News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Brexit and bad harvests could dampen supply of fizz

Published: 02 January, 2018

2018 could be the year that Brits’ love of sparkling catches up with them as experts predict a fizz shortage could be about to descend on the UK.

Ian Harris receives MBE in New Year’s Honours List

Published: 02 January, 2018

Ian Harris, chief executive of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), has been awarded MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Harpers

Published: 22 December, 2017

Well, that’s pretty much it for 2017, at least from the team at Harpers, although as we down iQuills until 2018, we know that most of you out there in the trade are still at full tilt, meeting the festive thirst of the public at this busy time of year.

New food and pairing app for Cognac

Published: 21 December, 2017

The Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) has launched the first cognac and food-pairing app.

Farr Vintners reports strong trading

Published: 21 December, 2017

Fine wine trader Farr Vintners has reported its turnover for 2017 is up 25.5% hitting £96M.

Hayman’s Gin creates UK sales team

Published: 20 December, 2017

Hayman’s Gin has revealed plans to create a UK sales team to support its ambitions for the home market.

Distell sells Bisquit Cognac brand to Campari

Published: 20 December, 2017

Distell has agreed to sell its Bisquit Dubouche et Ci Cognac business to Campari Group for €52.5m.

Nepenthe re-introduces flavour of Adelaide Hills to the UK

Published: 20 December, 2017

Premium Australian winery Nepenthe has re-introduced a selection of cool climate wines from its Altitude and Pinnacle collections to the UK seven years after distribution stalled.

Australia Day Tasting returns with special guest

Published: 20 December, 2017

The annual Australia Day Tasting (ADT) returns to the UK in January in its usual slot – but this year will feature a special guest.

Harpers’ Shop Rioja winners help deliver big value uplift

Published: 20 December, 2017

This year’s Shop Rioja winners Cork’s Out and Mumbles Fine Wines helped drive an 82.5% increase in volume sales, with an impressive average sale price per bottle of £18.50, across the 100 independent outlets involved in the promotion.

Champagne Armand de Brignac appoints new UK importer

Published: 19 December, 2017

Champagne Armand de Brignac has appointed New Generation McKinley (NGM) as its new exclusive UK importer for the brand, commencing 1 January 2018.

Samantha Caporn MW to join The Wine Gang as Jane Parkinson exits

Published: 19 December, 2017

The Wine Gang has revealed Samantha Caporn MW will be joining the fold from January 2018, taking over from BBC Saturday Kitchen’s Jane Parkinson.

BI Wines & Spirits reveals soaring online sales

Published: 19 December, 2017

Fine wine and spirits merchant BI has reported double-digit value growth for its online platform, LiveTrade.

Pubs keep up with coffee shops as consumers vote for top out of home activity

Published: 19 December, 2017

New research suggests going to the pub is one of the top out of home activity for consumers, marking hope for the struggling sector as it adapts to new trends.

Sarah Jane Evans MW wins WSET Outstanding Alumni Award

Published: 19 December, 2017

Sarah Jane Evans MW has been announced as this year’s Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Outstanding Alumni Award winner.

Matt Pym to lead “ambitious growth” plan at Vintae UK

Published: 18 December, 2017

Majestic’s former head buyer has joined Spanish and Chilean producer Vintae to head-up the producer’s plan to “heavily invest” in the UK and Ireland.

Underage drinking hits historic low as trade initiatives deliver

Published: 18 December, 2017

The number of young people aged between 8 to 15 years old drinking alcohol is at a record low, a new survey by NHS Digital has revealed.

Symington donates 10th ambulance in wake of Douro fires

Published: 18 December, 2017

Port producer Symington Family Estates, has presented a new ambulance to the Sabrosa Volunteer Fire Brigade following the devastating fires in the region.

Gin sales soar by 7m bottles in 2017 as Brits vote juniper juice their favourite tipple

Published: 18 December, 2017

Gin sales have continued to soar as Brits bought over 47 million bottles over the last 12 months according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s latest market report.