News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Cava’s 2021 exports surge towards pre-pandemic levels

Published: 17 December, 2021

Global shipments of Spain's signature sparkling wine grew by 16.45% in the first nine months of the year, according to the Cava Consejo Regulador.

Liberty adds to calls on government to reconsider wine duty reforms

Published: 17 December, 2021

Liberty Wines has joined a growing roster of UK drinks companies in voicing its concerns around the upcoming government alcohol duty review, which is under consultation until 30 January 2022.

Saint Emilion chateau moves into Riesling

Published: 17 December, 2021

Château Petit Val, a property based in Saint Emilion, has released two new leftfield cuvées – a pure varietal Riesling and Malbec wine.

"Landmark" UK/Australia trade deal finalised

Published: 17 December, 2021

The UK and Australia have reached an historic agreement on trade, in a move that has been welcomed by the WSTA.

Hard hit hospitality calls for further government support

Published: 17 December, 2021

As the hospitality industry continues to face a mounting crisis of cancellations and closures in the wake of Omicron and Plan B restrictions, UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls has urged the government to step in and save many businesses from going under.

Bouncing Back Q&A: Ben Knollys, MD, Hatch Mansfield

Published: 16 December, 2021

Continuing our seasonal Bouncing Back Q&A series, Ben Knollys takes stock of the challenges and lessons of 2021 and considers the path ahead for the trade.

Covid passport scheme rollout begins

Published: 15 December, 2021

The implementation of the government's 'Plan B' passport scheme begins today (December 15), despite a significant revolt among members of the Parliamentary Conservative Party.

Bouncing Back Q&A: Jacob Leadley, CEO & winemaker, Black Chalk Wine

Published: 15 December, 2021

Continuing our seasonal Bouncing Back Q&A series, Jacob Leadley takes stock of the challenges and lessons of 2021 and considers the path ahead for the trade.

Scotland announces DRS implementation date

Published: 15 December, 2021

Scotland's Minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity has confirmed that the nation's inaugural Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will launch next year.

New variant bears down on hopes of buoyant festive trade

Published: 15 December, 2021

The enforcement of ‘Plan B’ rules continues to dampen spirits across the sector this festive season, as a growing number of venues report mass cancellations.

Hatch Mansfield welcomes new Portuguese agency

Published: 15 December, 2021

UK importer Hatch Mansfield has expanded its portfolio with the addition of Portuguese wine brand Esporão.

BWS online sales flatline in the run up to Christmas

Published: 13 December, 2021

The BWS category suffered one of its poorest performances on record in November, plummeting -21.4% versus the same month in 2020, as consumers rushed out of their houses to socialise and shop ahead of the fear of potential new December 2021 lockdowns.

Bouncing Back Q&A: David Gates, CEO, Laithwaites

Published: 13 December, 2021

Continuing our seasonal Bouncing Back Q&A series, David Gates, CEO, Laithwaites takes stock of the challenges and lessons of 2021 and considers the path ahead for the trade.

Symington taps into rebellious side for Port-inspired speakeasy

Published: 13 December, 2021

With the mantra of “not your grandfather’s port club”, Symington Family Estates has teamed up with Rebel Port Club to launch a speakeasy style pop-up experience in London aimed at initiating a new generation of port drinkers.

Harpers Design Awards 2021 – The Winners

Published: 13 December, 2021

People buy with their eyes and clever design can also deliver strong cues as to what will be in the bottle, conveying clear messages that help bridge the gap between consumer and producer, as Andrew Catchpole reports from this year’s Harpers Design Awards.

Hennings welcomes Delta Estate into fold

Published: 13 December, 2021

Hennings Wine Merchants has taken the first shipment from its new partnership with Delta Estate Wines in Marlborough.

Bordeaux Symposium: Time to put people at head of sustainability agenda

Published: 10 December, 2021

Bordeaux is expanding and re-drawing its definition of sustainability via a new strategy which aims to put people – and ecosystems in which people want to work – at the heart of its environmental agenda for 2022.

Scotland's winter budget offers relief to struggling businesses

Published: 10 December, 2021

SNP finance secretary Kate Forbes outlined the 2021/22 budget in the Scottish parliament yesterday (9 December), with some good news for ailing retailers and hospitality venues.

Bouncing Back Q&A: Quique Dacosta, owner, Arros QD, London

Published: 10 December, 2021

With three Michelin stars under his belt, Spanish chef Quique Dacosta opened his first London venue, the paella celebrating Arros QD, in 2019. He talks to Harpers about surviving the perfect storm of Covid, Brexit and the ongoing difficulties for hospitality.

A Plan B Christmas will put the industry under “severe pressure”

Published: 09 December, 2021

A re-tightening of restrictions is threatening to put a pin in Christmas celebrations, causing more gloom for the hospitality sector as the government rubber stamps plans to introduce vaccine passports for late-night venues.