News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

"Electronic tongue" can identify grape varieties

Published: 06 August, 2008

Spanish scientists have created an electronic tasting device that can identify varieties and vintages of grape.

Global launches premium brands division

Published: 06 August, 2008

Global Brands has launched a premium brands division as it looks to grow its portfolio of premium products.

US consumers buy fewer drinks out of home

Published: 06 August, 2008

Consumers in the US are watching their wallets by staying at home rather than going out for dinner or drinks.

Asia trade boost for Glenmorangie

Published: 06 August, 2008

Glenmorangie has seen a boost in trade with profits standing at £12.6m, according to The Scotsman newspaper.

Alton's Pride named Britain's champion beer

Published: 06 August, 2008

Alton's Pride has been named Britain's champion ale at the Great British Beer Festival.

UK wine importers hit by Argentinean strikes

Published: 06 August, 2008

Strikes and road blockades that crippled much of Argentina have impacted UK wine importers, with one major buyer waiting more than four months for a delivery.
TextStrikes and road blockades that crippled much of Argentina have impacted UK wine importers, with one major buyer waiting more than four months for a delivery.

Rap star Dr Dre launches his own cognac

Published: 06 August, 2008

Rap star Dr Dre will be launching a cognac as he moves into the drinks trade.

Glengoyne Distillery relaunches website

Published: 06 August, 2008

Glengoyne Distillery has re-launched its website as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations.

Ex Cellar buys Oddbins

Published: 05 August, 2008

Specialist wine and food retailer Ex Cellar has bought off-licence chain Oddbins for an undisclosed sum.

Spain poised to overtake France as world's number one wine producer by 2015

Published: 04 August, 2008

French wine production is set to decline from seven billion bottles a year, recorded between 2000 and 2004, to 5.9 billion in 2015, according to a new report.

Scots class alcohol as more dangerous than heroin

Published: 04 August, 2008

A poll carried out by the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2007 found over half (51%) of respondents said alcohol caused the most harm to society, compared to only 22% naming heroin and 9% tobacco.

All Bar One offers "limited edition" rosés of the world

Published: 04 August, 2008

All Bar One, the bar chain owned by Mitchells & Butlers, has started offering a "Limited Edition wines list" to customers, starting this week with a selection of rosé wines.

Diageo launches Smirnoff Moscow Mule campaign

Published: 04 August, 2008

Diageo will this month launch a new programme for Smirnoff vodka in Great Britain, designed "to promote exciting new ways of serving and drinking the UK's number one spirit" with Schweppes mixers.

Wines in the Press: Of sherry, spittoons and sparkling wines...

Published: 04 August, 2008

Jane MacQuitty sings the praises of fino and manzanilla, Joanna Simon discusses her spittoon technique, Anthony Rose visits Cahors and Tim Atkins gets busy with his wand.

BII attacks KPMG alcohol report

Published: 01 August, 2008

The BII has finally responded to the KPMG report that criticised industry responsible drinking codes for being toothless.

Italian hotel offers £10,000 wine tours

Published: 01 August, 2008

A five-star hotel in Italy is offering £10,000-a-throw tours of the Ornellaia and Brunello wine-growing regions.

New vacuum system for wines by the glass

Published: 01 August, 2008

Small- and medium-sized businesses in the on trade now have an affordable way of preserving wines sold by the glass, a company is claiming.

Diageo ups stake in Chinese spirits group

Published: 01 August, 2008

Diageo has bought an additional 6% stake in Chinese white spirits company Sichuan Chengdu Quanxing Group (Quanxing), increasing its ownership in the business to 49%.