Business & Finance - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Cult Wines forecasts cautious optimism for 2026

Published: 30 January, 2026

Fine wine investment platform Cult Wines has released its Top Wines of 2025 report, which offers a “cautiously optimistic” look forwards to 2026.

Virgin Wines sees strong Christmas trading period

Published: 27 January, 2026

Online wine retailer Virgin Wines has released its Christmas trading update, which shows a strong performance across the seven weeks to 26 December.

Over 2,000 jobs at risk as Revel Collective files for administration

Published: 27 January, 2026

As reported by the BBC and elsewhere, Revel Collective – the parent company of the Revolution bar chain, Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs – has filed to enter administration.

Study finds price is biggest pressure on alcohol sales

Published: 21 January, 2026

A new study by MMR Research has found that nearly four in ten UK consumers (39%) say they are lowering their alcohol consumption because of affordability.

Majestic sees profits slide amid challenging policy landscape

Published: 09 January, 2026

Wine retail giant Majestic has seen its profits before tax almost cut in half year on year – falling from £14.3m for FY24 to £7.7m for FY25 as detailed in its Companies House filing for the 2025 financial year (ending 31 March 2025).

When in Rome acquired by North South Wines

Published: 22 December, 2025

UK-based wine distributor North South Wines has announced the acquisition of the When in Rome wine brand, marking a significant addition to its range of sustainable and alternative wine brands.

WineCap reveals best-performing Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne wines of 2025

Published: 22 December, 2025

Wine investment platform WineCap has rounded off the year by revealing the best performing wines from the three most important wine regions globally (in terms of demand) – Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne.

Report: Alcohol struggles while private labels gain momentum

Published: 18 December, 2025

According to a new report from market research firm Circana, private labels now account for 42% of the value of all consumer packaged goods (CPG) sold across what it calls the EU6 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK).

New CEO appointed at Direct Wines

Published: 05 December, 2025

Family-owned retailer Direct Wines Ltd – best known in the UK for Laithwaites and the Sunday Times Wine Club – has appointed Philippa Strub as the new group CEO.

Bibendum releases new Vinonomics graph following Budget

Published: 02 December, 2025

The premium wine distributor Bibendum has released a new ‘Vinonomics’ graph (pictured) which breaks down the different costs that make up the price of a bottle of wine, following the Autumn Budget.

WSTA highlights cost of Budget to drinks trade

Published: 27 November, 2025

In the wake of the Budget, the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has released a table (below) revealing just how much the duty increases will impact prices for the consumer, further dampening demand for wines and spirits.

Bewes to step down from Hallgarten

Published: 24 November, 2025

Hallgarten & Novum Wines MD Andrew Bewes is to step down from his role at the end of March 2026.

Trade bodies warn of significant job losses without urgent Budget support

Published: 19 November, 2025

More than half of UK hospitality businesses are anticipating further layoffs and/or price rises if the upcoming Budget fails to deliver urgent support, according to a new joint survey.

HMRC ‘sin taxes’ revenues down by 35% over last decade

Published: 17 November, 2025

HMRC take from the so-called ‘sin taxes’, comprising alcohol, tobacco and gambling, have continued on a downward trajectory, having fallen 35% in the last decade, according to research by leading accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young.

Global wine sales set to drop -2.4% in 2025

Published: 13 November, 2025

Alcohol data and insights company IWSR has forecasted a -2.4% decline in global wine volume sales for 2025. This plays out against the background of a predicted -0.4% fall in global beverage alcohol volume sales for the year.

WineCap releases Q3 Fine Wine Report

Published: 05 November, 2025

The wine investment platform WineCap has released its Q3 2025 Fine Wine Report, highlighting a strengthening market background.

Campari-owner sees €1.3bn seized due to alleged tax evasion

Published: 03 November, 2025

Shares in Campari Group have fallen 5% today, after police seized shares worth €1.3bn from its majority-owner Lagfin over alleged tax evasion, as reported by the BBC.

Campari Group reports earnings growth with strong Q3 performance

Published: 31 October, 2025

Campari Group has released its financial results for the nine months ending 30 September 2025 – the first three quarters of its financial year, with net sales and earnings both up.

Good Wine Good People acquire Plonk

Published: 23 September, 2025

The wine merchant and online retailer Good Wine Good People (GWGP) will acquire full ownership of the e-commerce wine club Plonk, effective from the end of September.