News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Genesis Wines appoints Tim Johns

Published: 24 September, 2008

Tim Johns has been appointed marketing executive at London wine merchants Genesis Wines.

Diageo pushes on-trade cocktail sales with competition launch

Published: 24 September, 2008

Diageo Reserve, the luxury drinks division of Diageo, has launched a nationwide search to find Britain's best bartender and push sales of its cocktail products to the on-trade.

Didier Dagueneau dies in plane crash

Published: 24 September, 2008

Acclaimed Pouilly Fumé producer, Didier Dagueneau, has died aged 52. Dagueneau was tragically involved in a microlite accident last Wednesday in the Dordogne region of western France.

Mitchells & Butlers bucks gloom to report sales lift

Published: 23 September, 2008

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), which owns chains including All Bar One, O'Neills and Browns Restaurants has reported an upsurge in summer sales, in a trading update issued today.

Old Speckled Hen brewers unveil super premium ale

Published: 23 September, 2008

In what must be one of the most exciting brand developments of bottled ale, brewers of the much loved "Old Speckled Hen" have just launched a new vintage oaked, super premium version of the beer.

Wines in the Press: Washington, South Africa and the rise of M&S

Published: 23 September, 2008

Peter Grogan sings the praises of Washington wines, Jamie Goode comes over all fruit and nut, and Jancis Robinson's tastebuds experience something of a sense of déjà vu this week. Tom Atkin meanwhile might not be a fan of Marks & Spencer's undies collection, but when it comes to its wines it's a different story...

Montana to launch 'first live wine tasting' on web TV

Published: 23 September, 2008

Montana Wines is embarking on a large-scale consumer marketing push which will include what it claims to be the world's first live wine tasting web TV show.

Pubs 'n' Bars issues profits warning

Published: 22 September, 2008

Community pubs group Pubs 'n' Bars has issued a profits warning following a 17% drop in shares.

Portman probe causes Skull Splitter headache

Published: 22 September, 2008

Scottish Brewer The Orkney Brewery could have its award winning Skull Splitter ale withdrawn from sale after claims that its Viking branded bottles promote an aggressive theme.

Californian vineyard undertakes million dollar makeover

Published: 22 September, 2008

Californian vineyard Concannon has invested $30 million (£16.2 million) in a renovation project as it celebrates its 125th harvest.

Functional wines set sights on UK market

Published: 19 September, 2008

"Functional" wines with added antioxidants could be available in UK stores by next summer, according to Harpers magazine.

Latest instalment in Grolsch £3m TV investment

Published: 18 September, 2008

Grolsch, the premium portfolio of Dutch lagers, launches its latest series of TV idents, continuing the successful sponsorship of Channel 4 Original Comedy.

Pernod Ricard results fail to sparkle

Published: 18 September, 2008

Paris-based Pernod Ricard has delivered a lacklustre set of financial results, with net profits up by just 1% to €840m (£666m).

Côtes du Rhône reveals sexy new image

Published: 18 September, 2008

The famous Côtes du Rhône hedgehog and hippo have been replaced by a woman wearing red high heels.

Hennings and Paritua Vineyards announce UK partnership

Published: 17 September, 2008

UK wine merchant Hennings has agreed an import distribution deal in the UK with Paritua Vineyards.

Argentine wine producers look to break through £5 barrier

Published: 17 September, 2008

Argentina might have increased the value of its wine exports to the UK by more than one-third in the last 18 months, but it is still proving difficult to persuade consumers to buy into the £5-plus category.

IMW elects first non-UK chairman

Published: 17 September, 2008

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has elected the first non-UK chairman in its 55 year history.

"Virtual" wine tasting on Twitter proves a hit

Published: 17 September, 2008

A joint venture between a US online retailer and a French wine producer involving a "virtual" wine tasting on Twitter has become so successful that they are rolling the venture out on a monthly basis.