News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

AXA's Seely takes Napa Outpost on tour

Published: 28 June, 2024

AXA Millésime MD Christian Seely is targeting the UK as the first in a series of “key countries” to position the company’s Outpost Wines from Napa.

Avallen Solutions launches sustainability consultancy

Published: 28 June, 2024

The founders of Avallen Spirits, Stephanie Jordan-Balmforth and Tim Etherington-Judge, have announced the launch of Avallen Solutions, a new sustainability consultancy for the drinks and hospitality industries.

Trade called to ‘shift its mindset’ via Reuse Ready Charter

Published: 28 June, 2024

‘The future is reusable’, a report from the London Wine Fair’s (LWF) Bottle Collection Initiative has concluded after inaugural findings showed that reusing a bottle generates energy savings of 96%.

Old Vine Registry announces ‘vine hunt’ on first anniversary

Published: 27 June, 2024

One year on from its official launch, Old Vine Registry is upping its efforts to catalogue and protect the world’s heritage vineyards via a new incentivised search.

Campari clarifies it is not under investigation for tax evasion

Published: 27 June, 2024

Campari Group has officially clarified that neither Davide Campari-Milano NV nor any of its subsidiaries are under investigation by authorities, addressing recent media reports from yesterday (26 June). In a statement, the company emphasised that no impact is expected for Davide Campari-Milano NV or its subsidiaries.

2024 Golden Vines scholars announced

Published: 27 June, 2024

After a review of 24 applications from 13 countries, The Gérard Basset Foundation and Liquid Icons has revealed the 10 winners of the 2024 Golden Vines Wine Scholar Guild Scholarships.

English whisky market soars to £1 billion

Published: 26 June, 2024

The market for English whisky is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating an 189% increase from 2019 to 2024, reaching a value of £1bn this year.

WHO report highlights global alcohol consumption impact

Published: 26 June, 2024

A new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that alcohol consumption was responsible for 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019.

Chapel Down considers sale amid expansion plans

Published: 26 June, 2024

Leading English wine producer Chapel Down has revealed it will undertake a strategic review to explore funding options for its ambitious long-term growth strategy. This plan aims to secure significant investments for new vineyards, a state-of-the-art winery and the enhancement of its brand home in Tenterden.

UK restaurant groups see record May delivery sales growth

Published: 25 June, 2024

Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups experienced their highest year-on-year growth in delivery sales for 2024 last month, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker.

The Golden Pineapples return to celebrate industry excellence and wellbeing initiatives

Published: 25 June, 2024

Now in its third year, The Golden Pineapples is set to return in 2024, celebrating businesses, brands and individuals who have significantly impacted the industry workforce. As a prominent event on the industry calendar, The Golden Pineapples offers a unique platform for attendees and brands to engage with industry leaders while supporting The Drinks Trust through fundraising initiatives.

Lay & Wheeler announces key appointments

Published: 25 June, 2024

Lay & Wheeler, a prominent fine wine merchant under the Coterie Holdings umbrella, has announced a series of significant appointments to strengthen its management and buying teams, aligning with its long-term growth strategy.

AI delivers individual bottle labels for new Maison Wessman wine

Published: 24 June, 2024

Bergerac producer Maison Wessman defines itself as ‘reinventing tradition’, and this innovative winemaker has embraced AI-enhanced graphics which deliver an individual label for each bottle of its Imprévu wine.

Abruzzo wine implements ‘Abruzzo Model’

Published: 24 June, 2024

The Abruzzo wine region is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of the ‘Abruzzo Model’.

Gin brands innovate with local flavours says IWSR

Published: 24 June, 2024

According to IWSR data, while gin encounters challenges in certain markets, the category continues to evolve and innovate.

Whisky association urges duty cut after revenue loss

Published: 24 June, 2024

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is urging the next government to reverse the damage caused by Jeremy Hunt’s 10% increase in spirits excise duty. Newly published figures from HMRC reveal that the Treasury has lost more than £100m since the tax hike last August.

UKH welcomes pledge of ‘comprehensive review’ for England's nighttime economy

Published: 24 June, 2024

The Conservative Party has committed in its manifesto to a comprehensive review of England's nighttime economy, aiming to overhaul existing licensing laws and planning regulations.

Chile launches first WineTech Fund to boost Valparaíso region

Published: 21 June, 2024

The recent Wine Innova Tech 2024 international seminar in Viña del Mar culminated with the announcement of Chile's first WineTech Private Fund, aimed at addressing key challenges in the winemaking industry in the Valparaíso region. The fund will focus on climate change adaptation, sustainability and integrating new technologies into viticulture and grape genetics. Notably, Chile boasts the largest area of non-grafted, European variety vine stocks globally.

WineGB Awards celebrate record-breaking achievements and innovation in English Wine Week

Published: 21 June, 2024

The eighth annual WineGB Awards concluded with a showcase of the finest wines from England and Wales, marking the end of English Wine Week with a record number of entries and gold medals. This year’s competition celebrated the diversity and quality of wines produced across 33 counties, with over 350 medals awarded.

Gen Z shifts towards low & no alcohol amid declining disposable income

Published: 21 June, 2024

In the midst of declining disposable incomes and economic uncertainty, Generation Z is driving a significant shift in the beverage market. New research indicates that while overall alcohol sales have decreased, the no & low alcohol segment is experiencing impressive growth. This trend signals the need for a clear category vision that aligns with the evolving preferences of Gen Z, a demographic acutely feeling the pinch of high interest rates and economic challenges.