Groceries Code Adjudicator hamstrung in efforts to fine supermarkets

The Groceries Code Adjudicator has admitted she is hamstrung in her efforts to reprimand retailers as the government has not yet finalised her powers to hand out fines.

Top-up shop and vloggers tipped as major trends for 2015, says Euromonitor

Euromonitor forecasts the rise of convenience shopping and the growing power of vloggers or "native influencers" as two consumer trends expected to grow in 2015 that could impact the drinks trade.

Restaurant and retail property prices up 11% in 2014

The restaurant and retail property markets saw average prices move up more than 11% in the last year, according to a report from Christie + Co.

Premium wine growth hampered by big grocers, warns Rabobank

The growth of premium wines is being restricted by major grocers and tough economic conditions, despite more adventurous consumers seeking them out.

Copestick Murray to distribute advertising mogul Sir John Hegarty's wines

Copestick Murray was inspired by Bartle Bogle Hegarty co-founder Sir John Hegarty's 'no holds barred' keynote speech at the WSTA conference last year to sign a distribution deal for his wines in the UK and Ireland.

Conviviality Retail half-year profits surge 46%

Conviviality Retail, owners of Bargain Booze and Wine Rack, has seen half-year profits jump 46.7% on the back of underperforming store closures and strong Christmas trading.

WSTA's Miles Beale urges all in UK drinks industry to help secure 2% cut in alcohol duty

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, spells out today on Harpers.co.uk why it is so important everyone in the UK drinks industry plays their part in trying to secure a 2% drop in alcohol duty in the Budget in March.

Wine drinkers pay over the odds as inflation rockets 3.4% in December

Inflation may have fallen to 0.5% in December, but wine drinkers haven't felt the benefit of the drop in the cost of living as inflation on wine rose 3.4% in the same period.

Tesco turns to advertising and management gurus to help rebuild brand's reputation

Tesco is bringing in organisation transformation firm Blue Rubicon and the advertising agency that Sir John Hegarty helped found, Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), to work with the company's leadership team in an effort to help turn the struggling retailer around.

Pub and restaurant groups grow Christmas trading 2.8%

Pub and restaurant groups across the country enjoyed a festive trading boost of 2.8% on the same period last year, with those inside London putting in a stronger performance.

Waitrose bucks grocery trend for store closures with 14 new openings for 2015

Waitrose is bucking the trend of store closures and job losses in the grocery sector by opening 14 new outlets in 2015, with more in the pipeline for 2016.

Big four grocers face 'unprecedented' competition, says Kantar

Christmas sales figures are neck-in-neck across the grocery market, according to Kantar's latest data, which shows the retailers are the closest they have ever been since the market research firm began keeping records 20 years ago.

Festive figures: Grocers celebrate small victories despite minimal growth

Despite "modest growth" of 0.6% across the grocery market during the festive period, Kantar Worldpanel says this gives cause to celebrate - representing the biggest boost across the sector since August 2014.  

Harpers Awards 2015 are open for entry!

 The entry process for the Harpers Awards 2015 is well and truly underway with the opportunity for businesses and individuals from across the UK on and off-trades to receive recognition for their hard work and achievements.

Morrisons pulls plug on CEO Dalton Philips amid disappointing Xmas sales

Morrisons saw like-for-like sales fall 3.1% in the six weeks to January 4 - making it the worst supermarket performer over Christmas  - as the board pulled the plug on embattled chief executive Dalton Philips.

Buckingham Schenk promotes Craig Durham to MD

Wine supplier Buckingham Schenk has promoted Craig Durham from sales director to managing director as current chief Jon Pepper MW prepares for his move to Enotria.

Tesco's credit rating downgraded to 'junk' status

Global credit rating agency Moody's has further downgraded Tesco long-term credit rating from Baa3 to Ba1, which is considered "junk" grade for investments that are considered 'high risk'.

March for the Independents campaign to put spotlight on wine merchants

Today Harpers is officially launching its most ambitious project yet to support and promote independent wine merchants. Here's how you can get involved in March for the Independents

New Street Wine Shop changes strategy by consumer demand

After two years of trading, London's New Street Wine Shop is thriving. But, as Richard Foster discovers, its customers have entirely up-ended the original business plan

How did you do in our Christmas Quiz? Answers revealed...