Business & Finance - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Alcohol sales knocked back until 2022

Published: 04 June, 2020

Despite the shift from on-trade to home drinking, lockdown could still leave a sobering £7bn hole in UK alcohol sales this year.

Fuller's launches income streaming service for staff

Published: 01 June, 2020

Pub and hotel business Fuller’s has partnered with income-streaming provider Wagestream to give its staff access to their wages - or their furlough pay - ahead of pay day.

The Drinks Trust wellness services

Published: 21 May, 2020

The Drinks Trust has launched a number of new services focusing on improving the mental health of the industry and supporting them through what has been a troubling time for many.

Wine tariffs to remain after Brexit transition period ends

Published: 19 May, 2020

Tariffs will remain in place on wines imported into the UK after the current Brexit transition period ends.

Furlough scheme extended to October

Published: 12 May, 2020

The government has announced it is extending the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) for an additional four months, while also adding in some provision to bring furloughed employees back to work on a part time basis.

Delayed recovery predictions put Covid-19 in stark contrast to 2008 crash

Published: 11 May, 2020

The UK’s retail sector will experience a delayed recovery well into the fourth quarter of 2020, with businesses needing to adapt to altered customer behaviours.

Furlough extension welcomed, but WSTA ups call for duty deferment

Published: 20 April, 2020

The Wine & Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) on Friday welcomed government’s extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furloughing) to the end of June 2020, but pressed again for an acceleration of relief measures for businesses hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.

Campari to buy majority stake in Champagne Lallier

Published: 20 April, 2020

Campari Group has announced it is in talks with privately owned French company Sarl Ficoma to buy a majority stake in Champagne Lallier.

Trade associations collectively urge governments to keep food and drink imports and exports flowing

Published: 16 April, 2020

Trade associations from across the UK food and drink supply chain have come together to publish a letter, calling on governments to ensure the continuation of imports and exports of food and drink at this critical time.

Five key ways to adjust wine marketing during and after Covid-19

Published: 16 April, 2020

In its latest series of market insights, Wine Intelligence has highlighted five focus areas for wine marketeers to consider as companies battle through the extreme challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 pandemic and the developing recession.

Wine and whisky investment bounce back in China

Published: 15 April, 2020

Global trader BI Fine Wine & Spirits has reported that its volume sales of high-end wine and rare whisky to Asia jumped 25% in March as Chinese buyers returned to the market.

Naked projects revenue in excess of £200m

Published: 09 April, 2020

Naked Wines has announced it expects revenue for FY20 to be in excess of £200m, slightly ahead of current consensus.

TWE and Penfolds consider separating

Published: 08 April, 2020

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) and Penfolds are considering going their separate ways, with the latter set to be split off into a separate company to pursue global expansion into luxury beverages.

WSTA presents three-point aid plan to Chancellor

Published: 07 April, 2020

The WSTA has written to the Chancellor outlining 3 steps the government can take with immediate effect to offer support to wine and spirit businesses during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

LWC flips reinstated staff to furlough saving part of 220 job cull

Published: 03 April, 2020

Independent drinks wholesaler LWC Drinks has flipped reinstated staff to furlough saving part of the 220 people the business made redundant prior to the government’s business rescue scheme being announced.

FDF job app deal to help ‘hidden heroes’ in food-and-drink sector

Published: 02 April, 2020

The Food and Drink Federation has announced a new partnership with recruitment app Syft in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

WSTA survey reveals ‘overwhelming’ support for tax break

Published: 01 April, 2020

Almost 95% of companies taking part in a new members survey by the WSTA have agreed with the industry body’s call on the government to suspend excise duty for six months.

Restructured Armit comes out fighting

Published: 31 March, 2020

Significant restructuring at Armit Wines following new MD Brett Fleming’s appointment has seen improved performance, stemming a decline in the second half of FY2019 with far reaching change to its business strategy.

Chancellor matches staff wage subsidies for self-employed

Published: 26 March, 2020

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the government will cover the wages of self-employed workers up to £2,500 a month – matching what was offered to staff employees last week.

Lawyers urge businesses to “read the fine print” over Job Retention Scheme

Published: 25 March, 2020

Legal advice has been issued to drinks businesses who are now looking to rely on the government’s promise to cover 80% of salaries (up to a limit of £2,500) a month to furloughed members of staff during the current coronavirus (Covid-19) health crisis.