Calling on wine and spirits producers around the world to back Drop the Duty campaign

Today Harpers is calling on wine and spirits producers around the world concerned about the high alcohol duty levels in the UK to get involved in the Drop the Duty campaign and have their voice heard by the Chancellor, George Osborne.

H1 results for Pernod Ricard show stability as Alexandre Ricard steps up as CEO

Sales growth for the first half of the financial year for Pernod Ricard was minimal, but stable, ahead of the announcement of leadership changes at the drinks giant.

England and New Zealand's sparkling wines clash ahead of Cricket World Cup

The doyens of the English and New Zealand sparkling wine industry are ratcheting up the competition ahead of the Cricket World Cup with a blind taste off.

California's 2014 grape crush shows 'healthy decline' but won't stop bulk prices sliding

California's grape crush for 2014 hit 3.91 million tonnes, showing a "healthy decline" of 340,000 tonnes on the previous year, however the "ample inventories" of 2012 and 2013 means finding buyers for wine will be a challenge.

Stevens Garnier rebrands to Sogrape and ups on-trade focus

Wine supplier Stevens Garnier is ditching its old name in favour of Sogrape, that of its Portuguese parent company, and has vowed to hone in on the UK's on-trade in 2015.

Red Squirrel Wines behind new trade initiative to promote Bulgarian wines

Independent wine merchant, Red Squirrel Wines, is behind a new initiative to put the spotlight on wines from Bulgaria with four days of events in March including a trade tasting at the Bulgarian Embassy on March 18.

Drinks producers and retailers 'get personal' for Valentine's Day

Wine and spirits retailers and producers are looking to cash in on love this Valentine's Day with a host of personalised and quirky products alongside the more straightforward deals.  

US 'most attractive' market for premium wine producers, says Rabobank

The United States is the "most attractive major market" for producers targeting premium wine sales, says the latest report from Rabobank.

Tesco calls on wine suppliers for added payments as Grocery Code Adjudicator starts inquiry

In the last 24 hours Tesco has issued two separate requests for wine suppliers to pay effectively the same additional payment for increased sales volumes they have received for their products following its recent product cull.

Tim Heath, senior winemaker of Cloudy Bay, talks about the challenges of making an iconic Sauvignon Blanc

Tim Heath, Cloudy Bay's straight-talking 38-year-old Aussie winemaker, talks about the challenges of producing one of the world's most iconic Sauvignons, his winemaking ethos - and his loathing of accountants.

12 ways indies can work better with suppliers says Les Grands Chais de France

A growing list of major wine suppliers and producers are now seriously looking to work closer and more effectively with independent wine merchants. Here Tim North, UK director for Les Grands Chais de France, one of the largest French wine producers with estates in all the main wine growing regions, offers his advice to merchants on how to buy and then market and sell their wines. Les Grands Chais de France is one of the partner suppliers behind the March for the Independents campaign.

Felix Solis UK toasts sales rise of 28% in first year as standalone firm

The UK arm of Spanish wine company Felix Solis is toasting a cracking first year as a standalone company as its sales have soared 28% in the last 12 months.

Kent vineyard Chapel Down signs deal on new land

Kent winery Chapel Down is looking to bump up production and has signed deals to double the land it holds under lease to 130 hectares.

LVMH profits up, despite poor wine and spirits performance in 2014

Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton reported €30.6 billion in revenue for its full year financial results for 2014, which was up 6% over 2013, with revenue increases in all business groups except the wine and spirits arm of the company.

Yalumba CEO Robert Hill-Smith steps down after 30 years

Australia's oldest family winery Yalumba is to lose its chief executive of 30 years - Robert Hill-Smith - who is stepping down from the role to chair the board of directors.

Rioja wines plan to boost premium sales as value soars 10% in UK

Rioja wines soared 10% by value in the UK in 2014, and the region now plans to boost its premium position with campaigns targeting the on-trade and independent sector.

Accolade Wines finalises Grant Burge deal

Accolade Wines has completed its deal to acquire the Barossa Valley's Grant Burge Wines, which includes its brand, business and Krondorf winery.

Wine is now the UK's most popular alcohol drink with 30 million regular drinkers

Wine is now the most popular alcohol drink with 60% of adults, according to a new poll commissioned by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Jacob's Creek turns to its winemakers and growers for new TV campaign

Herefordshire English winery looking for UK distributor

One of the oldest farming families in Herefordshire, which converted from cattle to vines 10 years ago, is looking for a UK distributor for its wine.