Pub and restaurant groups grow Christmas trading 2.8%

Pub and restaurant groups across the country enjoyed a festive trading boost of 2.8% on the same period last year, with those inside London putting in a stronger performance.

Alfred Cointreau on history and how to engage with modern bartenders

Alfred Cointreau is a sixth generation member of the Cointreau family, and since 2011, has been the liqueur brand's heritage manager. He fills us in on the French brand's 165-year history and how he engages with bartenders today.

Bacardi confirms new leadership team

Bacardi, the largest privately held family-owned spirits company in the world, has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Dolan will fill the role permanently and appointed Dmitry Ivanov to chief marketing officer.

Tattooed bartenders are stars of new Giffard liqueurs and spirits campaign

Eleven tattooed  bartenders have been chosen to take part in a new campaign to help raise awareness of the Giffard range of liqueurs and spirits.

Greenall's Gin signs £3m horseracing sponsorship deal

Greenall's Gin has invested £3 million in a three-year sponsorship deal plus marketing with horseracing's Jockey Club, which will see the brand take top billing at Cheltenham and the Grand National.

Spanish glass manufacturer Vidrala to buy Encirc business

Spanish glass manufacturer Vidrala is expected to purchase Encirc - the former Quinn Glass business - in a deal worth up to €400 million.

Falling oil price unlikely to cut wine and spirits distribution costs

The wine and spirits sector can expect to see little relief on distribution costs despite the plummeting oil price, say logistics experts.

Scotch Whisky Association to open London office as it ramps up international focus

The Scotch Whisky Association is on the hunt for a new global affairs director, to be responsible for all of its international and EU business, who will head up a new London office.

John Dewar & Sons releases limited editions from Aultmore distillery

Brits fork out 50% in tax on festive drinks shop

British consumers forked out over 50% on tax for their festive alcohol shop, as taxes have surged by 19% in the past four years.

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: David Frost Scotch Whisky Association

David Frost, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, reflects on the Scottish referendum and the increased investment in the sector, while hoping for an improvement in sales in 2015.  

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: WSTA chief Miles Beale

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirits Trade Association, says the industry's progress against the Responsibility Deal is something to shout about. Meanwhile he's gearing up the pre-Budget Drop the Duty campaign and planning to engage with government after 2015's General Election.

Gordon's gin launches TV ad featuring boar on Christmas Eve

Gordon's, the UK's biggest selling gin brand, is launching a new TV ad featuring a boar this evening, as part of a £2 million marketing spend.

Pinkster gin steps up expansion plans

Raspberry gin brand Pinkster has stepped up expansion plans after securing a six-figure sum in second-round financing from an angel investor.

Drinks industry 'vastly exceeds' target to remove 1bn units

The drinks industry has "vastly exceeded" its target to remove 1 billion units of alcohol from the UK market two years ahead of schedule, a report from the Department of Health has confirmed.

Sparkling wine is success story of 2014, as still wine sales fall, says WSTA report

Wine sales fell 3% in the off-trade in 2014, and 2% in the on-trade - but sparkling wines are still in the ascendancy, says the latest market report from the Wine & Spirits Trade Association.

Glasgow Distillery Company finds rare 30 year-old single malt casks to release its first whisky

Glasgow's first standalone whisky and gin distillery in over a 100 years has acquired 30-year-old rare aged single malt Speyside casks which it is to turn in to its first official whisky release.

Brighton's first craft gin hits the market

Brighton & Hove's first distillery has opened its doors with Brighton Gin fresh out of the still and into a host of local outlets.

Spike in applications for craft distillers' licences takes HMRC 'by surprise'

The number of applications for craft distiller licences in the UK has taken HMRC "by surprise", spiking from two last year, to 35 so far in 2014.

Still time to test your knowledge and take the Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge!

There has been a lot going on over the last 12 months and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news, views and opinions in the UK wine and spirits sector. So why not find out how much you remember or what caught your attention in 2014 by taking part in our fun Harpers Quizmas Quiz Challenge.