Scrapping duty escalator will benefit wine and spirits trade by £175m

Scrapping the duty escalator and freezing spirits duty will boost the wine and spirits trade to the tune of £175 million, says the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

Scrapping duty escalator could be bad news for suppliers warns Robin Copestick

Robin Copestick, co-founder of UK wine agency Copestick Murray, has sounded a warning shot about the Chancellor's decision to scrap the duty escalator in today's Budget and fears suppliers will be forced to take on the costs of inflationary duty increases rather than the higher costs under the escalator that were easier to pass on to consumers.

Budget 2014 Live Updates: Trade celebrates the end of duty escalator

The trade has united to welcome Chancellor George Osborne's announcement that he is ending the duty escalator for alcohol and freezing spirits duty.

Drinks trade nervously anticipates Budget

As time runs out before the 2014 Budget is announced later today, the drinks trade nervously shuffles its papers following a hard-fought campaign to scrap the duty escalator.

Spain must plant more international grape varieties, says Rabobank

Spain should plant more international varieties and bill Tempranillo as its signature grape, if it is to combat oversupply issues and compete globally, says a Rabobank report.

Public poll gives overwhelming support to cuts in duty in this week's Budget

Only 3% of the British public think alcoholic drinks are not too expensive in pubs and restaurants and unless more is done to cut duty levels they are likely to spend more time drinking at home.

Countdown to Budget: pubs more reliant on wine and spirits sales says CGA study

Pubs are becoming increasingly reliant on wine and spirit sales, according to new figures released today by on-trade specialists, CGA Strategy.

Wine and spirits industry in one last push to halt duty escalator in next week's Budget

The wine and spirits trade is readying itself for one last push to convince the Chancellor to scrap the alcohol duty escalator in next week's Budget following intensive campaigning across the industry.

Budget Day is coming soon!

The lead up to the Budget Day begins. Keep up to date here on Harpers.co.uk with our news updates, blogs and live posts on the day - March 19th!

The Smith Report: Why building strong brands is critical when your currency is weak

Erin Smith looks at how Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have coped with poor exchange rates

?Liv-ex Fine Wine indices continue to decline

The Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 index continued its slide reporting that February closed down for the eleventh consecutive month, closing at 252.50, down 0.9%, while the Liv-ex Fine Wine 50 fell another 1.2% to 287.10.

?Diageo appoints exclusive national broker for Canada

Wirtz Beverage Group is to become Diageo's exclusive national broker in Canada, after signing an agreement last week.

Diageo warns of the dangers of any UK departure from the EU

Diageo has fired a warning shot against any possible British departure from the European Union and the risks it would have on not only its business but the future of key markets such as the Scottish whisky industry. This could be exacerbated further if Scotland chooses to become independent later in the year.

Half year operating profits significantly down at Treasury Wine Estates

Half-year operating profits at Treasury Wine Estates fell by 38% to A$45.8 million, which it blamed on increased marketing and distribution investment and challenging conditions in Asia and Australia.   

Jacob's Creek struggles as Pernod Ricard returns slight increase in half year sales

Pernod Ricard saw a slight sales increase in the UK, but said Jacob's Creek struggled in a wine market that is "highly sensitive to promotion" in the first half of the year.

Naked Wines promotes Eamon FitzGerald to managing director

The online wine retailer Naked Wines has promoted Eamon FitzGerald to managing director of its UK operation

'Status quo' is ordered for Diageo and United Spirits deal

The Indian Supreme Court has ordered the acquisition deal between Diageo and United Spirits to maintain 'status quo' until April when the matter can heard at length in a court of law.

?The Smith report: The rise of the Great British pound

Erin Smith assesses the currency map as the pound continues to gain ground

Improving picture for UK wine trade, says Rabobank

Diageo sales decline in Western Europe slows