News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Barwell & Jones doubles wineries in its portfolio

Published: 07 October, 2014

Wine agency Barwell & Jones is adding 10 wineries to its portfolio after sustaining 30% growth in the last two years.

Adnams adds Karen Hester as executive director

Published: 07 October, 2014

Suffolk brewer and distiller Adnams has added Karen Hester to its main board as an executive director.

McLaren Vale perfect for Mediterranean grape varieties, says winemaker

Published: 07 October, 2014

Winemakers at McLaren Vale's Hedonist say the region is perfect for growing Mediterranean grape varieties, after adding a Tempranillo and Sangiovese to its range.

Barworks expands 5cc cocktail bar concept to fourth site

Published: 07 October, 2014

Barworks, the operator behind a host of London's trendiest drinking dens, has opened its fourth 5cc cocktail bar below its Electricity Showrooms venue in Hoxton Square.

Top merchants and suppliers gather in London to debate ways they can work better together

Published: 07 October, 2014

How wine suppliers can work better and more efficiently with independent retailers will be the subject of a key Harpers debate being held this morning in London between leading figures on both sides.

Distell acquires International Beverage Company to increase US presence

Published: 07 October, 2014

Distell Group, South Africa's largest drinks producer, has acquired International Beverage Company in Atlanta, Georgia in an effort to grow its presence in the US market.

Bacardi Brown-Forman to distribute Patron tequila in 'critical' UK market

Published: 06 October, 2014

Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands has taken over distribution of Patrón tequilas and liqueurs in the UK after the Mexican brand's seven-year deal with Cellar Trends came to an end.

Gordon Ramsay to open Heddon Street Kitchen off London's Regent Street

Published: 06 October, 2014

Heddon Street Kitchen is to be the latest London opening from the ever expanding Gordon Ramsay Group taking its portfolio of restaurants to 13.

Hallgarten launches Wine Heroes campaign for independent merchants

Published: 06 October, 2014

Hallgarten Driuitt & Novum has launched Wine Heroes - a campaign tailored to independent wine merchants offering winemaker visits, bespoke POS materials and discounted pricing to help engage consumers.

David Beckham officially launches new Haig Club whisky globally

Published: 06 October, 2014

David Beckham officially launched Haig Club Scotch whisky today, which is produced by Diageo in partnership with the world famous footballer and British talent agent Simon Fuller.

Analysis: how effective has the Crus Bourgeois classification been?

Published: 06 October, 2014

Last week the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois arrived in London for the fifth annual review of the wines deemed worthy to use the Cru Bourgeois seal of approval. Five years into the new incarnation of the classification Heather Dougherty reviews its successes and challenges - and looks at its prospects for the future.

Limited edition Andy Warhol Absolut vodka bottle released

Published: 06 October, 2014

Absolut Vodka has produced a limited edition Andy Warhol bottle of which only 4 million bottles are available.

Hallgarten launches Wine Heroes campaign for independents

Published: 06 October, 2014

Hallgarten Druitt & Novum has launched Wine Heroes - a campaign tailored to independent wine merchants offering winemaker visits, bespoke POS materials and discounted pricing to help engage consumers.

The Smith Report: Could extreme weather cost the wine trade?

Published: 06 October, 2014

The economy of any agriculturally based industry can be dramatically affected by the weather, but what's the long-term forecast and what are the financial implications?

Exclusive survey: how wine drinkers shop Chile and Argentina online

Published: 06 October, 2014

Harpers has once again linked up with Wines Direct to analyse the shopping trends of consumers buying South American wines online.

Pays d'Oc IGP names Fiona Taylor UK ambassador for 2014

Published: 03 October, 2014

Christopher Piper Wines' Fiona Taylor has been named Pays d'Oc IGP ambassador of the year for the UK market.

Luxury pop-up wine merchant Vinorium launches on London's Southbank

Published: 03 October, 2014

A luxury pop-up wine merchant - built out of two 20 ft shipping containers - is set to launch on London's Southbank.

No 3 Gin cocktail winner turns to Beatrix Potter's Mr Tod for inspiration

Published: 03 October, 2014

Let's be honest the average top bartender is not the kind of person who would admit turning to Beatrix Potter for inspiration. Let alone the kind of bartender who would be allowed to play along the back bar of the uber cool City Social in Old Broad Street in London.

'Mild alcoholics' to be prescribed new drug nalmefene to help them cut back

Published: 03 October, 2014

People who drink more than two large glasses of wine per night or three pints are to be prescribed the drug nalmefene to help them cut back, according to new guidance for doctors.

The Week That Was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 03 October, 2014

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, financial news for the drinks trade, Q&As, and opinion stories.