News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Uncertainty continues over Oz wine exports to China

Published: 10 November, 2020

Confusion continues over a potential block on Australian wine imports by China in response to ongoing tensions between Canberra and Beijing.

EU and US renew calls for end to retaliatory wine tariffs

Published: 10 November, 2020

The Brussels-based CEEV (Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins) and Wine Institute of California have renewed calls for a suspension of retaliatory tariffs on wine in response to the trans-Atlantic dispute over Boeing aircraft subsidies.

Nearly a third of licensed premises shut prior to lockdown

Published: 10 November, 2020

Trading restrictions led to almost a third of Britain’s licensed premises shutting their doors in October ahead of England’s second lockdown on 5 November, according to the latest Market Recovery Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners.

BWS supermarket sales rise 15%

Published: 10 November, 2020

Supermarket sales of beer, wines and spirits (BWS) rose 15% in the four weeks to 31 October as the category remained one of the fastest growing ahead of packaged grocery (11%) but behind frozen (16%).

C&C Wines expands Italian and Spanish portfolios

Published: 10 November, 2020

Carson & Carnevale Wines (C&C Wines) has been appointed the UK agent for Chianti Classico winery Tenuta Villa Trasqua and Ribera del Duero’s Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón.

US wines account for a record share of trade on Liv-ex

Published: 09 November, 2020

American wines have accounted for a record share of trade on Liv-ex so far this year, up from 2.3% in 2019 to 6.8% in 2020, according to a new Liv-ex report released today.

Burgundy price growth softening

Published: 09 November, 2020

Despite a continued shift upward in the prices for top wines, Burgundy’s lower tiers are showing signs of stagnation, according to analysis released by Wine Lister as the 2019 en primeur releases begin.

Many consumers fail to actively engage with green brands

Published: 09 November, 2020

Sustainability in all its forms, from organic and Fairtrade to biodynamic, continues to play a growing part in food and drink manufacturing across the globe, not least in the wine industry.

Relaxed takeaway regulations extended until March 2022

Published: 09 November, 2020

Relaxed regulations that allow bars, pubs and restaurants to sell takeaway food and alcohol have been extended until 2022, communities secretary Robert Jenrick has announced.

OrderPay temporarily lifts fee for independent on-trade

Published: 09 November, 2020

Ordering app OrderPay has made its platform free during lockdown for any independent bars, restaurants and pubs that want to set-up a food and drink takeaway service.

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs unveils 2020 winners

Published: 06 November, 2020

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has unveiled the winners of its Young Sommelier and Young Chef awards 2020, alongside the winner of the Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy.

Oz wine exports to China under threat

Published: 06 November, 2020

As the result of an escalation of tensions between Beijing and Canberra, Australian wine exporters are caught up in a raft of products that China has said it will ban for import from Friday 6 November.

Wines of Germany reveals Retailer Partnership Fund winners

Published: 06 November, 2020

Wines of Germany has revealed the 14 winners of its £65k Retailer Partnership Fund, who will all receive financial support for the promotion of the country’s wines to consumers.

Trade steps up hospitality support once more

Published: 06 November, 2020

Drinks suppliers are ramping up support for a hospitality sector once again forced to close by lockdown, with Berkmann and Speciality Drinks among those offering help.

TWE opens ecommerce platform to trade

Published: 06 November, 2020

The Winery Collection, Treasury Wine Estate’s (TWE) ‘luxury’ e-commerce platform, has launched a new trade portal, offering exclusive access for wine merchants and independents.

Lousada steps up as CEO at QB

Published: 06 November, 2020

Quintessential Brands (QB) has announced changes for its senior team, with former MD James Lousada stepping up to take the role of CEO.

Furlough extension “wasted investment” without further support

Published: 06 November, 2020

Trade bodies have welcomed the extension of the Job Retention (furlough) Scheme (JRS) but warned that this alone is not enough to keep hospitality alive.

Furlough scheme extended to March

Published: 05 November, 2020

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that the government’s Job Retention Scheme, better known as the furlough scheme, will be extended until the end of March 2021, with government once again paying 80% of wages up to £2,500 to see businesses through a second wave of Covid-19 infections.

Villa Maria looks to sell surplus land as part of global growth ambitions

Published: 05 November, 2020

Leading New Zealand estate Villa Maria has announced it is aiming to sell 31 ha of surplus land surrounding its headquarters in Mangere, Auckland, and is exploring raising capital to accelerate growth plans worldwide.

Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris postponed until June

Published: 05 November, 2020

In light of the ongoing health crisis and after consulting with industry representatives, Vinexposium, the world’s leading organiser of wine and spirits trade events, has made major changes to its schedule for 2021.