Looking ahead: Michael Patterson, senior category manager, food and beverage, GLH Hotels

Premium spirits worth 40% more to the on-trade at Christmas

The shift to premium spirits has happened and is here to stay, opening up a multimillion pound opportunity for the UK’s bars and restaurants this festive season.

Australian bulk prices rise as short harvest meets Chinese thirst

The 2018 crush Down Under will fall short of meeting current demand for Australian wine, driving prices upward.

Looking ahead: Richard Cochrane, Félix Solís UK

The week that was

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.

Gaucho is a casualty of shifting social mores, say analysts

Healthy eating trends could be contributing to the demise of the casual dining sector as we know it, new research has boldly stated, while calling on the alcohol sector to be a force for change.

Hallgarten appoints Francois Lincoln as business development director

Hallgarten has recruited a second business development director as part of its ongoing drive to grow the business.

Biking bonanza raises thousands for The Benevolent

Strollers on the Sussex South Downs last weekend may have witnessed a peloton of 22 intrepid wine trade riders whizzing by on a 116 km ride to raise money for The Benevolent.

Woods woos budding wine buffs with wine school

Simon Woods, wine writer and author of ‘I Don’t Know Much About Wine But I Know What I Like’, has bought the Manchester Wine School with a view to bringing his down-to-earth educational approach to an ever-wider number of fellow Mancunians.

Looking ahead: Mark Lansley, Broadland Wineries

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, on-going trends and opportunities.

Nyetimber unveils 30th anniversary rebrand

Top English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber is commemorating with the big 3-0 with a new look for some of its products, including its classic cuvee.

Red Squirrel hits the road for portfolio tasting

Red Squirrel is heading out of London for its annual tasting for the first time, with plans to bring its focus on small artisanal producers to Bristol and Manchester.

Friarwood adds wines from Carlos Moro’s La Rioja project

Friarwood Fine Wines has announced it is expanding its Spanish portfolio with an exclusive selection from winemaker Carlos Moro.

Looking ahead: Mark Roberts, Lanchester Wines

As the first half of 2018 draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, on-going trends and opportunities

Cognac sets new export record

Cognac exports have achieved their fourth consecutive year of growth, driven by continued thirst for the historic French brandy in the US.

Gin exports on track to reach £600m in 2018

The UK has further cemented its status as the largest exporter of gin in the world with yet another record-breaking start to the year.

Abbi Moreno plans new hybrid wine business after parting ways with family firm

Abbi Moreno, third generation scion of family wine merchant Moreno Wines, has parted company with her old firm after 21 years, announcing her intention to open a hybrid wine shop-come-wine bar business in early 2019.

WineTraining gears up for Malaga launch as demand for education soars

WineTraining is gearing up for its Malaga launch as demand for Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses across the world soars.

Accolade turns spotlight on Kumala with biggest investment in 10 years

Accolade Wines has turned the spotlight on its South African Kumala wine brand with a £1 million campaign.

London’s K Bar taps into trend of serving wine by the glass

Kensington Hotel’s The K Bar and Town House restaurant has begun selling its entire wine list by the glass.