News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Auction of Swedish collector set to hit 1.5m

Published: 23 July, 2008

US: Over 4,500 of some extremely rare vintages are to be sold off in New York, with well over a million pounds expected to be paid for the wines.

Welsh doctors call for higher taxes to curb binge drinking

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: British Medical Association (BMA) Cymru Wales is calling on Westminster and the Welsh Assembly Government to raise alcohol taxes - penalising drinks with the highest amount of alcohol.

South Africa health minister fights drink claims

Published: 23 July, 2008

SOUTH AFRICA (Reuters): The country's health minister is fighting newspaper claims she smuggled red wine and whisky into a private hospital to treat AIDS.

Supermarket giants forced to hand over emails

Published: 23 July, 2008

Tesco and Asda have been ordered to submit millions of letters and emails, in the latest twist to the Competition Commission investigation.

Clubscan given all clear by ICO

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: ID scanner company given the all clear after concerns were raised about the use of its equipment in pubs and bars.

New Zealand exports boom

Published: 23 July, 2008

NEW ZEALAND: The country's exports to the UK increased by 36% in the past twelve months, according to figures released today.

Berkmann Wine Cellars to unveil new website

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: A new and improved website from Berkmann Wine Cellars will be launched by the end of the month.

White wines stay fresh under synthetics

Published: 23 July, 2008

FRANCE: A new study has shown that a synthetic closure is performing as well as corks when it comes to keeping white wines fresh.

Sainsbury's injects cash into Fairtrade

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: Sainsbury's launches 1m fund for farmers and growers in the developing world to join the Fairtrade initiative.

The Sainsbury's Fair Development Fund will support Fairtrade producer initiatives over a four-year period.

The fund, run by Comic Relief, will help farmers find a new route to market and provide them with a better deal.

Justin King, chief executive of Sainsbury's, said: "The fund will overcome barriers for poor producers enabling them to trade and therefore improve their livelihoods.

"This is why we're supporting Fairtrade on an additional level and encouraging customers to support the Fairtrade label so they too can help communities in developing countries."

Edrington challenges Islay malts

Published: 23 July, 2008

SCOTLAND: The privately-owned Scotch whisky group has launched a new Islay malt blend to attract a new breed of whisky drinkers.

Small stores challenge Bargain Booze and Tesco

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: Independent stores take on the chains

Warrant issued for Russian vodka tycoon

Published: 23 July, 2008

RUSSIA: Moscow steps up its fight to claim back the overseas rights to Stolichnaya vodka

Norfolk whisky distillery opens its doors

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK: England's only malt distillery offers tastings and public tours for the first time

Investment firm increases stake in C&C

Published: 23 July, 2008

Janus Capital Management increases its stake in troubled Irish firm C&C to 8.07%.

Turning the screw on closures

Published: 23 July, 2008

Cork producers have found a possible saviour in the recent eco-debate to arrest the move by buyers to synthetics and screwcaps.

But will it be enough to overcome accusations of unreliability and taint? Rebecca Gibb looks at the latest developments in the ongoing debate about the best way to stopper a bottle.

Vodka giant looks for buyer

Published: 23 July, 2008

RUSSIA: The country's best-selling vodka has been put up for sale and could attract bids from drinks giants including Diageo and Pernod Ricard.

Australia to boost fortified wine sales to Europe

Published: 23 July, 2008

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Government is to provide AUS$500,000 (206.994) to assist the country's fortified wine industry in a bid to increase exports to Europe.