Instil Drinks appoints new MD and brings PLB beer portfolio under its wing

Bibendum PLB's beer and niche spirits trading arm Instil Drinks Company has incorporated PLB's extensive beer range into its portfolio, including its flagship Estrella Galicia.

Bargain Booze launches discount app to drive sales

Bargain Booze - the 500-strong franchised off-licence chain operated by Conviviality Retail - is investing in an app which will offer customer discounts.

Tesco in bid to scrap controversial supplier fees

Tesco is planning on scrapping its complex system of supplier fees in a move that could shake up the grocery sector.

The Week That Was: news, views and opinions on Harpers.co.uk

If you have been out and about a lot this week enjoying the build up to Christmas, or busy trying to cash in on some festive sales, here is a round up what you might have mised here on Harpers.co.uk:

Lidl comes out top of the grocers for the most effective Christmas TV ad

As if Lidl's 2014 could not get any better, it has now been found to have produced the most effective Christmas television advert, even beating John Lewis's Monty the penguin in to second place.

Prosecco dominates festive fizz sales at major retailers

Sales of Prosecco are fizzing across the major retailers in the run-up to Christmas, with Tesco predicting one in three bottles of sparkling wine sold this year will be the Italian favourite.

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.