Brexit and bad harvests could dampen supply of fizz

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.

Looking ahead: Gavin Quinney, owner and winemaker, Chateau Bauduc

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the trade - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Looking ahead: Craig Durham, managing director, Buckingham Schenk

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Hamish Gillespie: Dealing with currency in the pre-Brexit world

The impact of Brexit on sterling has been a major factor in 2017 trade. Industry insider Hamish Gillespie, finance director at North South Wines, explores how best to mitigate the downsides. 

“Mutual recognition” at borders could help facilitate post-Brexit trade

Brexit talks floundered once again yesterday as PM Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels following a row with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over the status of the Irish border.

DEFRA minister quizzed by trade on timetables and trade-route worries

Disruption at ports like Dover and the impact of drawn-out Brexit negotiations were two of the concerns raised at a meeting of the trade and Defra Food and Drink Minister, George Eustice.

EU and UK wines and spirits chiefs launch joint Brexit proposition paper

European and UK bodies responsible for the wider wine and spirit industry have joined together to publish a joint position paper to outline their stance on Brexit.

Brexit: Clarity versus chaos

At the recent WSTA Conference the trade called for greater clarity over a potential Brexit deal. Andrew Catchpole reports

The week that was

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

Brexit-focused WSTA Conference delivers greater clarity - on extent of uncertainty

The WSTA’s Miles Beale called on the government for “more active partnership, more communication and to get more done” at its annual conference in London on Tuesday, which delivered insights into the complexity of Brexit, along with the gulf of uncertainty that still exists for the UK drinks trade.

Final panelists to join resigned trade minister at WSTA conference

The final panelists for the WSTA’s international trade-themed annual conference have been revealed.

Looking ahead to the Xmas run up: Richard Cochrane, MD, Felix Solis UK

Price-savvy Brits look to eastern Europe as Majestic sales soar 400%

Eastern European wine sales are up 400% at Majestic as Brits look to avoid price hikes due to the impact of Brexit.

WSTA urges Government clarity to prevent Brexit chaos for businesses

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s chief executive Miles Beale has flagged up the “deep seated” concerns of drinks industry leaders over the Government’s apparent lack of clear strategy over Brexit.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Three reasons to be cheerful

Ian Dury and the Blockheads released Reasons To Be Cheerful in July 1979, two months after Margaret Thatcher became the UK’s first female Prime Minister.

WSTA's Miles Beale: No-deal Brexit "unacceptable"

The WSTA has responded to concerns around May’s promise of a "no deal" Brexit, warning it could leave the UK on a “cliff-edge”.

Retail sales slow as Brexit-related inflation bites

Retail sales slowed in May to the lowest annual growth since April 2013 as shoppers begin to feel the impact of price inflation, according to the late Retail Sales bulletin from the Office for National Statistics.

Breaking down the Brexit unknowns

With change the only certainty of Brexit, the trade needs to prepare for likely eventualities and present a united front. 

LWF’s Ross Carter: The exit interview

Three days of the London Wine Fair (LWF) is quickly drifting into a blur of meetings, conversations, debates and of course, tastings of some truly fabulous wines.

LWF Day One: The big Brexit debate

Breaking down the cloud of uncertainty brought about by Brexit into manageable bite-sized pieces was the objective of panelists at this afternoon’s London Wine Fair industry briefing.