Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Whisky barrel-aged beers spark international interest

Published: 19 July, 2016

A Scottish beer producerd has attracted the interest of key international markets by combining two of Scotland's best-loved drinks.

Current cocktail trends are crippling the RTD market in the UK

Published: 19 July, 2016

According to William Grant & Sons 2016 Market Report figures, ready-to-drink (RTDs) beverages may be falling out of favour with consumers.

Deliveroo partners with Majestic and BrewDog to offer alcohol delivery service

Published: 19 July, 2016

Food delivery startup Deliveroo has partnered with eight Majestic Wines across London and 20 BrewDog locations nationally in order to start delivering beers, wines and spirits.

Low and no-alcohol trend may be here to stay

Published: 15 July, 2016

According to the William Grant & Sons 2016 Market Report, the low-to-no alcohol trend is gaining momentum and alcohol producers will want to consider production of alternatives in their ranges to meet the growing demand.

New cabinet members historically voted in favour of alcohol duty hikes

Published: 15 July, 2016

While trying to establish beneficial trading terms with the EU should Article 50 be enacted will be a top priority for the new government, how the new cabinet members voted on alcohol duty may be a bit worrying for the drinks trade.

Premium spirits are driving growth in the category by offering unique experiences

Published: 15 July, 2016

Premium spirits are up 18.6% in the UK and are the primary driver of growth in the sprits category according to William Grant & Sons 2016 Market Report.

Cocktail craze in the UK still has room to grow

Published: 14 July, 2016

New research released from CGA Strategy's International Cocktail Report, Great Britain's cocktail consumption has evolved, but there are still opportunities that may be available if trends in the US are anything to go by.

New era for Distell whisky maker

Published: 06 July, 2016

Andy Watts is moving on from his role as distillery manager at South Africa's James Sedgwick after 25 years.

The Balvenie's David Stewart awarded an MBE for services to Scotch

Published: 06 July, 2016

The Balvenie's Malt Master David Stewart has been presented with an MBE medal by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to the Scotch whisky industry.

COPY: The Drinks Wholesaler: Intriguing Times

Published: 05 July, 2016

We've covered a far-reaching spread of issues, insights, interviews and profiles in these pages along with focuses on the sparkling wine category, gin, British beer and the contrasting, but in some ways complementary, wine offers of Chile and Argentina. We also examine what the word 'craft' means to consumers and ask whether it can be better applied to wine to engage millennials.

Diageo announces first foray into non-alcoholic sector

Published: 05 July, 2016

Alcoholic drinks giant Diageo is set to offer consumers a no-hangover alternative with an investment in its first distilled non-alcoholic spirit.

Brexit: "Scots need to drink more Scotch"

Published: 01 July, 2016

A leading figure in global spirits branding has issued some advice to ensure the future prosperity of the Scotch whisky industry in a post-referendum market - to drink more Scotch domestically.

Government inquiry launched into licencing act which made 24-hour drinking possible

Published: 01 July, 2016

An inquiry has been set up to re-evaluate legislation which made it possible for consumers to buy alcohol "around the clock".

Summer push for Diageo Reserve's super premium gin

Published: 29 June, 2016

Diageo Reserve's super premium gin brand, Tanqueray No. TEN, has partnered with a series of London venues to continue to seize on gin's forward momentum.

Bacardi Brown-Forman liqueur launches new upsell campaign

Published: 29 June, 2016

Chambord liqueur is launching a new campaign to offer bartenders a "quick and easy way" to upgrade their sparkling serves.

Beefeater gin launches newly designed bottle pay homage to London

Published: 29 June, 2016

Iconic London Dry gin brand Beefeater is launching a redesigned bottle which pays homage to the City.

Jim Beam distributors invest £1m in new category vision

Published: 22 June, 2016

The UK's biggest whisky distributor is looking to capture a larger slice of the £90bn spirits category by turning their portfolio strategy on its head.

Cocktail expectations are "on the march", says Matthew Clark

Published: 20 June, 2016

Pigs-in-blanket cocktails might seem like a bridge too far for most bartenders, but it this kind of far-reaching innovation which is capturing consumers imagination says Matthew Clark.

Drinks business "needs to be better at talking to consumers"

Published: 20 June, 2016

Drinks authors and quasi-comedians Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham have made at a career out of communicating and talking to consumers about the world of alcohol.