Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Edinburgh Gin plans multi-million-pound distillery

Published: 16 November, 2018

Edinburgh Gin has unveiled plans to invest in a new multi-million-pound distillery in Edinburgh city centre.

Vindependents gin launch flags further expansion into spirits

Published: 14 November, 2018

The Vindependents has launched its first gin, with rum, bourbon, cognac and vodka to follow, as this independent merchant member-owned buying group looks to expand its portfolio into premium spirits.

Diageo sells 19 brands to Sazerac

Published: 12 November, 2018

Diageo has agreed to sell 19 brands to Sazerac, the US distiller, for $550 million.

William Grant & Sons appoints new UK marketing director

Published: 08 November, 2018

William Grant & Sons has appointed Ifan Jenkins to the role of marketing director for UK and Ireland.

BrewDog appoints David Gates to MD of its distilling arm

Published: 06 November, 2018

BrewDog has appointed David Gates, former managing director of Diageo Futures, as managing director of its distilling arm.

UK the fourth most expensive EU country to buy alcohol and tobacco in

Published: 31 October, 2018

The UK has been pinpointed as the fourth most costly country in the EU when it comes to buying alcohol and tobacco.

WSET reveals Outstanding Alumni Award nominees

Published: 31 October, 2018

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has revealed the nominees for its outstanding Alumni Award.

Missed opportunity: What a rise with inflation means for the UK wine trade

Published: 30 October, 2018

Pub landlords and spirits importers will be breathing a sigh of relief this morning, but not the nation’s wine trade – which is looking at an extra £90 million bill in duty next year.

Duty frozen for spirits, cider and beer, but wine will rise with inflation

Published: 29 October, 2018

Investing in Britain’s future was one of the anthems that ran through Philip Hammond’s autumn Budget speech this afternoon.

Proof Drinks appoints former Hi-Spirits chairman as MD

Published: 25 October, 2018

Drinks brand owner and distributor Proof Drinks is gearing up for the next phase of its growth as the company confirms the appointment of Jeremy Hill as managing director.

Demand for craft spirits in the US shows no sign of slowing

Published: 24 October, 2018

The appetite for craft spirits in the United States - arguably the nation behind the boom in craft drinks worldwide - still packs a major punch new research suggests.

Reinventing Cognac

Published: 22 October, 2018

Cognac has two faces, neither of which appeal to millennial consumers. James Lawrence finds a spirit trying to revitalise its image

Asia drives strong Q1 growth at Pernod Ricard

Published: 18 October, 2018

Pernod Ricard’s first quarter figures revealed strong growth underpinned by China and India the Asian markets.

Reaching the last mile

Published: 17 October, 2018

Fulfilling those “last mile” orders is expensive – especially for small businesses, but there are innovations that could help businesses better reach their local customer base.

Maker’s Mark launches new collection to tap Brits’ thirst for American whisky

Published: 16 October, 2018

Maker’s Mark has produced a limited edition run of 252 Private Select bottles in the UK to tap Brits’ thirst for American whisky.

Waitrose introduces 100 new lines to bolster premium position

Published: 12 October, 2018

“Functional booze is not our game. We need to tell a story,” says Pierpaolo Petrassi, head of buying, beers, wines and spirits at Waitrose.

Ditch vanilla approach to engage millennials

Published: 11 October, 2018

On-trade operators at Bar Convent were urged to ditch a “vanilla” approach in favour of taking a more political stance with the brands they pour and activities they run.

International Beverage appoints new marketing director

Published: 09 October, 2018

International Beverage has appointed Cara Chambers as its new marketing director, taking over from Karen Walker.

Bar Convent Berlin

Published: 09 October, 2018

With its new three day format and increasingly international reach, Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) shines spotlight on professionalism, mentoring and entrepreneurial skills.