Alcohol wholesaler scheme 'massive' boost for legitimate traders and retailers

A new registration scheme for alcohol wholesalers will be a "massive boost for legitimate traders and taxpayers", and a "positive step" for retailers, say trade bodies. 

UK needs to 'take off blinkers' when it comes to bulk wine, says top broker

Seventy percent of all wines are traded at least once in bulk, says leading broker Daniel Murphy, who believes the UK trade needs to wake up to the reality of trading in bulk.

Small business issues are high on the "political agenda" says leading Treasury minister

Small business issues are being placed firmly up the political agenda in the build up to next year's general election, according to the David Gauke MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Retail sales figures for November grow due to Black Friday and online sales

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) says November retail trading was saved by Black Friday and online sales - with electrical goods being the top sellers although premium foods also benefited.

Philglas & Swiggot wine merchant bought by industry consortium including Justin Knock MW

Independent London wine merchant Philglas & Swiggot has been bought over by Justin Knock MW and business partner Damien Jackman, backed by a consortium of investors from across the trade.

Tesco shares plummet as retailer warns on profits

Tesco has issued a warning flagging full-year trading profit will not exceed £1.4 billion - 20% lower than analysts' expectations.

Wine app Drync lets consumers search favourite wines and get delivered to local merchant

US wine app Drync has launched a new feature that allows customers to buy online and have their wine shipped to a local wine retailer for pickup - a move it claims turns local shops into the world's largest wine store. 

Welsh government report backs minimum pricing for alcohol

Wales is following hot on the heels of Northern Ireland last week, with moves to support a minimum price for alcohol.

Vino Wines is gaining ground in Edinburgh

Quality wines combined with the canny idea to sell premium ready-meals is making Vino a destination wine store in Scotland.

COPY: The Week That Was: 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.

Naked Wines is UK's most popular specialist online wine retailer, says Harpers new report

Naked Wines is the most popular specialist online wine retailer in the UK, according to a new Harpers report published today that examines the online shopping habits of British consumers.

Over 40% of Brits will buy wine online this Christmas, says Harpers new e-commerce report

Wine and spirit industries to unite in combined campaign for 2% duty cut in 2015 Budget

The wine and spirits industry is to unite under a combined campaign and consider calling for a 2% cut in alcohol duty in the 2015 Budget.

Wine Fusion launches Conviviality exclusive NZ wine

The Wine Fusion has created New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Bay of Plenty especially for Conviviality's Bargain Booze and Wine Rack stores.

Thousands of Scottish bar, restaurant and drinks retail staff banned from selling alcohol

Thousands of bar, restaurant and drinks retail staff in Scotland have had their personal licences revoked after failing to meet deadlines over refresher training.

Northern Ireland proceeds with minimum pricing policy

The Northern Ireland Executive is pressing ahead with plans for a minimum unit price for alcohol, despite similar plans in Scotland being reviewed the European Court of Justice.  

Tesco makes changes to senior management team

Tesco has shaken up its management team with chief executive Dave Lewis taking a hands-on role leading the day-to-day running of the UK supermarkets.

M&S own brand wines wipe the floor at first round of International Wine Competition 2015

Marks and Spencer's own brand wines cleared the decks at the first phase of the International Wine Challenge 2015, taking home 69 medals and outpacing nearest rival Tesco by 37 medals. 

UK retailers need to target seven different types of shopper, says Kantar study

The changing face of  UK retailing is driven by the way consumers now behave and has created seven types of shopper, according to new research revealed today by Kantar Insights, the retail insights company.

The Week That Was: 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.