Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Think Gin unveils this year’s winners

Published: 01 May, 2018

The winners of this year’s Think Gin awards were unveiled as the Harpers and Drinks Retailing News event returned to London bigger and better than ever.

Bacardi completes Patrón acquisition

Published: 01 May, 2018

Bacardi has completed the acquisition of premium tequila producer Patrón Spirits International.

Industry asked: how much drink is too much?

Published: 27 April, 2018

How much is too much? Are new rules needed to stop drinks brands implying their products can improve mood? Does the industry still use sexist imagery to advertise drinks?

WSET reveals new and enhanced qualifications

Published: 25 April, 2018

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has improved its educational programme with a new spirits qualification in addition to enhancing two of its existing courses.

WSTA signs deal to promote trade relations with China

Published: 24 April, 2018

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is to sign an agreement with Chinese distiller Kweichow Moutai Co to increase trade relations between the two countries.

Harrods new Fine Wines and Spirits Rooms aims to educate and ‘break down barriers’

Published: 19 April, 2018

Luxury department store Harrods has reaffirmed its place as one of London’s premiere destinations for fine wines and spirits after unveiling its multi-million pound renovation.

AB InBev acquires Master of Malt owner Atom Group

Published: 19 April, 2018

ZX Ventures, the growth and innovation unit of AB InBev, has acquired the parent company of Master of Malt, Atom Group, for an undisclosed sum.

Rémy Cointreau reports annual sales increase boosted by strong Chinese performance

Published: 18 April, 2018

Rémy Cointreau has reported an increase in annual sales, boosted by demand in China for its Cognac, and kept its target for profit growth this year.

Diageo earmarks £150m for investment in its Scotch whisky experience

Published: 17 April, 2018

Diageo has announced it will invest £150 million in its Scotch whisky experience across the next three years.

New UK wine and spirits distributor launches

Published: 12 April, 2018

A new wine and spirits distribution company has been launched with the aim of encouraging a much broader range of consumers to try wine.

Bacardi goes Back to the Bar

Published: 30 March, 2018

Last month, 5,500 Bacardi employees left their desks and headed to their local haunt for the inaugural Back to the Bar initiative. Jo Gilbert finds out more

Jerry Lockspeiser: It’s time to treat drinkers like adults

Published: 28 March, 2018

What have Kevin the Carrot, a wine called Sex, and Anything But Chardonnay got in common? Answer: They’ve all been banned.

Maxxium UK rebrands in a bid to clarify market position

Published: 14 March, 2018

Maxxium UK, the UK’s sales and distribution arm of global companies Beam Suntory and Edrington has undergone an enormous period of change since 2009, when the head office of its global brand owners – then a mix of Edrington, Beam, Rémy Cointreau and former Absolut owner VMS – folded.

Industry stalwart Jeremy Rockett co-founds distribution venture

Published: 09 March, 2018

Jeremy Rockett, former Marblehead MD and marketing director for González Byass UK, has joined forces with a trio of drinks experts to launch a distribution agency.

Pure Wild Spirits seeks £750,000 investment to accelerate growth

Published: 06 March, 2018

Pure Wild Spirits (PWSL), maker of Freya – a premium white spirit distilled from birch, has announced it is seeking a £750,000 investment to accelerate growth into premium retailers, bar and restaurant groups, and initial exports to the US and Italy.

SWA secures GI protection for Scotch Whisky in New Zealand

Published: 28 February, 2018

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has secured Geographical Indications (GI) protection for the spirit in New Zealand.

Gin holds on to its crown

Published: 26 February, 2018

As the thirst for craft products continues apace, Lisa Riley assesses the ongoing stellar performance of gin

Pinkster goes green with move into bag-in-box format

Published: 20 February, 2018

Pinkster has launched Pinkster on Tap – a 3 litre bag-in-box of its raspberry infused premium gin.

Sparkling wine, Chile and premium spirits forecast to continue to buck UK downward consumption trend

Published: 15 February, 2018

The growth in sparkling wine, along with premium gin, rum and whisky, is set to continue beyond 2021, helping offset the impart on value sales of a 10-year decline in consumption.

Bacardi marches 5,500 employees ‘Back to the Bar’ for grassroots on-trade initiative

Published: 09 February, 2018

Employees at spirits powerhouse Bacardi left their computers and labs yesterday and headed to their local bars as part of a global initiative to find out what’s driving engagement at the sharp end of the trade.