Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

GHF appointed brand development partner for blend producer Woven Whisky

Published: 29 July, 2026

Brand development agency GHF has announced that is has struck an agreement with Leith, Edinburgh-based Woven Whisky.

Ian Macleod Distillers launches private client business

Published: 27 July, 2026

Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) has launched a new private client business that offers collectors, investors and enthusiasts access to some of what it called Scotland’s rarest whisky stocks.

Zero tariff scotch trading with US comes into effect

Published: 24 July, 2026

From today (24 July) a ‘zero for zero’ tariff regime has come into effect for scotch whisky entering the US.

Isle of Raasay and Feragaia secure new UK distribution partnership

Published: 17 July, 2026

Isle of Raasay Distillery – the Hebridean single malt Scotch whisky brand – has announced a distribution partnership with GHF, the brand development agency.

Potential benefits for UK trade as India FTA comes into force

Published: 15 July, 2026

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India has today (15 July) come into force, with tariff cuts and dedicated support for SMEs both up for grabs.

Bruichladdich launches debut RTDs

Published: 28 May, 2026

Islay distiller Bruichladdich has unveiled its first-ever ready to drink (RTD) SKUs. The four-product line has been created in collaboration with Whitebox, a RTD drinks specialist.

US tariffs on Scotch lifted following King’s visit

Published: 01 May, 2026

US president Donald Trump has announced that tariffs on Scotch whisky and other controls will be removed following King Charles’ visit to the United States.

Levenbank Distillery announces first ever scotch bottling

Published: 24 April, 2026

Loch Lomond Brewery-owned Levenbank Distillery has unveiled that its first ever scotch bottling is now up for pre-sale. The Dumbarton-based business’s inaugural single grain whisky will hit the market in 2029.

Eden Mill Distillery appoints new CEO

Published: 24 April, 2026

St Andrews spirits producer Eden Mill Distillery has unveiled its new CEO, Steven Kersley (pictured). The appointment follows the October 2025 acquisition of the business by Ruby Capital, a Dundee-based private investment firm.

Sotheby’s extends collaboration with The Distillers’ Charity through 2033

Published: 22 April, 2026

Auction house Sotheby’s and The Distillers’ Charity have announced the extension of their partnership for the Distillers One of One Auction which is held biennially.

Scotch brand aims for ‘deep sea’ cask maturation experiment

Published: 10 April, 2026

Scotch whisky producer Domhayn is launching a fundraising campaign to carry out an experiment exposing a spirit-filled cask to “deep sea” pressures – equivalent to 1,000 fathoms or 1,830m below sea level.

OurWhisky Foundation opens applications for career development course

Published: 24 February, 2026

Nonprofit the OurWhisky Foundation has announced that applications are now open for the 2026 edition of its professional development course for women in whisky. The Atonia Programme is open to women and non-binary people based in the UK and Ireland seeking to progress their career in the sector.

Scotch takes 15% sales hit since Trump tariff implementation

Published: 13 February, 2026

New figures from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) have detailed the impact of US tariffs on Scotch sales across the pond. According to research, export volume sales to the States since April have fallen 15%, with value taking a 7% knock.

India-UK trade deal signed with hopes for scotch boom

Published: 25 July, 2025

Indian and British Prime Ministers, Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer, have formally signed a free trade agreement which will include an easement of Indian tariffs on Scotch whisky.

Scotch: 75% of producers deferring investment due to high duty

Published: 04 July, 2025

A new survey from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) can reveal that three out of four whisky companies expect to defer investment (or invest outside of the UK) due to the high tax burden upon them.

William Grant & Sons onboards iconic The Famous Grouse

Published: 01 July, 2025

Scotch whisky giant William Grant & Sons (WG&S) has added The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to its portfolio.

Scotch hopes India-UK trade deal will be boon for sector

Published: 07 May, 2025

The British and Indian governments have agreed to a trade deal touted to increase bilateral trade between the nations by £25.5bn. The deal saw a softening of Indian tariffs on imports of British gin and whisky which could spark growth for the UK's domestic spirits industry.

IWSR data: Luxury spirits rise bucks market trends

Published: 18 April, 2025

Growth spots in the global spirits industry are offering an encouraging counter-picture to the moribund health of wine sales – although the category is having to come to grips with challenges impacting long-term premiumisation trends and the instability of major markets such as China.

B Corps in scotch: Young distilleries pave the way

Published: 14 April, 2025

Achieving B Corp status is all the rage in the drinks trade today as companies look to show off their sustainability credentials.

First cask filled at new Eden Mill distillery

Published: 09 April, 2025

Independent St Andrews distiller Eden Mill has announced the commencement of production at its new distillery, based astride the Eden Estuary a short journey north of the famed university town.