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The week that was

Published:  09 February, 2018

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.


Top Stories: A lot of varied news coming from different corners of the trade this week.

This included big news from world number two in wines and spirits, Pernod Ricard, which announced a 25% profit rise for the first half of the current financial year.

The Campo Viejo and Absolut vodka producer put its growth down to stronger demand in China, India and at its travel retail division.

Meanwhile, new figures from the ONS showed that the UK is fourth on an unpopular list of the most expensive places to buy alcohol in Europe, with Brits paying 43% above the European average.

However, news from France showed that Britain is making further in-roads as a growing wine producer and exporter with the launch of Louis Pommery England Brut, a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from Vraken-Pommery Monopole, marking the first time an English wine has been sold by a French Champagne house.



Analysis and Insights:
 Jo Gilbert caught up with Heini Zachariassen, founder of the world’s most downloaded wine app Vivino, on how it has made the leap from information-sharing platform to marketplace, while Darren Smith showed us a well done well, simple cocktail offer can boost sales and impress customers.

And Lisa Riley reported on how no-nonsense Surrey merchant The Vineking in Surrey is approaching 2018 with a renewed focus. 


People and Opinion: 
This week columnist Tim Atkin MW talked us through Day Zero – the action movie-esque name given to South Africa’s all too real drought problem which could see taps turned off if things don’t improve by April 12.