News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

South Africa anticipates reduced grape harvest in 2022

Published: 24 January, 2022

As vintage 2022 approches, South Africa's winegrowers are expecting a relatively small crop overall, when compared to last year.

Concha y Toro slams proposed alcohol duty changes as 'regressive step'

Published: 24 January, 2022

Leading Chilean brand Concha y Toro (CyT) has criticised the government for adding to the inflationary woes currently hurting consumers across the UK.

Australian wine producers lobby UK government over proposed duty reform

Published: 24 January, 2022

Australian wine producers have joined forces with Wine Drinkers UK, a collection of leading wine lovers, makers and sellers, to lobby the Chancellor to rethink his proposed alcohol duty reform.

The Wine Society creates new sustainability post

Published: 21 January, 2022

Leading online retailer The Wine Society has appointed Dom de Ville as its inaugural 'director of sustainability and social impact', adding a new strand to the organisation's executive team.

Outrage over ‘cynical’ ProWein move

Published: 21 January, 2022

The UK trade has expressed its outrage that ProWein has changed its date to clash with the London Wine Fair (LWF) in 2022 – while also expressing deep sympathy for the LWF which is due to return in physical form for the first time in two years.

Alliance Wine expands portfolio with new sparkling wine agency

Published: 21 January, 2022

West Sussex-based Roebuck Estates has become the latest producer to join the Alliance Wine collection of premium brands.

South Africa's wine industry “must adapt to survive”

Published: 21 January, 2022

Wine oversight body Vinpro has urged South Africa’s winegrowers to use the pandemic crisis as an opportunity “to revive, recover and rebuild,” adapting current business models to better cope with a rapidly changing world.

Duty amends will “wipe out the benefits” of non-EU trade deals – make your voice heard

Published: 21 January, 2022

Accolade Wines is the latest major wine company to join calls urging the government to take stock of its alcohol duty review.

London Wine Fair brands ProWein move ‘aggressive’

Published: 20 January, 2022

The London Wine Fair (LWF) organisers have called the new direct clash between their event and a rescheduled ProWein a ‘direct attack’ on the UK’s biggest wine trade show event.

ProWein May reschedule to clash with LWF

Published: 20 January, 2022

Messe Düsseldorf, the body responsible for organising ProWein, has confirmed that the trade fair will not take place in March as originally planned.

South African packaged wine exports to UK rise 25%

Published: 20 January, 2022

In a massive boon for South Africa's quality-led growers, total exports of South African wine to the UK rose 20% by value and 12% in volume in 2021 according to the latest figures released by industry body SAWIS.

Hospitality sector expands in fourth quarter, despite unprecedented challenges

Published: 20 January, 2022

Britain’s hospitality sector grew modestly in the last quarter of 2021, according to the latest CGA Market Recovery Monitor.

Scottish government confirms that hospitality restrictions will end

Published: 19 January, 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told the Scottish parliament that the vast majority of Covid-19 restrictions issued before Christmas 2021 will end on 24 January.

Ex-Accolade alumni Ade McKeon joins Blackfish Brands

Published: 19 January, 2022

Blackfish brands have welcome former Accolade Wines boss, Ade McKeon, into their governing board as non-executive director.

Graham Beck appoints new cellar master

Published: 19 January, 2022

South African sparking wine brand Graham Beck has appointed Pierre de Klerk as their new chef de cave, replacing the incumbent Pieter Ferreira, who has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer.

Waitrose expands bulk buying team

Published: 19 January, 2022

The UK's leading supermarket retailer of premium wines has appointed Barry Dick MW to its BWS bulk buying team.

Bordeaux Index announces record sales growth in 2021

Published: 19 January, 2022

Leading fine wine and spirits merchant Bordeaux Index posted a record sales value of $174m (£128m)in 2021, with turnover rising by almost 50% year on year.

Time to act as alcohol duty review consultation deadline looms

Published: 18 January, 2022

Calls for the drinks trade to voice its concerns over the government’s alcohol duty review have ramped up as the consultation period nears its close on 30 January, potentially adding a £220 million additional tax burden on wine.

Ribera del Duero launches inaugural indie promotion

Published: 18 January, 2022

The Consejo Regulador of Ribera del Duero has unveiled plans to run a ‘Reach for Ribera’ promotion in February, involving 25 independent wine merchants across the UK.

Upbeat mood at Vindependents tasting

Published: 18 January, 2022

Signs that life is returning to something closer to normal, at least for the UK’s independent merchants, were borne out in London yesterday (17 January) at a well-attended Vindependents tasting in Camden.