Online - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Good Wine Good People announces crowdfunding initiative

Published: 02 July, 2025

Online wine retailer and wholesaler Good Wine Good People (GWGP) has announced a fresh crowdfunding round in a bid to expand the business.

New online retailer Kiwi Cru aims to champion New Zealand

Published: 22 April, 2025

Kiwi Cru an online retailer and events company dedicated to the promotion of wines from New Zealand has been launched in the UK. The new project is spearheaded by founder Pippa Wood, an entrepeneur who has held past roles at Berry Bros. & Rudd and Bolney Wine Estate.

Naked Wines announces ambitious growth plans

Published: 27 March, 2025

A new strategic plan from Naked Wines has been announced by the online retailer, including the aspiration of reaching £10-15m annual earnings before earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in the medium term.

All change for Virgin Wines at 25-year milestone

Published: 05 March, 2025

Virgin Wines’ chief financial officer and company secretary Graeme Weir is retiring next month, due to be succeeded by Amanda Cherry, current head of group finance for the digital retailer.

International Alliance for Responsible Drinking exceeds safeguarding target

Published: 22 November, 2024

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a collective of some of the world’s biggest alcohol producers, has surpassed its 2024 goal of embedding rigorous digital safeguards across thousands of brands worldwide.

Virgin Wines reports improved profitability amid challenging market conditions

Published: 22 October, 2024

Virgin Wines UK has announced its annual results for the year ending 28 June 2024, showcasing a marked improvement in profitability despite a flat revenue and challenging market conditions.

Berry Bros. & Rudd debuts auction platform with wines from Ian Mill’s collection

Published: 22 October, 2024

Berry Bros. & Rudd is making its entry into the auction market, leveraging the private wine collection of long-time client Ian Mill KC. This inaugural auction will be held online, featuring selections from a Burgundy collection recognised as one of the finest worldwide.

Virgin Wines and Ocado announce exclusive partnership

Published: 07 October, 2024

Virgin Wines has agreed a strategic partnership with Ocado.com, which will give the online-only supermarket’s customers access to an exclusive selection of 50 wines from Virgin’s portfolio.

Virgin Wines unveils bespoke range after acquiring own vines

Published: 23 September, 2024

Online wine retailer Virgin Wines has launched a bespoke Vineyard Collection range, each made from a blend of the company’s own vines from across five regions.

TikTok opens doors to alcohol advertising in the US

Published: 15 August, 2024

TikTok has started allowing alcohol advertisements in the US, a change that began in June.

Founder regains control of Master of Malt

Published: 06 August, 2024

The online retailer and drinks brand Master of Malt has returned to its original founder, Justin Petszaft – financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Fine + Rare expands global team with ten new appointments

Published: 01 August, 2024

International marketplace, Fine + Rare, has announced ten new positions across its global portfolio. Managing $750M of fine wine and spirits in the US, UK, Europe and Asia, the company is expanding its site development, sales and customer experience teams.

Licensed Trade Charity launches new website and podcast

Published: 30 July, 2024

Licensed Trade Charity (LTC), a 230-year-old organisation supporting the licensed hospitality sector and its schools, has launched a new website and podcast series, LTC Talks, to enhance its digital communication resources.

Virgin Wines strengthens leadership team with key appointments

Published: 01 July, 2024

Virgin Wines, one of the UK’s leading direct-to-consumer online wine retailers, has announced three senior management appointments to enhance its leadership team. Danny Cooper joins as chief information officer (CIO), Gareth Beaty as head of customer growth and Andy Potts as trading director of Warehouse Wines.

VineView launches precision GPS for vineyard management

Published: 01 July, 2024

VineView has introduced the PinPoint RTK, a GPS receiver designed to provide vineyard operators with highly accurate data collection capabilities. The PinPoint RTK uses Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology to offer accuracy within 2-5cm, significantly more precise than traditional GPS receivers, which typically have an accuracy of 2-4 metres.

Cask Trade marks 5th anniversary with The Drinks Trust

Published: 18 June, 2024

To celebrate its 5th anniversary, Cask Trade aims to raise £10,000 for The Drinks Trust by selling bottles of cask-strength whisky. The company has bottled 200 bottles from two barrels of 2015 single-malt Scotch whisky from The Speyside Distillery.

Wine industry leaders share SEO strategies for success

Published: 02 May, 2024

In the rapidly changing world of wine marketing, digital visibility is crucial for brand success, with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) playing a pivotal role. Harpers has explored strategies shared by industry leaders for unlocking SEO success.

Harpers’ columnist Guy Woodward launches Grand Cru Creative

Published: 30 April, 2024

Harpers’ columnist Guy Woodward is embarking on a new venture, introducing his creative agency aimed at crafting compelling content for wine and spirit brands.

The Wine Society appoints Fiona Hayes and Harriet Kininmonth

Published: 27 February, 2024

In the year it celebrates its 150th anniversary, The Wine Society has announced the appointment of two new wine buyers to its team – Fiona Hayes and Harriet Kininmonth.