Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Debunking the myth

Published: 24 June, 2019

Vodka has long had an image problem, says Nate Brown, but a new exploration of its natural flavours is helping consumers better understand the spirit

The Lakes Distillery secures £3.75m investment

Published: 24 June, 2019

The Lakes Distillery has secured a £3.75m investment from a group of investors.

Scotch Whisky tourism hits record high

Published: 21 June, 2019

Over 2 million tourists visited Scotch Whisky distilleries in 2018, a record number.

Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2020 opens for UK entries

Published: 21 June, 2019

Entries are now open for the 2020 Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition.

British Ambassadors call for more British wine and spirits at international events

Published: 20 June, 2019

The UK’s Ambassadors and senior diplomats have said they want to serve more English wine and British gin.

Edrington reveals rise in sales and profits

Published: 20 June, 2019

Edrington has reported a 9% increase in core revenue and a 4% rise in profits for the year ending 31 March 2019.

Think Gin Debate: Innovation vs Integrity

Published: 19 June, 2019

As flavoured gins continue to drive rapid growth and innovation in the category, concern grows over how to ‘future proof’ the spirit and prevent it becoming a victim of its own success.

New bottling facility set to open up international markets for artisan producers

Published: 19 June, 2019

A new “state-of-the-art flexible bottling facility” will overcome barriers that have prevented small distillers selling their product overseas and restricted their access to the off trade domestic market, claim its developers.

The Alchemist eyes global expansion

Published: 18 June, 2019

The Alchemist has said it expects to hit sales of £50m at the end of its financial year and plans to invest in further expansion in the UK and abroad.

Batanga Tequila hits the UK

Published: 17 June, 2019

Batanga Reposado and Batanga Blanco Tequilas are now available in the UK from Emporia Brands.

Brits love Pornstars

Published: 14 June, 2019

Cocktails are now one of Britain’s fastest growing drinks categories in spirits, according to CGA.

Think Gin gets joined by Think Tequila & Mezcal

Published: 13 June, 2019

Think Gin returns next Tuesday (18 June) with the addition of Think Tequila & Mezcal, which joins the ‘Think’ family for the first time.

Thirst for premium spirits boosts Rémy Cointreau

Published: 06 June, 2019

Rémy Cointreau has posted annual sales growth of 7.9% to €1,22bn driven by strong global sales of its key premium brands.

Martini and William Grant & Sons enter burgeoning low/no sector

Published: 06 June, 2019

Martini and William Grant & Sons have entered the burgeoning low/lo alcohol category.

Online wine platform Winebuyers adds ‘Direct from the Distillery’ section

Published: 06 June, 2019

Online wine platform and members club Winebuyers has added a new section to its website that allows customers to connect with, and buy directly from British and Irish distilleries.

European trade association commits to providing energy value on spirits

Published: 05 June, 2019

SpiritsEUROPE, the trade association for European spirits producers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide energy information on labels, together with full ingredient listings and detailed product-specific information online.

Grey Goose claims ‘world first’ with sub-zero draught tap

Published: 30 May, 2019

Premium vodka Grey Goose has launched a “pioneering” sub-zero draught tap system it claims puts it at the “forefront of innovation” within the drinks business.

Boë Gin reveals soaring sales

Published: 28 May, 2019

Independent Scottish gin producer Boë Gin has reported a huge increase in year-on-year sales and profits.

WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits goes live

Published: 20 May, 2019

The first courses for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s (WSET) new Level 3 Award in Spirits are open for booking in the UK and USA.

UK leads the ‘non-alc’ sector with 271 premium launches in the past year

Published: 15 May, 2019

The UK is at the forefront of innovation in the ‘what to drink when you’re not drinking’ sector, new research has found – ahead of usual trendsetter, the US.