Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Wine and spirits hit £4bn in duty revenues for the Exchequer

Published: 31 October, 2016

Duty contributions for the wine and spirits industry has hit the £4bn benchmark for the first time, with alcohol sales hitting an all-time high.

Conviviality signs two-year supply agreement with Palmer & Harvey

Published: 28 October, 2016

Leading independent wholesaler Convivality Plc is entering into a two-way supply deal with Palmer and Harvey McLane Limited (P&H), supplying beers, wines and spirits in exchange for tobacco.

WSET to open first international office in Hong Kong

Published: 26 October, 2016

The leading education body for wines and spirits in the UK has announced plans to open a second administrative base in Hong Kong in order to meet growing demand from greater China.

Co-op sets up European distribution hub in radical change to supply strategy for its continental wines

Published: 26 October, 2016

The words 'agility' and 'flexibility' are used frequently by Simon Cairns. As the Co-op's beers wines and spirits trading director, he has overseen a category enjoying buoyant growth this year, with a 4.3% increase in like for like sales across the sector, according to the latest Nielsen reports.

Jack Daniel's unveils Scottish bartender competition

Published: 25 October, 2016

Iconic Tennessee whisky brand Jack Daniel's has launched a nationwide bartending competition across Scotland.

First wine, now spirits set to take a hit with rise in inflation and duty to slap a further £60m on consumers

Published: 25 October, 2016

The price of a bottle of wine and spirits is facing a major hike if duty rises in line with inflation, industry experts have warned.

The Epicurean launches in London this weekend

Published: 24 October, 2016

The team behind the London Wine Fair is gearing up to launch its first consumer event.

Pernod Ricard beats expectations as Jameson drives growth in the UK and US

Published: 20 October, 2016

The world's number two wines and spirits producer has performed better than expected since April, with sales of Jameson emerging as the main growth driver.

Distell breaks contracts as it moves to direct distribution

Published: 20 October, 2016

South African alcohol producer Distell has unveiled plans to bring the distribution of all its brands in-house so that it can directly manage the sales and marketing of its UK portfolio.

Coravin becomes corporate patron of the WSET

Published: 20 October, 2016

Wine preservation company Coravin has been inducted into the WSET's Corporate Patrons programme.

UK exports on the rise in H1 and H2 2016

Published: 19 October, 2016

Emphasis has been put on importers over the past week or so, as experts warn that the 'cushioning' of forward foreign currency buying ahead of the Brexit vote is about to run out.

Wine from the EU could cost Brits an extra 29p per bottle

Published: 19 October, 2016

The cost of an average bottle of wine in the UK could go up by 29p as a result of Brexit, the WSTA has warned.

Diageo looking for host of new travel show

Published: 17 October, 2016

Diageo Reserve is launching a new global travel show, which will follow a lucky drinks enthusiast on a journey to find the "best drinks in the world".

Morrisons targets premium spirits segment with Ableforth's listings

Published: 14 October, 2016

Morrisons is to list two new spirits from Kent-based distillery Ableforth's across 300 of its stores.

Analysis: What next for 'Brand Britain'?

Published: 14 October, 2016

Along with the monarchy, Aston Martin, the British sense of humour - and some would say, Downton Abbey - our drinks industry has helped to put Britain on the map and strengthen its image around the world.

Stock Spirits acquires three new brands to bolster key markets

Published: 13 October, 2016

Major spirits producer Stock Spirits is incorporating three new producers to its arsenal.

Dublin City Gin aims to replicate Irish success across the UK

Published: 12 October, 2016

The team behind the award-winning Dublin City Gin are targeting the UK market just months after launch.

Majestic asks customers to choose new international craft beer

Published: 11 October, 2016

Majestic Wine is opening up its beer offering by asking customers vote for what they like and what they enjoy drinking.

Wines and spirits continue to drive growth for LVMH amid luxury market slowdown

Published: 11 October, 2016

The wine and spirits division represented the second highest growth area for LVMH in its sales so far this year, with organic growth up 7%.

Andrew Catchpole: Talking about a innovation revolution

Published: 07 October, 2016

Disruption is the new norm - and the experiential its freewheeling partner - as the fast-paced evolution of communications and other technologies continues to reshape how we interact with the world.