Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Diageo Reserve sponsors new Edinburgh Cocktail Festival

Published: 07 August, 2017

Edinburgh’s newest cocktail celebration has teamed up with global spirits producer Diageo for its inaugural outing.

Mangrove launch takes inspiration from the West Country's literary past

Published: 01 August, 2017

Premium spirits distributor Mangrove has released a new rum which draws on the setting which inspired a Daphne du Maurier novel.

Stock Spirits acquires 25% stake in Quintessential Brands Irish whiskey division

Published: 18 July, 2017

London-listed Stock Spirits Group has signed a deal to buy a 25% stake in the Irish whiskey division of Quintessential Brands Group for up to €18.3m (£16m) in cash.

Inver House Distillers promotes Martin Leonard to managing director

Published: 13 July, 2017

Inver House Distillers, the Scotch whisky subsidiary of global drinks business International Beverage Holdings, has appointed its current operations manager, Martin Leonard, to managing director.

Pernod continues to streamline spirits with whisky sale

Published: 13 July, 2017

Pernod Ricard has sold Glenallachie Distillery and its associated brands as part of its ongoing strategy to consolidate its portfolio.

Gin Mare brings Med Rooftop to London

Published: 06 July, 2017

Premium gin brand Gin Mare is offering those not able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this summer a place to unwind with a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop pop up bar.

Tuaca to broaden appeal with heritage makeover

Published: 27 June, 2017

Hi-Spirits has unveiled a new heritage-inspired look for Tuaca Liquore Italiano, also designed to celebrate the spirit’s authentic credentials.

Diageo Reserve creates ‘global cocktailian’ role

Published: 13 June, 2017

Diageo Reserve has created a new ‘global cocktailian’ role in a bid to forge a stronger link between the Reserve business and the wider luxury industry.

Ketel One signs deal as exclusive London Food Month spirits sponsor

Published: 09 June, 2017

Diageo Reserve has partnered with London Food Month for its Ketel One vodka brand to be the sole spirits sponsor of the event.

Southern Comfort receives ‘New Orleans’ makeover

Published: 07 June, 2017

Southern Comfort has gone back to its roots with a revamp focused on the whiskey’s connection to New Orleans.

Lidl adds trio to Whisky collection

Published: 07 June, 2017

Lidl has extended its Abrachan Triple Oak Blended Malt collection with three new single malt editions – Speyside, Islay and Highland (rrp: £17.49).

Previous Proximo colleagues join forces to establish distribution and marketing agency

Published: 06 June, 2017

A new sales, distribution and marketing agency for spirits has been set up with a focus on helping smaller, premium suppliers.

Spirit revenues top beer for the first time

Published: 05 June, 2017

Sales of spirits brought more money to the Treasury than beer for the first time ever, according to the latest HMRC figures released this morning.

Vindependents poised to add spirits and beers to its portfolio

Published: 02 June, 2017

Vindependents, the drinks agency for independents run by independents, is going from strength to strength but the buying group is far from resting on its laurels.

Sales of Lidl’s own label Pimm’s alternative soar

Published: 30 May, 2017

Lidl has reported a surge in sales of its own label Pimm’s alternative boosted by the sunny weather prior to the bank holiday weekend.

Halewood presents 'unique' tonics alternative

Published: 22 May, 2017

Halewood Wines & Spirits is hoping to shake up the premium mixer category with a range of flavoured tonic waters.

Amber Beverage acquires stake in Cellar Trends

Published: 15 May, 2017

Amber Beverage Group has acquired a stake in Cellar Trends – a move that marks the Baltic company’s first entrance into the UK.

Diageo challenges £107m tax bill

Published: 12 May, 2017

HMRC has ordered spirits giant Diageo to pay a whopping tax bill of £107m as part of an investigation into ‘diverted profits’.

Rio Ferdinand captains new Captain Morgan push

Published: 10 May, 2017

Diageo has signed ex-England football captain Rio Ferdinand to head up a new global TV campaign for the rum brand.
The commercial, which kicks off today in the UK, features Ferdinand and brand ambassador Captain Morgan, and is focused on the former’s insatiable appetite for ‘fun and infectious’ humour. T