Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Think Rum line-up confirmed

Published: 12 October, 2022

Think Rum is returning next month, after a hiatus during the pandemic, delivering another exciting and educational take on this rising category.

Taking stock

Published: 28 September, 2022

With the cost of living crisis set to get worse, how can indies best protect their businesses? Andrew Catchpole listens to some differing views.

Freeze on alcohol duty in mini-budget

Published: 23 September, 2022

Planned increases in alcohol duty have been ditched by new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in his mini-budget, as unveiled on 23 September.

Nick Gillett: How red tape is paralysing the industry

Published: 20 September, 2022

In the second of our new critical mini-series, Mangrove UK’s MD calls for a serious untangling of post-Brexit red tape.

Long Read: The new language of spirits

Published: 25 August, 2022

As the spirits sector negotiates new drinking habits and different generational needs, there’s been much talk about how brand design has had to change. But what about the words? Jamie Thorp, writer at verbal branding agency Reed Words, looks at how the language of spirits is evolving, too.

Friday Read: The post-pandemic hangover for hospitality

Published: 12 August, 2022

Nick Gillett, MD at specialist spirits company Mangrove UK, talks challenges and opportunities for the still beleaguered on-trade.

Tequila’s star continues to rise as supermarkets sales double

Published: 25 July, 2022

Tequila is stealing a march on other spirits categories, with an impressive 94% growth spurt in two years underpinning the rise of the Mexican spirit in the UK.

Confidence in own label on a high in wake of pandemic

Published: 04 July, 2022

Confidence across Europe in own label goods, including wines and spirits, is continuing to grow, according to the latest research by PLMA International Council.

Innovation Report: The glass debate

Published: 10 May, 2022

Is glass creating a bottleneck in the drive to greater sustainability and can we change consumer perception of it as a strong indicator of quality? Andrew Catchpole reports back from Harpers’ recent Sustainability of Glass webinar.

Top 25 Sommeliers to celebrate best in the business

Published: 05 May, 2022

Harpers is delighted to announce the launch of its Top 25 Sommeliers, designed to recognise and celebrate the leading lights in the on-trade drinks world.

Harpers Sustainability Charter hits 30 signatories ahead of Earth Day

Published: 22 April, 2022

Running with the strapline ‘Invest in Our Planet’, 22 April’s annual Earth Day provides an apt backdrop to announce that Harpers recently launched Sustainability Charter has hit a 30-signatory milestone.

Hennessy Partners with Golden Vines for diversity scholarship

Published: 11 April, 2022

Hennessy, the leading Cognac Maison and the premium spirits brand leader (#1 in value worldwide in 2021), is proud to support the newly introduced Hennessy Golden Vines Diversity Scholarship in Spirits in partnership with the Gérard Basset Foundation and Liquid Icons.

Chris Frederick and Damola Timeyin, Spearhead Spirits

Published: 29 March, 2022

Having launched their all-African Bayab gin range and Vusa vodka – and with more to come – Spearhead Spirits founders and friends Chris Frederick and Damola Timeyin talk Andrew Catchpole through their mission to put African spirits at the top table

Drinks industry welcomes new personnel in spring reshuffle

Published: 21 March, 2022

Several headline spirit businesses have announced new staff appointments in March, including the Cotswolds Distillery and Mangrove UK.

Online drinks sales growth cools, but remains far above pre-pandemic levels

Published: 10 March, 2022

Online sales of alcoholic drinks fell -18.5% YoY in the UK in February 2022, though nudged up 9.4% against those in the typically slow first month of January.

Aldi launches nationwide competition for new suppliers

Published: 16 February, 2022

Aldi is continuing its commitment to British suppliers with the announcement of ‘Grow With Aldi’, a nationwide competition that will see the supermarket uncover and ultimately stock exciting new products from the UK’s best small and medium food and drink businesses – propelling them into the big time.

Harpers Sustainability Charter gathers momentum

Published: 10 February, 2022

In the short week since its launch, Harpers Sustainability Charter has attracted several high-profile companies as founding signatories, along with further interest from many quarters of the trade.

50 Top Drinks Wholesaler 2022 nominations are open

Published: 09 February, 2022

Following a change of format during the pandemic, we’re delighted to announce that Harpers' annual 50 Top Drinks Wholesaler list, celebrating the best wholesalers in the UK, is back its original form.

Multiples: Retail trends

Published: 08 February, 2022

A five-year snapshot of the retail world reveals just how sales of wines and spirits have been shaken up by the pandemic, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Quintessential Brands unveils 'industry-first' Spirit Centre

Published: 04 February, 2022

International spirits business Quintessential Brands has launched a first-of-its-kind Spirit Centre, designed to “take customer collaboration to new heights to drive better, insight-driven innovation within spirits”.