and Spirit

The first issue of the newly merged Harpers Wine & Spirit Trades Review was revealed to the UK drinks industry this week following the acquisition of Harpers by William Reed Business Media in November last year.

Last quarter hits French wine exports

The head of the French Federation of Wine & Spirits Exporters has warned of difficult times ahead after export sales tumbled in the last three months of 2008.

Smoke casts doubt over Yarra vintage

The entire 2009 vintage in Australia's Yarra Valley could be contaminated by smoke from the bushfires, a grower in the region has warned.

Hendrix estate wins vodka trademark case

The makers of a vodka named after the rock legend Jimi Hendrix have been ordered by an American judge to withdraw it from sale and pay the musician's estate $3.2 million.

Constellation unveils giant UK site

Constellation has opened what it claims is Europe's biggest wine warehouse and distribution centre.

Thandi aims for full black ownership

South Africa's Thandi winery is aiming to become the world's first stand-alone black-owned winery by 2014.

Foster's to keep wine business

Foster's has decided to hang on to its wine businesses after a review of its operations.

Constellation unveils giant UK site

Constellation has opened what it claims is Europe's biggest wine warehouse and distribution centre.

Fine wine sales "strong" in January

After a slow start, fine wine trading was "relatively strong" in January - partly driven by overseas investors snapping up bargains created by the weak pound.

Pernod expects Billion-euro profit

Wines in the press, February 14-15

Our review of what the critics had to say in this weekend's national press

Drinkaware to offer £1m in grants

The Drinkaware charity is hoping to challenge problem drinking at grassroots level with a new £1 million fund.

Balvenie launches virtual whisky shelf

Whisky aficionados are being encouraged to create a virtual whisky shelf on the Balvenie website.

Janneau launches new range

Janneau has launched a Single Distillery range of Armagnacs in the UK.

Government inquiry launched into impact of duty on wine industry

A top government committee is to examine the impact of tax changes on the UK wine industry as part of a wide-ranging inquiry.

Profits up but uncertain times ahead for Diageo

Diageo delivered a 6% growth in operating profit in the six months to Dec 31, but has warned of tougher times ahead.

Molson Coors sees fourth quarter sales slump

North American brewing group Molson Coors saw falling beer sales in the last quarter of 2008, though sales for the full-year were ahead.

New president for Napa Valley Vintners

Napa Valley Vintners has elected Paula Kornell as its new president of the board of directors.

Johnnie Walker courts Asian couples

Johnnie Walker is targeting the Asian wedding market in the latest phase of marketing for its Black Label limited-edition centenary pack.

Sovio awaits High Court decision

Sovio Wines has entered its second day in the High Court calling for the Food Standard Agency to drop a ban on its low alcohol wine.