Geoffrey Dean reports back from the vineyards of Hungary

Despite what Peter Molnar, the general manager of leading Tokaj
winery, Patricius, described as the "one of the driest, if not the
driest, growing seasons for 100 years in Hungary",  the 2012 vintage
there looks like being an outstanding one. Although yields are down by
up to 40% in Tokaj, partly due to lack of rain but mainly thanks to a
vicious hailstorm in late July, consumers can start to get excited
about the potential quality.

Emerging markets offer big opportunities

Drinks companies that abandon or ignore business opportunities in the UK and Western Europe do so at their peril...

Romanian Winegrowers expands distribution

Romanian Winegrowers, is to expand its distribution across the UK with new listings from The Wine Society, Waitrose and...

ProWein 2013 set to expand

ProWein, the international wine and spirits fair which took place in Düsseldorf last week, is expanding next year in Germany, and considering taking the fair overseas.

Trade urged to support up-and-coming regions

Open-minded importers are urging major supermarkets and restaurants to get behind wines from emerging regions like Croatia, Slovenia and Moldova.

Guala Closures buys fourth acquisition in 16 months

Guala Closures Group has just completed its purchase of a 70% stake in Polish aluminium drinks closures manufacturer DGS.

Vinitaly announces 2012 dates

The official dates for the 46th edition of Vinitaly in 2012, have been announced.

Laithwaites Wine wins ECMOD, best business award

Laithwaites Wine has won the All Round Best Business Award 2011, organised by the catalogue and home shopping organisation,  ECMOD.

Vinexpo: World wine industry is robust

Vinexpo insists the world wine industry is in good health - despite big companies looking to dispose of assets.

Currency analysis December 14: sterling on a three week high

Currency analysis for December 14: sterling on a three week high.
For free bespoke drinks trade currency advice go to www.smartwinespirits.com.

Sterling continues to hit high against dollar

Sterling hit a three week high against the US dollar yesterday; gaining nearly two cents from earlier lows after concerns hit the US economy that left investors selling the US dollar.

PLB to import Hungary's Danubiana wines

Harpers Global Wine Report: the Old World by Laura Clark

Eastern Europe is making its mark on the global wine scene and has the potential to be a major player in the coming 12 months, according to predictions from leading trade figures.

Harpers Global Wine Report: the Old World

Eastern Europe is making its mark on the global wine scene and has the potential to be a major player in the coming 12 months, according to predictions from leading trade figures.

Guala Closures acquires Bulgarian company, Danik

Guala Closures Group, has acquired Bulgarian company Danik.

JF Hillebrand acquires Bora Shipping

Logistics supplier to the wines and spirits industry JF Hillebrand has acquired Bulgarian beverage logistics specialist Bora Shipping.

Exchange rates hit Pernod profits

Pernod Ricard saw a 5% decline in volume sales of its 15 strategic brands in the half-year to December 31.

Eastern Europe tipped for success

Eastern Europe, Spain, Argentina and South Africa were the countries tipped for future wine success in the UK market by leading trade figures at the London International Wine Fair.
Speaking at the Harpers debate, Simon Baile, owner of Oddbins, Matthew Dickinson, commercial director of Thierry's and Neil Bruce, wine director at Waverly TBS, highlighted former Eastern Block countries in particular as offering good value.

Wine countries tipped for success

Three of the trade's leading figures revealed which countries they were tipping for future success at last week's Harpers Wine & Spirit debate at the LIWF.

Agony Aunt - Which countries offer the best value wines in the current climate?

In these tight times, I'm looking for some wines that will give my wine list that something extra - at a reasonable price. What do you suggest?