Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Scotch Whisky sales dive on the back of hiked spirits tax

Published: 12 October, 2017

Scotch whisky sales fell by one million bottles in the first half of 2017 in the UK following the hiked spirits tax in the March budget.

Global Drinks Forum 2017

Published: 10 October, 2017

Less formal education key in a fast evolving global drinks market as categories and occasions blur for modern consumers.

Gin: A larger slice of the pie

Published: 02 October, 2017

The boom in gin start-ups and thirst for premium brands is driving growth at all levels of production. But is there room for everyone? Jo Gilbert reports

BI and Michael Spencer acquire 25% stake in Battersea’s Gilpin’s gin

Published: 28 September, 2017

Fine wine and rare spirits merchant BI, and its chairman, Michael Spencer, have acquired a joint 25% stake in Westmorland Spirits, the owner of London-based premium gin brand, Gilpin’s.

ProWein 2018 to focus on ‘craft’

Published: 27 September, 2017

ProWein, the must-attend premier wine and spirits business show in Europe, has revealed it’s turning the spotlight on craft spirits, beer and cider in 2018.

Waitrose brings back ‘Drinks Festival’ for the second year running

Published: 26 September, 2017

Waitrose has announced it is bringing back its ‘Drinks Festival’, which the retailer ran for the first time last year.

WSTA calls on Labour MPs to champion gin industry

Published: 26 September, 2017

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) last night called on Labour MPs to champion the booming British gin industry at its 'Fringe' event.

Tullamore on the campaign trail

Published: 22 September, 2017

William Grant owned Irish whiskey Tullamore DEW has launched a campaign to champion ‘blend’ as part of a “major” investment.

Durham secures £250,000 investment

Published: 21 September, 2017

Craft distillery Durham has received a £250,000 investment from the Finance Durham fund managed by Maven Capital Partners.

Beam Suntory gives Cruzan rum premium revamp

Published: 13 September, 2017

Beam Suntory has given its ‘super’ premium Cruzan Distiller’s Collection a makeover designed to set it apart from its cheaper, fruit-flavoured stable mate.

Brexit boosts Scotch whisky tourism

Published: 08 September, 2017

Scotch whisky distilleries has posted a record 1.7 million visits during 2016 – an increase of almost 8% compared to the previous year, according to new research from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Strong FY17 results boosts acceleration at Pernod

Published: 31 August, 2017

Pernod Ricard, the world number two in spirits, has forecasted accelerated net profits for the current financial year thanks to a strong performance in 2016/2017.

British liqueur gains national listing

Published: 24 August, 2017

UK-made blackurrant liqueur, British Cassis, has secured its first national listing with Waitrose and will also be appearing on the shelves of Majestic.

Pernod aims to grow "massive" uplift in Christmas spirits with two premium focused campaigns

Published: 17 August, 2017

Pernod Ricard kicked off its Christmas briefing strategy this morning with a reminder of why Christmas is the most important period in the trade’s calendar.