The week that was

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 13 April, 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: News of Conviviality’s collapse and what is to become of its constituent parts continued to dominate headlines this week.

Following the C&C buyout of Conviviality’s wholesaling arm, it emerged this week that Bestway had stepped in to snap up Wine Rack and Bargain Booze for £7 million, saving around 2,000 jobs and allaying fears that Conviviality’s retail outfits would be allowed to go under.

We also caught up with owner and newly re-instated Broadland Wineries CEO Mark Lansley about the appointment of new senior brand manager Liz Cobbold.

Cobbald has been brought on board to grow the Norwich-based distributor’s stable of brands products, picking up from where Paul Schaafsma left off when he left the role of CEO after a short tenure at the beginning of the year.

Analysis and Insights: Continuing our Conviviality coverage, Lisa Riley ran a critical eye over the impact on rival wholesalers, while Andrew Catchpole spied an opportunity for the trade to climb out of the bargain basement.

Last but not least, we took a look at the growth of vegan wines, with conscientious consumers helping to broaden the category’s mass-market appeal.

People and Opinion: In his monthly column, Guy Woodward took a look at the wine world’s free-spirited risk takers getting spectacular results.

The likes of Côte d’Or turned Californian winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset, he argues, are giving the industry a much needed shot in the arm.

And we caught up with David Robertson, group wine manager, HB Clark.

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