Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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

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.

Matugga Distillers prepares to start production

Published: 23 October, 2018

A new family-run £100,000 rum distillery in central Scotland is preparing to start production.

Usain Bolt London restaurant to offer 150 rums and dedicated rum bar

Published: 25 September, 2018

Usain Bolt’s restaurant, Tracks & Records, which is set to open in London next month, will boast over 150 rums – 100 of which are Jamaican.

Emporia Brands expands rum portfolio

Published: 06 August, 2018

Emporia Brands has expanded its portfolio with a raft of rums alongside a mustard liqueur.

Distribution switch-up at Halewood Wines & Spirits

Published: 04 May, 2018

Halewood Wines & Spirits has announced a number of changes to its line-up while revealing a new spirits focus for its agency business.

Halewood acquires Dead Man’s Fingers as rum sales soar

Published: 06 February, 2018

Halewood Wines & Spirits has acquired spiced rum brand Dead Man’s Fingers for an undisclosed sum.

Think Rum reveals this year’s winners

Published: 05 February, 2018

Think Rum revealed the winners of this year’s awards at the second annual event held last week, with Sly Augustin taking the prestigious Rum Champion of the Year gong and the Best Individual Rum Bar award.