US Black Friday shopping extravaganza takes off in the UK

Despite figures from Kantar indicating that the UK has not yet fully embraced the US shopping extravaganza that is Black Friday, this morning major retail websites like Tesco Direct have crashed due to the demand in online traffic, and there have been reports of fights breaking out amongst shoppers in stores around the country. Black Friday it appears has arrived in the UK.

David Gleave, Liberty Wines, and his key wine trends for Christmas

We believe Old World wines will continue to perform well this Christmas as people look to spend a little bit more and trade up to premium examples of known varieties. Alpha Zeta's Single Vineyard Pinot Grigio 'Terrapieno' from the Veneto is a good example of this.

TescoGate latest: UK shareholders poised to sue over "reckless" accounting errors

A UK law firm is preparing legal action on behalf of Tesco shareholders that will allege directors and senior managers "knew or were reckless" over the retailer's "untrue of misleading" accounts, which overstated profits by £263 million.

Supermarket and supplier relations at a "crossroads" warns Pernod Ricard UK chief

Relationships between major supermakets and their suppliers are now at a "crossroads" according to Denis O'Flynn, managing director of Pernod Ricard UK, and we should expect tighter regulations to bring more control over the sector.

Buckingham Schenk MD Jon Pepper joins Enotria

Jon Pepper MW, managing director at Buckingham Schenk, is leaving the firm to become buying and retail director at Enotria.

Reh Kendermann boss Nik Schritz to step down

Nikolaus Schritz has decided to "quit while ahead", leaving Black Tower brand owner Reh Kendermann at the end of the year with sales up over 20%.

The Week That Was: Wine Vision recap, top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

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

France Summit video: UK trade figures on how to get the most out of French wine

The chance to understand the France wine category better, hear the views of leading UK buyers, distributors and retailers and meet like-minded people in the trade were some of the key reasons given by visitors  who attended last month's Harpers France Summit.

Kingsland signs deals with Australia's Limestone Coast Winery

Kingsland is the new exclusive supplier for Australia's Limestone Coast Winery's premium bulk wines in the UK on and off-trade.

Wine designs fail if don't stand for something, Stranger & Stranger's Kevin Shaw tells Wine Vision

The secret to good brand design is for it to stand for something which is where wine often falls down as they just all "blur" into each other, according to Kevin Shaw, founder of design agency Stranger & Stranger.

I Heart wine has chance to become a global wine brand Robin Copestick tells Wine Vision

The "I Heart" wine brand has the potential to become a true global wine brand that could be sold in any country in the world, according to Robin Copestick of brand owner, Copestick Murray.

Consumers are now "risk averse" Future Foundation tells Wine Vision

Simon McMurtrie opens Wine Vision with clarion call to industry

Simon McMurtrie, chief executive of Direct Wines, opened Wine Vision 2014 with a clarion call to the global wine industry to do all it can to get people to not only spend more on wine, but to buy a wider selection of wines.

Wine Vision Live News Blog: Wine has to talk more to young consumers says Wine Riot chief

The wine trade is missing out on marketing to women, with many brands pushing "condescending" butterfly or cupcake messages, says Tyler Balliet, founder of Wine Riot in the US.

Broadland Wineries on course to become a £250m wine business in 12 years

Broadland Wineries is on track to grow its business from £10 million turnover in 2006, £100m by 2016 and climb to £250m by 2026 if it continues its journey of being a fully-fledged international wine supplier in its own right and away from its roots as a contract bottler.

The Vineyard in Dorking has an offer it wants its supppliers to refuse

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but not always.

Top wine brands choose Vente Privee as new route to market

Top name wine producers are using flash sales site Vente Privée to attract new consumers to their brands in the UK.

Constellation Brands hits a 52-week high for third time this year

Constellation Brands (STZ) hit a 52-week high in trading yesterday, peaking at US$95.09 per share and closing the day at $94.02, which is the third time this year the company has hit a yearly record level.

Hangingditch to attract 500 guests to Manchester Cathedral for annual wine fair

Hangingditch, the leading Manchester independent wine merchant, is expecting up to 500 guests to attend its annual consumer wine fair on Friday which also offers live classical musical and operatic singing in the impressive backdrop of the Manchester Cathedral.

Justin Keay enjoys Corney & Barrow's break with tradition with more "eclectic" range

Think Corney & Barrow and you think tradition, with serious mainly French wines dominating its list, coupled with some pricey Italians (think Barolo and Brunello) and Spaniards. But with the wine trade facing challenging times, and tastes changing, C&B has been broadening its list.