Suppliers - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Movers and Shakers: Conviviality, Justerini & Brooks, Douglas Laing

Published: 26 May, 2017

A number of key appointments and distribution agreement have been percolating through the trade this week.

Sales almost double at Conviviality

Published: 25 May, 2017

Conviviality, the owner of Bargain Booze, has seen sales nearly double in the past year to pass the £1.5bn mark.

The independent alcohol wholesaler and distributor, which agreed a £60m deal to acquire wine, spirit and beer distributor Bibendum in May last year, said sales were up from £841m to £1.56bn in a trading statement released this morning (52 w/e to 30 April, 2017).

Net debt was £99 million – “comfortably below” Conviviality’s target, it said, adding the positive results were in line with the board’s expectations.

The integration of Bibendum, together with wine wholesaler Matthew Clark which it bought in 2015, was “progressing well”, said chief executive, Diana Hunter.

"Our focus will continue to be on improving the business and ensuring that benefits are realised from our greater scale, as we drive efficiencies for the group and greater service for our customers.”

Conviviality, which re-organised its activities into three business units during the year – Direct, Retail and Trading, reported growth for each, with sales up 6.4%, 6.1% and 1% respectively.

"We have come to the end of an unprecedented year of change and I am pleased to report a strong trading performance for the group and for each of its business units,” said Hunter.

The LWF: A UK-focused event

Published: 18 May, 2017

Jo Gilbert looks ahead to the most important event in the trade calendar, now in its fourth year of consolidation since becoming a UK-focused fair

Brighton Gin founder joins JF Hillebrand

Published: 18 May, 2017

Logistics provider JF Hillebrand UK has appointed a new business development manager of Porter and Laker, the company’s UK-focused fine wine division.

Liberty Wines apprenticeship scheme returns

Published: 16 May, 2017

Liberty Wines’ apprentice scheme is once again open, offering one - or possibly two - plucky newcomers the chance to get ahead in the world of premium wine.

Matthew Clark swells craft beer range by 100

Published: 06 April, 2017

Matthew Clark has updated its boutique beers list to reflect “booming” beer sales and the shifting allegiances of beer drinkers.

Jascots unveils new plans for expansion

Published: 29 March, 2017

Jascots Wine Merchants have officially opened a new extension at their London head office which will house the growing needs of the supplier.

Blurring lines between on-trade beer, wine and spirits

Published: 21 March, 2017

Matthew Clark's new Emporium tasting concept delivered on its promise of providing a circus-themed extravaganza at London's Tobacco Dock on Tuesday.

CIVB invites trade to Dine with Bordeaux

Published: 17 March, 2017

The Bordeaux Wine Board (CIVB) is re-launching two promotional campaigns aimed at promoting the 'versatility' of Bordeaux.

DBG Italia goes independent from Berry Bros. & Rudd

Published: 17 March, 2017

Italian agency business DBG Italia has announced it will detach itself from Berry Bros. & Rudd by becoming an independently owned company.

New appointments at Louis Latour

Published: 13 March, 2017

Wine and Cognac importer Louis Latour has made two new managerial appointments in London and the North.

Berkmann ballot puts Portugal on top

Published: 10 March, 2017

Berkmann Wine Cellars took the opportunity to take the temperature of up and coming grapes, styles and regions likely to cause a stir in 2017.

Berkmann bolsters sales and marketing teams

Published: 27 February, 2017

Berkmann Wine Cellars, suppliers to the on-trade, have taken on two new members of staff to their sales and marketing teams.

Buckingham Schenk creates buzz with new Spanish duo

Published: 23 February, 2017

Wine importer Buckingham Schenk is expanding its portfolio with two new Spanish brands.

Vignobles André Lurton joins Daniel Lambert Wines and Theatre of Wine in the UK

Published: 22 February, 2017

Family winery Vignobles André Lurton has appointed Daniel Lambert Wines and Theatre of Wine as its UK distributors with immediate effect.

Enotria&Coe revisit Rioja with range additions

Published: 20 February, 2017

Premium suppliers Enotria&Coe have strengthened their Rioja portfolio by bringing on two new 'terroir-driven' producers.

Berkmann follows logistics expansion with two new hotel group contracts

Published: 20 February, 2017

Berkmann Wine Cellars has secured contracts with two new hotel groups after scaling up its logistics operations last year to deal with larger contracts.

A family affair: Carson & Carnevale

Published: 14 February, 2017

Christopher Carson is still well remembered by many in the trade for his former roles as CEO of BRL Hardy Europe and as CEO of Constellation Europe.

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

Published: 10 February, 2017

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Suppliers under pressure

Published: 10 February, 2017

The words of one well-established wine distributor resonate strongly in the current climate, particularly for those seeking the lure, however challenging, of large-scale distribution via supermarkets and on-trade buying groups.