Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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.

Design Wars

Published: 17 August, 2017

As the battle for shelf standout continues apace, Lisa Riley quizzes the experts on what matters most

Hine appoints Speciality Brands as UK distributor

Published: 16 August, 2017

Hine Cognac has appointed premium spirits agent Speciality Brands as its new UK distributor.

IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year Award shortlist revealed

Published: 15 August, 2017

The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has unveiled the shortlist for its Spirits Communicator of the Year Award.

Maker’s Mark launches 'bartender engagement' programme

Published: 14 August, 2017

Premium bourbon brand Maker’s Mark has revealed a new ‘bartender engagement’ series of workshops hosted by new ‘brand diplomat’ Amanda Humphrey.

Bombay Sapphire reveals campaign partners

Published: 14 August, 2017

Bombay Sapphire has partnered with ten bars across Europe as part of its recently launched ‘A Gin Of Ten Journeys’ campaign.

Quintessential Brands wins Cockspur distribution deal

Published: 10 August, 2017

Quintessential Brands has signed a deal as the UK distributor for Cockspur rum.

Edinburgh Gin unveils new look for fruit liqueurs

Published: 10 August, 2017

Edinburgh Gin has unveiled a new design for its fruit gin liqueurs in a bid to bring the the range in-line with the brand’s core portfolio.

Diageo Reserve sponsors new Edinburgh Cocktail Festival

Published: 07 August, 2017

Edinburgh’s newest cocktail celebration has teamed up with global spirits producer Diageo for its inaugural outing.

Mangrove launch takes inspiration from the West Country's literary past

Published: 01 August, 2017

Premium spirits distributor Mangrove has released a new rum which draws on the setting which inspired a Daphne du Maurier novel.

Stock Spirits acquires 25% stake in Quintessential Brands Irish whiskey division

Published: 18 July, 2017

London-listed Stock Spirits Group has signed a deal to buy a 25% stake in the Irish whiskey division of Quintessential Brands Group for up to €18.3m (£16m) in cash.

Inver House Distillers promotes Martin Leonard to managing director

Published: 13 July, 2017

Inver House Distillers, the Scotch whisky subsidiary of global drinks business International Beverage Holdings, has appointed its current operations manager, Martin Leonard, to managing director.