Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Bacardi debuts biodegradable bottle

Published: 21 October, 2020

Bacardi has unveiled plans to develop the “world’s most eco-friendly spirits bottle” which will biodegrade in 18 months.

Medium and smaller brands take lead over private label

Published: 21 October, 2020

Private label sales are down across almost all European countries, with mid-sized brands and smaller companies performing best.

WSET announces initiative in support of Scottish hospitality

Published: 16 October, 2020

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has launched a joint initiative in partnership with The Mixing Glass to support Scottish hospitality workers during the current two-week lockdown.

Think Spirits panel identifies lasting change in new drinks landscape

Published: 14 October, 2020

The pandemic has had a profound impact on all aspects of the business of drinks, reshaping how trade and consumers interact and behave, while delivering deep economic uncertainty.

Supermarket BWS sales up 17%

Published: 13 October, 2020

Sales of beer, wine and spirits (BWS) through supermarkets increased 17% in the four weeks to 3 October, meaning the category remained the fastest growing, according to new Nielsen research.

UK spirits exports face huge strain

Published: 13 October, 2020

The UK’s burgeoning spirits industry has taken a hit, with exports significantly down in the first half of 2020.

Cognac raises its game

Published: 06 October, 2020

As a younger generation of drinkers becomes increasingly interested in what Cognac has to offer, Lisa Riley looks at the innovation and diversity at work within the category.

English Whisky Society officially launched as part of first festival

Published: 01 October, 2020

The English Whisky Society is gearing up for its official launch as part of the first English Whisky Festival to date.

Long Read: Does sustainability sell? The new factors driving purchaser decision-making

Published: 28 September, 2020

Drawing on data from a recent survey of over 500 wine and spirits drinkers, Callum Saunders, head of planning at brand activation marketing agency Zeal Creative, shows how that focus on sustainability is increasing, not decreasing, as a result of the pressures of Covid.

Aldi to open 100 new stores as part of £1.3bn investment

Published: 28 September, 2020

Aldi has pledged to invest a record £1.3bn over the next two years with new and upgraded stores, distribution centres and “further innovations” planned across the business.

Scotch whisky industry launches Diversity and Inclusivity Charter

Published: 28 September, 2020

The Scotch Whisky industry is this week launching its Diversity and Inclusivity Charter in a series of events led by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Raicilla: The new face of agave

Published: 23 September, 2020

From an almost complete unknown beyond the Americas, raicilla is now making inroads overseas, including markets such as the UK. David Furer reports on the new kid on the spirits block.

Sales dip after EOHO ends but trend for early week trading continues

Published: 21 September, 2020

Food and drink sales fell back last week following the end of the Eat Out to Help Out (EOHO) scheme and fresh concerns about rising Covid infections, according to new CGA research.

Hard calls on Brexit

Published: 18 September, 2020

With end of transition fast approaching, concern is growing over lack of clarity on UK-EU trade. Ahead of the WSTA Industry Summit 2020, Andrew Catchpole spoke with Miles Beale about goverment's current plans to impose unnecessary red tape and barriers to business.

50 Best Indies 2020

Published: 11 September, 2020

Padstow’s Bin Two has romped home for a second year running with top placing in our 50 Best Indies 2020 list.

Low and no sales on the rise

Published: 07 September, 2020

Sales of low- and no-alcohol drinks are up 30% year-on-year in the off-trade, with consumer spend on alcohol-free spirits hitting £5.4m, according to data from Nielsen.

Majestic reverts back to traditional logo

Published: 02 September, 2020

Majestic has revealed it is reverting back to its traditional ‘bunch of grapes grape’ logo, which was used as the company’s identity between 1991 to 2018.

WSET candidate figures hit by Covid but buoyed by online

Published: 02 September, 2020

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has reported an 11% drop in candidates taking a qualification in the last academic year (2019/20).

Gyles Walker, Co-op: Back to Business Q&A

Published: 27 August, 2020

As the trade measures up to extraordinary times and swings through summer, leading businesses and operators take stock of trading conditions in the new normal.