News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Freixenet launches its first 0% alcohol range

Published: 11 December, 2018

Freixenet has launched an alcohol free sparkling wine range to tap the trend for low and no alcohol drinks.

Prosecco on the way out says Naked Wines

Published: 11 December, 2018

Sauvignon Blanc still reigns supreme as Britain’s favourite grape, while Prosecco is on the wane according to the latest from Naked Wines.

Yealands receives fine for inaccurate records and false statements

Published: 11 December, 2018

Yealands Estate Wines has been fined $400,000 in relation to inaccurate internal wine records and the making of false statements in export eligibility applications under the Wine Act 2003.

Gaucho appoints former Wines of Argentina Europe director

Published: 10 December, 2018

Gaucho has hired former Wines of Argentina Europe director Andrew Maidment as part of a new strategy to re-establish the brand as ‘UK’s foremost Argentine wine specialist’.

Highbury Vintners and Hennings Wine win Shop Rioja

Published: 10 December, 2018

This year’s Shop Rioja initiative delivered a collective sales uplift of 81% during October for the 61 retailers taking part, with Highbury Vintners and Hennings Wine taking top spot.

House of Tequila urges industry to work together to stabilise prices

Published: 10 December, 2018

With another two years to go before the current agave shortage – which has caused huge price spikes – is expected to come to an end, House of Tequila has urged the industry to “work together” to avoid such volatile market conditions in the future.

Harpers Design Awards 2018: The winners

Published: 10 December, 2018

Good design may only sell the one, first bottle if the liquid inside is discovered to be below par. But present the most sublime booze in a mediocre or off-putting package and the painstaking craft of the distiller or winemaker is likely to be left collecting dust.

Wine Australia gears up to launch new educational initiative

Published: 10 December, 2018

Wine Australia has announced it is to launch a new educational programme at its trade tasting in London next month.

Rhône wines shine in the US

Published: 09 December, 2018

Sales of Rhône wines continue to decline in traditional markets, while the US east coast is showing “unprecedented levels of consumer interest,” according to leading sommeliers.

The week that was

Published: 07 December, 2018

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Hospitality businesses face GDPR penalties

Published: 07 December, 2018

Hospitality businesses that have failed to wipe data from old equipment risk incurring General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) penalties.

UN recognises vineyards of Soave as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

Published: 07 December, 2018

The vineyards of Soave have been recognised as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

Edrington appoints new CEO as Curle retires

Published: 07 December, 2018

Edrington has announced its CEO Ian Curle will retire in March 2019 after 15 years in the role, and 32 years with the company.

Premium wines push strong performance from E&J Gallo

Published: 06 December, 2018

E&J Gallo has reported a “successful” 2018 thanks to a strong performance by wines from its premium portfolio.

Re-thinking the turkey: Changing Christmas dinners opening doors for vegan wine

Published: 06 December, 2018

It could be a cracking Christmas for vegetarian and vegan wine, according to new research published by the IGD.

Restaurant numbers fall 2% in a year

Published: 06 December, 2018

UK restaurants are on the slide, according to the new edition of the Market Growth Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners.

Fine wine investment scheme shut down by the High Court

Published: 05 December, 2018

Intercontinental Wines Limited has been wound up by the High Court following a series of complaints by customers.

New wine app promises to revolutionise the wine industry

Published: 05 December, 2018

My Wine Society has launched a new app it has dubbed “Facebook for wine”.

The new face of Maremma

Published: 05 December, 2018

Maremma in the past decade or so has emerged from the shadow cast by the neighbouring and much-feted Bolgheri, which rather than imparting its prestige to the relative Italian backwater, had instead created for it an expectation of achievement that the region hadn’t so far managed. But this is changing as an exciting medley of wines come to the fore.