Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Duty frozen for spirits, cider and beer, but wine will rise with inflation

Published: 29 October, 2018

Investing in Britain’s future was one of the anthems that ran through Philip Hammond’s autumn Budget speech this afternoon.

UK winemakers lobby government to scrap “damaging” planned tax rises

Published: 08 October, 2018

Winemakers in England and Wales have banded together to try and convince the government to rethink plans for a duty hike that could hamper exports and stifle growth.

Brexit causes wine prices to rise

Published: 27 September, 2018

The average price of a bottle of wine has risen by almost 30p since the UK vote to leave the European Union (EU), according to new research.

No deal Brexit “not acceptable” for drinks trade

Published: 19 September, 2018

Brexit is the “most significant” short-term challenge facing the wine sector, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) told delegates at its conference yesterday (18 September).

Gin sales smash records

Published: 17 September, 2018

Brits bought almost 60M bottles of gin in 12 months – worth over £1.6bn and up 38% on last year, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has revealed.

WSTA reveals keynote annual conference speakers

Published: 28 August, 2018

The WSTA has announced two keynote speakers in advance of its annual conference.

WSTA turns spotlight on English and Welsh whisky with new ‘trail’

Published: 27 August, 2018

The WSTA has launched an English and Welsh whisky trail to further boost growth of a sector that lay dormant for than a century.

Gin exports on track to reach £600m in 2018

Published: 14 August, 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.

Jago calls for trade to better promote its career opportunities

Published: 30 July, 2018

Speaking to Harpers at Berry Bros. & Rudd HQ in St James, the merchant’s chief executive Dan Jago made a passionate case for the wider trade to better promote the benefits of a career in the drinks sector.

UK and EU step up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit

Published: 20 July, 2018

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has voiced frustration over the plodding pace of Brexit negotiations as the EU published a paper on what businesses should do to prepare for a "no deal" or “hard Brexit” outcome.

British wine and gin under the spotlight ahead of Saturday's match

Published: 06 July, 2018

Ever wondered how much wine and spirits the UK exports to Sweden?

Wine and spirits bring £67m boost to Treasury coffers

Published: 14 June, 2018

The freeze on alcohol duty at last November’s Budget has given the Treasury a £67 million boost in just four months.

Gin is in the pink as innovation accelerates

Published: 13 June, 2018

The trend for pink gins and gins distilled with unusual ingredients is gathering pace following a spate of launches this week.

Britain facing ‘gin drought’ if no Brexit deal is found

Published: 12 June, 2018

British distillers are warning of a potential ‘gin drought’ if negotiators fail to reach a deal with the EU before the UK’s Brexit deadline next March.

Women in Wine

Published: 04 June, 2018

Lisa Riley reports on how both genders are galvanising efforts to ensure better representation for women in the industry

WSTA’s Gibbs leaves to work for government

Published: 31 May, 2018

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has announced its director of UK policy and social responsibility, Carlo Gibbs, will be leaving later this summer.

WSTA partners with Crimestoppers in fake booze crackdown

Published: 28 May, 2018

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has joined forces with Crimestoppers in a crackdown on fake booze pedalling.

LWF: Uncertainty continues to cloud Brexit debate to 2020 and beyond

Published: 21 May, 2018

With 312 days to go until the UK officially leaves the EU, the effect of economic uncertainty and how the trade is placed to take advantage of opportunities offered by Brexit formed the crux of discussions at one of the opening debates of the London Wine Fair this morning.

LWF: Free tickets for WSTA conference up for grabs as Hillebrand renews sponsorship

Published: 21 May, 2018

JF Hillebrand has renewed its sponsorship deal of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) annual conference.

WSTA signs deal to promote trade relations with China

Published: 24 April, 2018

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is to sign an agreement with Chinese distiller Kweichow Moutai Co to increase trade relations between the two countries.