Wine trade identifies major opportunities for 2014

The relaunch of the 3 for £10 mechanic; a major crisis in the Spanish bulk wine industry and the growing prominence of fruit-flavoured wines were all chosen as major stories of the year to date by some of the wine trade's top names.

Back to School: Anya Robson of Murphy Wine Company

As part of our ongoing Back to School series, Anya Robson of bulk wine broker Murphy Wine Company reckons Spain's bulk industry is in crisis and tips South African rosé as one to watch.

Back to School: Felix Solis UK MD Richard Cochrane

Felix Solis UK managing director Richard Cochrane says the end and restart of the 3 for £10 mechanic was a landmark for the UK wine trade, and reckons further consolidation is on the cards. 

Is Spain's bulk wine industry in crisis?

'Normal' vintage kicks off in Spain as government moves to curb last year's excess

The first grapes of the 2014 crop are being harvested in Spain, with winemakers predicting a "normal" sized vintage of between 42 and 45 million hectolitres.

Alliance Wine adds Celler del Roure to wine list

Alliance Wine has boosted its Spanish portfolio with the addition of boutique Valencian producer Celler del Roure.

Jeremy Rockett leaves González Byass GB after 10 years

González Byass GB marketing director Jeremy Rockett has left the business after 10 years of service.

Spanish wines hit shelves at rock bottom prices to clear stock

Spanish wines will start hitting shelves at rock bottom prices of below £3.99 as exports drop by 3% in value despite increasing by 17% in volume.

Wines From Spain Awards 2014 winners announced

Wines From Spain Awards 2014 announced the 102 winners of its annual competition where over 700 Spanish wines were tasted by the judging panel headed up by Tim Atkin MW.

French dominate Winemakers of the Year at the IWC 2014

France dominated the overall winemaker awards at last night's International Wine Challenge dinner picking up three of the main five prizes handed out.

Spanish restaurant chain, MasQMenos, opens in London

MasQMenos, the Spanish restaurant chain, is to open its first UK site in Holborn in London offering what it claims will be "Spanish gastronomy in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere".

Sherry gains popularity in the US with younger drinkers

Felix Solis claims it can be "category captain" for Spain for multiple retailers

Felix Solis is in the position to act as "category captain" for Spain for any of the major UK retailers, according to Félix Solís Ramos, the group's export and marketing manager. 

Ex Codorníu boss Nick Mantella moves to United Wineries

Nick Mantella, former Codorníu boss, has taken a new role as business development director at United Wineries.

Wines over £5 account for almost half of supermarket sales

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Alliance Wine opens London office to grow on-trade sales

Alliance Wine is opening an office in London to boost its sales into the capital's on-trade and south east market.

Rioja needs own wine trade tasting week to compete at top end

Rioja needs to introduce its own trade tasting week, if it is to compete at the top end with Bordeaux or Burgundy, says a senior UK buyer.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Entry level Spanish producers 'sweating bullets' as prices fall

Spanish producers at the bottom end of the market are "sweating bullets" as they still have wine in their cellars and the next harvest is looming, according to one prominent Master of Wine.