Words to the wise

Fun fact: the Oxford Word of the Year 2018 was “toxic”. Why toxic, you ask? Every year, the eminent Oxford University institution chooses a word or expression that is judged to “reflect the ethos, mood or preoccupations of the passing year” and have “lasting potential as a term of cultural significance”.

Quintessential Brands invests in miniature bottles production line

Quintessential Brands has installed a miniature bottles production line to tap the growing mini market for spirits

BWS enjoys strong festive build up as general grocery sales slump

Shoppers visited supermarkets more often in the run up to Christmas, but sales slumped to half the level of growth returned last year, according to Nielsen.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Manchester Gin to launch city centre distillery

Manchester Gin has announced it is to launch a city centre distillery this summer.

WSET introduces global education week as part of 50th anniversary activity

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has announced the launch of its first global ‘Wine Education Week’ as part of a programme of activity planned to mark its 50th birthday.

Waitrose predicts key drinks trends for 2019

Mezcal, canned and Greek wine are among the top drinks trends set to dominate the industry this year, according to Waitrose.

Looking ahead: Ian Harris MBE, chief executive, WSET

Tumultuous political times are offering an interesting backdrop to our latest Looking Ahead series.

LWF signs up as WSET Corporate Patron

London Wine Fair (LWF) has signed up as a bronze Corporate Patron of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) as part of a new partnership to push education. 

House of Tequila urges industry to work together to stabilise prices

With another two years to go before the current agave shortage – which has caused huge price spikes – is expected to come to an end, House of Tequila has urged the industry to “work together” to avoid such volatile market conditions in the future.

Harpers Design Awards 2018: The winners

Good design may only sell the one, first bottle if the liquid inside is discovered to be below par. But present the most sublime booze in a mediocre or off-putting package and the painstaking craft of the distiller or winemaker is likely to be left collecting dust.

Q&A: Xavier Rousset, restaurateur and master sommelier, Trade

Xavier Rousset talks to Harpers about Trade, a new Soho-based private members’ club for the restaurant and bar world

New dawn for on-trade training

It’s been a good year for education in the on-trade, with a number of new initiatives being launched in the UK recently.

On-trade wine trends for 2019

Edrington appoints new CEO as Curle retires

Edrington has announced its CEO Ian Curle will retire in March 2019 after 15 years in the role, and 32 years with the company.

Bibendum creates 'sales director for spirits' position

Bibendum has created a sales director for spirits position to broaden its reach into the premium side of the category.

The quest to boost festive sales

Christmas and spirits go hand in hand, with festive sparkle helping to boost the sales of retailers and operators who can convince consumers to shop with them. Jo Gilbert sits down with brand owners and distributors working to make this Christmas the best one yet.

Matthew Clark announces Black Friday sale

Matthew Clark has announced it will be taking part in Black Friday again this year with a 24-hour sale including big discounts on leading brands such as Absolut, Belvedere, Bombay Sapphire, Disaronno, Peroni and Tanqueray.

Edinburgh Gin plans multi-million-pound distillery

Edinburgh Gin has unveiled plans to invest in a new multi-million-pound distillery in Edinburgh city centre.

Vindependents gin launch flags further expansion into spirits

The Vindependents has launched its first gin, with rum, bourbon, cognac and vodka to follow, as this independent merchant member-owned buying group looks to expand its portfolio into premium spirits.