Producers - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Ex-Barcardi chief to become Diageo chairman

Published: 19 May, 2016

Javier Ferrán, a former chief executive of rum maker Bacardi, has been named as the new chairman of Diageo.

New Scottish gin brand smells its way to success

Published: 13 May, 2016

A new Scottish gin brand is hoping to unlock gin-lovers taste buds by appealing to their sense of smell.

Debt dispute between Diageo and former United Spirits boss continues

Published: 13 May, 2016

British alcohol giant Diageo Plc has submitted details of its agreement with USL's former boss Vijay Mallya to a debt tribunal.

Could leaving the EU apply the brakes to the gin boom?

Published: 13 May, 2016

Leaders in the gin industry gathered to highlight the dangers Brexit poses to the millions of bottles of gin exported to the EU each year if the UK leaves the single market.

Hattingley's Simon Robinson steps up to the helm of English Wine Producers

Published: 11 May, 2016

Simon Robinson, owner of Hattingley Vineyards in Hampshire, has been appointed Chairman of marketing organisation the English Wine Producers (EWP).

Analysis: English fizz comes of age

Published: 10 May, 2016

English sparkling wine has come of age, with investment, passion and government backing all driving quality.

Simpsons Wine Estate awarded government grant ahead of first harvest

Published: 09 May, 2016

Ruth and Charles Simpson, the owners of Simpsons Wine Estates in Kent, were awarded a Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) rant, which is growth programme that provides grant funding to encourage development.

Distell looks to increase market share in the UK

Published: 05 May, 2016

South African wine and spirits conglomerate Distell is focusing on expanding its market share in the UK according to Joseph Walsh the commercial director UK & Ireland.

Guy Woodward: Reflecting on those we lost in the wine trade this year

Published: 29 April, 2016

For David Bowie, Terry Wogan and Ronnie Corbett, read Louis Latour, Paul Pontallier and Etienne Hugel. Maybe not in that order. But either way, 2016 has been as cruel a year in the wine community as it has in the wider world.

Tourism and identity "vital" to independents says Isle of Arran

Published: 29 April, 2016

Independent whisky producers Isle of Arran Distillers is preparing to build a new site in response to increasing visitors numbers to the their Lochranza distillery.

Kleine Zalze marks 20 years with investment in the future

Published: 29 April, 2016

One of South Africa's major players is marking 20 years in the business with investment in a vineyard analysis programme and new grape varietals.

Number of new distilleries in the UK jumps 50% in 2015

Published: 27 April, 2016

Forty-nine new distilleries came online in 2015 according to Nicholas Cook of the Gin Guild, which was based on HRMC's most recent data.

Ridgeview Wine Estate featured on YouTube web series

Published: 26 April, 2016

A premium sparkling winemarker on the South Downs will take centre stage during the fourth instalment of a YouTube film series focusing on craftsmanship.

Bibendum PLB takes on Cellier des Princes

Published: 26 April, 2016

Rhone Valley based Cellier des Princes, has appointed the Bibendum PLB Group to distribute its wines across all channels in the UK.

Analysis: Are wine and spirit companies making the most of marketing in today's tech savvy world?

Published: 26 April, 2016

The production of wines and spirits is based on centuries' old, traditional methods, but have producers failed to make the most of digital marketing to engage consumers?

First ever CEO appointed at UKVA

Published: 25 April, 2016

English Wine Shop owner and Amber Valley wine maker, Barry Lewis, has been appointed as the first CEO of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA).

Brexit could harm Scotch's protected status

Published: 25 April, 2016

Prime Minister David Cameron has warned that the protected designation of origin (PDO) status for drinks products like Scotch whisky and Gloucester cider could disappear if the public votes to leave the EU.