Rum set to break £1 billion barrier

Hot on the heels of gin, rum is the latest spirit set to reach sales of £1 billion later this year.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

UK sales of premium Japanese whisky soar

The demand for Japanese Whisky has seen a boom in the price of rare whiskies with prices up 65% in 12 months, to £450 a bottle.

Diageo World Class panel reveals top cocktail trends

Leading mixologist and chefs have highlighted four trends that will change the way consumers drink cocktails in 2018.

Molson Coors launches 2017 on-trade wine brochure

Molson Coors has launched its 2017 wine brochure to the on-trade to help outlets boost sales of wine.

Looking ahead: Michael Patterson, D&D London

With the autumn tasting season soon upon us, as the trade prepares for the run up to the all-important Christmas trading period, Harpers is running a web series asking leading voices in the trade what trends and challenges they’re expecting to face in the latter half of 2017.

Collagin responds to watchdog’s calls for buyers to boycott its products

The owners of Young in Spirit, the producer of CollaGin, has hit out at The Portman Group for damaging its business after a Retailer Alert Bulletin was issued against its product.

Kingsland responds to "sweet-shop" labelling concerns

Mr Gladstone’s Curious Emporium product range has agreed to change its packaging after a ruling by drinks watchdog The Portman Group.

British liqueur gains national listing

UK-made blackurrant liqueur, British Cassis, has secured its first national listing with Waitrose and will also be appearing on the shelves of Majestic.

Broadland to drive international reach with US-based facility in pipeline

UK-based Broadland Wineries has revealed that it has plans to build a bottling plant in the States, to further grow the expanding international side of its business in tandem with its domestic operation.

Oxford Wine Company goes late with new wine bar

Opening a piano bar may seem far away from being a wine wholesaler but The Oxford Wine Company likes to take the opportunities when they arise.

Concern for baby boomers who drink to excess despite declining drinking trends

Over-50s baby boomers are continuing to drink heavily despite the overall trend of risky drinking declining, says a new report.

Looking ahead: Troy Christensen, CEO, Enotria and Coe

With the autumn tasting season soon upon us, as the trade prepares for the run up to the all-important Christmas trading period, Harpers continues its web series asking leading voices in the trade what trends and challenges they’re expecting to face in the latter half of 2017.

How a Cava producer alerted police to Europe's most wanted terrorist

Rather than a more usual tale of terroir, Cava producers in Upper Penedes region of Catalonia, have recounted the ordeal surrounding the police chase through vines to capture Europe’s most wanted terrorist.

Wine writers prepare for top Louis Roederer awards

There are only three weeks to go until the winners of the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards 2017 are unveiled.

WSET alumni to present new Careers Series events

From this September the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) will introduce the first of a new series of monthly workshops at which prominent trade figures will host panel discussions, presentations and tastings for the benefit of both current students and those that may be considering enrolling on its educational courses.

Diageo Wine acquisition drives growth for TWE in FY17

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), the Australian winemaker, has reported net profits after tax up 55% to AU$269.1m for the year ending June 30, 2017.

Looking ahead to the Xmas run up: Richard Cochrane, MD, Felix Solis UK

Years of debate ends with new Bourgogne Côte D’Or approval

French authorities have approved Bourgogne Côte D’Or, a new regional appellation, which could become a new premium area of wine production in the heart of Burgundy.

Price-savvy Brits look to eastern Europe as Majestic sales soar 400%

Eastern European wine sales are up 400% at Majestic as Brits look to avoid price hikes due to the impact of Brexit.