Quintessential Brands appoints Francois Quarez as managing director of Essential Drinks

Quintessential Brands has appointed former senior PepsiCo executive Francios Quarez to head operations at its spirits supply firm Essential Drinks Company.

Copestick Murray to be exclusive distributor of Lisa McGuigan Wines in European markets

Copestick Murray announced today they will be the exclusive distributor in European markets for Australian wine brands Lisa McGuigan Wines.

Shortlist for Harpers French Wine Awards announced

The shortlist for the 2014 Harpers French Wine Awards are released today with the likes of Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, The Sampler, Daniel Lambert, Tim Atkin MW and Gerrard Basset MW MS fighting it out for the main awards.

Drinks firms face increased costs and red tape over new HMRC fraud rules

Drinks firms face increased red tape and administrative costs for carrying out due diligence as part of a HMRC crackdown on alcohol fraud.

Wine importer Red Squirrel sees wholesale business grow fivefold in three months

Chiswick wine importer Red Squirrel Wine has seen its wholesale business take off after it beefed up its portfolio and revamped its logo and website.

Argentina's Viñalba wine brand launches two new wines

Argentina's Viñalba brand has added two new wines to its portfolio - Parrilla by Viñalba and Reservado de la Familia.

Matthew Clark appoints new wine buyer

On-trade wine supplier Matthew Clark has appointed Judith Nicholson as assistant wine buyer to help expand the group's wine portfolio.

What to expect at SITT Autumn: Forth Wines

Scottish distributor, Forth Wines, explains what visitors can expect on its stand at SITT Autumn taking place at the Royal Horticutural Halls in London on September 24.

Kingsland ramps up its South Africa wine listings with Brand Phoenix deal

Kingsland has signed a deal to distribute Brand Phoenix's First Cape and Distell ranges throughout the impulse, convenience and wholesale markets.

KWV relaunches UK distribution strategy by switching from Myliko Wines to Bottle Green

KWV, the South African wine giant, is to switch its UK distribution from Myliko Wines to Bottle Green as it looks to reposition itself in the UK with a targeted multiple and independent retail strategy.

What to expect at SITT Autumn: Steven Gerrard, Barwell & Jones

In a first of a series of interviews with suppliers exhibiting at next week's London SITT tasting for independent merchants and the on-trade we ask Barwell & Jones managing director, Steven Gerrard, what visitors can expect on their stand.

Independents and suppliers come together for Harpers Best Practice debate

Leading independent wine merchants are suppliers are to come together next month to take part in an open Harpers debate to look further at ways in which they can work closer and more effectively together.

Wine should follow Top Gear's example and look to entertain not educate

The wine industry should look at the massive success of BBC's Top Gear in how to make a potentially complex subject entertaining to the public, according to advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty.

Supermarkets are threatening the future of wine suppliers warns Sir John Hegarty

Britain's biggest supermarkets are in danger of "screwing" wine suppliers so much the market is no longer "sustainable" was the dire warning laid down this week by advertising guru and wine producer, Sir John Hegarty.

Advertising guru, Sir John Hegarty, slams "truly appalling" wine industry

Team Cox complete Médoc Marathon and raise £16k for drinks charities

A "united" industry effort can force a 2% cut in duty, claims WSTA's Miles Beale

Buckingham Schenk sees Argentina and Prosecco sales soar

Buckingham Schenk see sales of its Argentinian Viñalba brand rocket, with Prosecco also leading the charge while pre-filled goblets hit sales of 1 million.  

Accolade Wines switches its European division from the UK to Poland

Accolade Wines is to run its European affairs from a new dedicated office in Warsaw, Poland rather than manage the operation from its UK headquarters.

On-trade hit by decline in spirits sales across all venues

Declining year-on-year spirits sales in the on-trade will have brand owners hoping for a substantial pick up in the last few months of the year leading up to Christmas.