News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society celebrates its 150th distillery release

Published: 14 March, 2022

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) presents its landmark 150th distillery bottling this month – and it’s not a Scotch.

Wines from Spain Awards Return for 2022

Published: 14 March, 2022

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the first Wines from Spain Awards competition since 2019 will return this Spring to highlight the best Spanish wines available to the UK trade and press.

Hospitality sales above pre-pandemic levels, but cost of living looms large

Published: 14 March, 2022

Britain’s managed restaurant, pub and bar groups raised sales above pre-pandemic levels in February, thanks mainly to the removal of Covid-19 restrictions. Still, high inflation continues to make real-terms growth challenging.

London Cocktail Week 2022 dates and format announced

Published: 11 March, 2022

London Cocktail Week 2022 will run from 13-23 October 2022, including two weekends, following two years of extended month-long activities.

Ukrainian vodka supports fundraising for British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal

Published: 11 March, 2022

Emporia, a spirits importer, is teaming up with several bars across the UK to serve cocktails with the Ukrainian Vodka ‘Staritsky Levitsky, Private Cellar’.

Nightjar gears up for a second round with Soho launch

Published: 11 March, 2022

Nightjar, the landmark speakeasy on Old Street is preparing to open its doors to a second site in Soho.

On-trade calls for hold on VAT rise

Published: 11 March, 2022

In April, the VAT on hospitality sector purchases will return to the pre-pandemic rate of 20%. The increase follows two years of reduced rates for the industry; in July 2020, rates were reduced to 5% before rising to 12.5% in October last year.

Growing thirst for Albariño to be backed by new campaign

Published: 11 March, 2022

The latest figures from DO Rias Baixas, Albariño’s home in ‘green’ north-western Iberia, show a 6.8% increase in volume and 14.8% jump in value sales in the UK in 2021 over the previous year, as the variety continues pull in the punters.

Producers, suppliers and experts invited to donate lots in auction for Ukraine

Published: 10 March, 2022

The UK wine world is pulling together to raise funds for Ukraine.

Online drinks sales growth cools, but remains far above pre-pandemic levels

Published: 10 March, 2022

Online sales of alcoholic drinks fell -18.5% YoY in the UK in February 2022, though nudged up 9.4% against those in the typically slow first month of January.

Tempranillo becomes most planted grape in Spain

Published: 10 March, 2022

The Spanish Ministry for Agriculture, Fishery and Nutrition has announced that the country’s most popular red grape, Tempranillo, is now also the most planted.

Dom Pérignon and Golden Vines announce new Scholarships

Published: 10 March, 2022

Champagne brand Dom Pérignon has teamed up with the Golden Vines Awards to introduce new Master of Wine & Master Sommelier Scholarships supporting diversity and inclusivity within the industry.

Circumstance Distillery Announces Carbon Neutral Certification

Published: 10 March, 2022

Circumstance Distillery and the sister distillery, Psychopomp Microdistillery, has achieved Carbon Neutral status.

Barnes and Morris scoop André Simon Awards for best drinks books

Published: 10 March, 2022

South American specialist Amanda Barnes and Burgundy expert Jasper Morris MW are among the recipients of the latest gongs at the annual André Simon Food & Drink Book Awards.

Stoli Group announces rebrand in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Published: 09 March, 2022

Due to the Ukraine crisis, the Stoli Group will no longer sell its vodka under the Stolichnaya name.

Pernod Ricard extends range in response to ongoing Malbec and Sauvignon growth

Published: 09 March, 2022

Pernod Ricard UK is adding to its portfolio of premium wines with the launch of two new expressions, extending its Cafayate and Leaps & Bounds ranges.

Russian buyers blocked from Barcelona

Published: 09 March, 2022

Twelve Russian wine buyers have been banned from attending the forthcoming Spanish wine fair, Barcelona Wine Week (BWW).

Andrea Montague appointed head of advocacy at Edrington UK

Published: 09 March, 2022

The UK’s number one whisky distributor, Edrington UK, has announced Andrea Montague as its head of advocacy in a newly created role for the business.

Trade celebrates achievements while tackling bias via International Women’s Day

Published: 08 March, 2022

International Women’s Day (IWD) is shining a spotlight on the top female talent working in the industry today, with initiatives like Whisky Investment Partners’ Break The Bias campaign also raising awareness of the continuing battle for many to achieve gender parity in the workplace.