Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Irish on and off-trade warned to look out for fake Smirnoff bottles

Published: 19 December, 2013

Bar and off-licence owners in Ireland have been urged to check Smirnoff vodka bottles following the seizure of a number of fakes.

Russia to raise minimum price of vodka by up to 30% in 2014

Published: 02 December, 2013

Russia is looking to raise the minimum price of vodka by up to 17% on January 1, 2014 in an effort to reduce consumption levels. With further rises planned throughout the year.

Gallo looks to grow UK spirits business with launch of New Amsterdam Vodka

Published: 27 November, 2013

Californian wine producer, E&J Gallo, is strengthening its UK spirits portfolio with the launch of New Amsterdam Vodka that has enjoyed considerable success in the US since its launch in 2011.

Russian Standard Vodka launches multi-million pound TV campaign

Published: 13 November, 2013

Russian Standard is planning to accelerate its UK growth with the launch of its "milestone" multi-million pound TV and cinema adverts.

Stolichnaya launches limited edition to super premium Elit series

Published: 31 October, 2013

Maxxium distributed Stolichnaya has launched the second luxury limited edition to its Elit pristine water series, exclusively into Harrods.

Absolut Originality added to limited edition range

Published: 04 October, 2013

This month sees Absolut vodka add another limited edition bottle to its collection.

Grasovka bison grass vodka launches in UK

Published: 20 September, 2013

Love Drinks has announced the addition of Polish bison grass vodka Grasovka to its portfolio.

Diageo lines up new global brand director for Smirnoff

Published: 10 September, 2013

Diageo has appointed Matt Bruhn global brand director for Smirnoff, with effect from 1 October, reporting to David Gates, head of premium...

Illegal vodka vending machine seized in Ukraine

Published: 09 September, 2013

Tax inspectors in the south-eastern city of Melitopol, Ukraine are looking for the owners of a converted coffee machine that dispensed vodka that was installed in the middle of the town centre, according to a report on a local television channel.

Belvedere vodka targets customers through first cinema advertising campaign

Published: 06 September, 2013

LVMH-owned Belvedere Vodka has launched its inaugural UK cinema campaign, the first such in the country's premium vodka market, and a first, anywhere, for the brand.

Diageo reveals its 2013 Special Releases collection

Published: 05 September, 2013

Diageo has revealed the 10 single malt whiskies that will make up its annual limited edition Special Releases for this year.

Illegal vodka pipeline discovered in Kyrgyzstan

Published: 28 August, 2013

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan have shut off an illegal eight inch-wide tube being used to smuggle illicit alcohol between Kazakhstan for a third of mile under the Chu River into Kyrgyzstan, according to local agency reports.

Diageo launches Smirnoff Gold vodka with £4.5m campaign

Published: 19 August, 2013

Diageo is adding a bit of affordable bling to the UK vodka category with the launch of Smirnoff Gold, backed by a £4.5-million marketing campaign.

Absolut Flavoured vodka range gets a facelift

Published: 09 August, 2013

Absolut's Flavoured vodka range has been redesigned and will be rolled out across the UK throughout August starting with Absolut pear and raspberry flavours with other varieties introduced later in the year and into 2014.