Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Britain overtaken in fine wine at auction by China and the US

Published: 18 May, 2016

Britain has been overtaken by China and the United States, as some of the top countries for buying and investing in fine wines at auction.

Pernod Ricard and Irish Distillers sell Paddy Irish Whiskey to US company

Published: 18 May, 2016

Pernod Ricard and Irish Distillers have finalised the sale of Paddy Irish Whiskey, to US family-owned drinks company Sazerac.

IWC 2016: M&S dethrones Tesco taking home the most Great Value awards

Published: 18 May, 2016

Seventeen Great Value awards were handed out at this year's International Wine Challenge, with Marks & Spencer being most awarded, taking home four awards, and dethroning Tesco which reigned for the past two years.

No UK range is complete without New Zealand, says Buckingham Schenk

Published: 17 May, 2016

Buckingham Schenk is expanding its international portfolio by adding two New Zealand producers to its repertoire.

Is "small-batch" and "craft" gin the same thing?

Published: 17 May, 2016

Since the gin renaissance took off with a vengeance in 2010, the terms "craft" and "small-batch" have, in many cases, become one and the same.

Moët & Chandon launches "pink partner" to its Blanc Ice Impérial NV

Published: 17 May, 2016

Moët & Chandon is launching its Moët Ice Impérial Rosé NV, believed to be the first ever Rosé Champagne to be served over ice.

British Bottle Company signs distribution deal with US Vine Street Imports

Published: 17 May, 2016

British Bottle Company, which represents 20 British premium wine, spirits, craft beer and cider brands in the UK is heading across the pond to America after signing a deal with US distributor Vine Street Imports.

Tesco boss paid £3m for returning retailer to profit

Published: 16 May, 2016

Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis has been paid £4.6m in salary and bonus for turning around the fortunes of the supermarket giant.

Spike in gin and rosé sales at Waitrose as bbq season kicks off

Published: 16 May, 2016

A surprisingly warm early start to May was reflected in an increase in sales of gin (up 15%) and rosé wine (up 39 per cent) at Waitrose.

Majestic Wine rolls out several news wines ahead of summer

Published: 16 May, 2016

Following the tremendous success of Majestic's first own label Definition range, with sales hitting over £5 million in less than a year on the shelf, the wine buying team is adding a number of new wines to their expanding portfolio ahead of summer.

Milk-based vodka to launch into US and Australia with new appointment

Published: 16 May, 2016

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka has brought on board a new global sales director to help launch the spirit into new key markets worldwide.

Concha y Toro launches tool to support growing wine c-sector

Published: 16 May, 2016

Concha y Toro UK, one of the UK's leading wine suppliers, has announced the launch of a free app to help convenience retailers to maximise wine sales.

Voters could follow wine-drinkers' lead in EU referendum, says Majestic

Published: 16 May, 2016

Britons' growing taste for New World wines over the Old could be the key to unlocking how consumers will vote in the EU referendum this summer.

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.

Amathus unveils fast-aged Bourbon

Published: 13 May, 2016

UK-based distributor Amathus is launching a new whiskey bourbon drink which uses a technique to accelerate the maturation process

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.