Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Master of Malt launches own-label spirits

Published: 16 December, 2020

Master of Malt has unveiled its first own-brand collection spanning blended Scotch whisky, London dry gin, rum and vodka.

Caribbean Export looks to unlock UK opportunity

Published: 30 October, 2020

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is gearing up to launch its first virtual event to tap increasing thirst for the spirit across Europe, including the UK, as highlighted in a new report release by the body today.

WSTA crowns rum the drink of lockdown

Published: 26 October, 2020

The WSTA has crowned rum the "drink of lockdown" with the spirit enjoying the biggest growth across all spirits during the period, according to new WSTA data.

WSTA maps out UK visitor centres for thirsty ‘staycationers’

Published: 24 August, 2020

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has launched an interactive map of distilleries and wineries that are open to the public in the UK.

Diageo GB’s full year results reveal impact of on-trade closure

Published: 04 August, 2020

Diageo’s full year results reveal a 47% fall in operating profits globally as a result of the pandemic, with net sales of spirits down 8% globally, and a 4% dip in the UK.

The Duppy Share launches charity ‘self-isolation’ kit

Published: 19 March, 2020

The Duppy Share has launched Home Rum - a self-isolation kit for rum lovers, with all profits going to Hospitality Action - a charity dedicated to supporting the industry during times of crisis.

Rum sales leap 7% in the on-trade

Published: 03 March, 2020

Sales of rum in the UK on-trade rose 7% year-on-year in 2019, according to the latest data from food-and-drink research analysts CGA.

Barbados rum GI standoff

Published: 16 January, 2020

Distillers in Barbados are at loggerheads over the terms of a geographical indication (GI) for the island’s rum, with three united in agreement and one standing in opposition.

London distillery launches white spiced rum

Published: 28 October, 2019

London-based start-up Silk Road Distillers has launched with a white spiced rum.

CBD rum ad ruling points to new marketing restrictions

Published: 16 October, 2019

The ASA has banned adverts for a cannabis-oil infused rum, in a ruling that could have implications for the marketing of the fast-growing CBD-drinks sector.

Top tier rum gets a boost with new Bacardi barrel-aged expression

Published: 10 October, 2019

Bacardi is focusing its energy on its premium range with a new barrel-aged golden sipping variant, adding fire to a category that is quickly on the rise.

Bar Convent breakdown: Rum under the spotlight at BCB

Published: 07 October, 2019

Rum is this year’s star player at Bar Convent Berlin – the show which puts the spotlight on the biggest hitting trends driving growth and engagement in the bar sector.

Halewood opens bar and rum distillery in Bristol

Published: 01 October, 2019

Halewood Wines & Spirits has opened a bar, distillery and rum school in Bristol on the site of the former Jamie’s Italian on Park Street.

Diageo signs up premium Cuban rum

Published: 13 August, 2019

Diageo has formed a 50/50 joint venture with Corporación Cuba Ron which gives it exclusive global distribution rights to Cuban rum brand Santiago de Cuba.

Craft spirits start-up launches first drinks

Published: 31 July, 2019

Craft spirits start-up Top Beverages has unveiled its first two products, tapping into two key growth categories - rum and gin.

Thailand claims Bacardi Legacy 2019 crown

Published: 16 May, 2019

The 2019 Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition has been won by Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn from Bangkok, Thailand.

Flavoured and spiced to replace white as favourite rum style in UK off-trade

Published: 30 April, 2019

Flavoured and spiced rums are storming their way to becoming the most drunk style of rum in the off-trade, and could be the most sold style in the UK by the end of the year.

Taking rum to the next level

Published: 11 March, 2019

With rum in ascendancy, Harpers’ Think Rum panel debated how best to educate both trade and consumer as to the diversity and versatility of the category

Valuing Rum

Published: 21 January, 2019

Rum’s challenges and opportunities are clearly visible in the on-trade, where it is widely championed by bartenders and misunderstood by consumers. Jo Gilbert sets out to explore the many ways thisclassic party drink is unlocking its full potential

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.