Looking ahead: Joseph Walsh, commercial director, Distell

As we head towards the second half of 2018, Harpers asks key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, on-going trends and opportunities.

Brown-Forman appoints Mangrove as UK distributor for its Scotch Whisky portfolio

Brown-Forman has appointed Mangrove Global as the exclusive UK distributor for its premium Scotch Whisky portfolio.

Immersive cocktail concept Genuine Liquorette gears up for launch

Immersive cocktail concept Genuine Liquorette has revealed details of its London venue, which is set to open its doors next month in Fitzrovia.

Stag’s Leap backer steps down after 17 years as president of Ste. Michelle

Ted Baseler, the man who brought Stag’s Leap winery under the auspices of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is retiring after 34 years with the company.

Plumpton College creates wine brand manager position

Plumpton College has appointed Danielle Whitehead to the role of wine brand manager - a newly created position.

Rhône coops chase cru margins to balance tough market

Rhône Valley cooperatives are on a mission to premiumise their offering, as market pressures mean they can “no longer compete with the New World at £3 a bottle”.

Berry Bros & Rudd opens trial concession at London Bridge

Berry Bros & Rudd has confirmed to Harpers it is running a trial concession in London Bridge train station but would not comment further on future plans and whether the concept may be rolled out to other sites.

Crowdfunding campaign launched for first Gin and Tea bar in UK

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched on Kickstarter to raise £55,000 to open what is mooted to be the world’s first gin and tea bar.

Germany sees earliest grape harvests on record

Germany has seen its earliest grape harvests on record this year due to warm weather and early flowering.

Flint Wines boosts Italian portfolio with organic wines

Fine wine importer Flint Wines has agreed a new collaboration for organic-certified wines with three Italian estates.

Nyetimber sponsors Michelin Star Revelation event

Nyetimber, the English sparkling wine producer, is to increase its credentials with gastronomy by being the official partner of the Michelin Star Revelation event.

Early Champagne harvest for promising vintage

Comité Champagne has revealed that the champagne harvest for 2018 is to start today (21 August) following an exceptional wine growing year and good weather.

Harpers regulars Atkin and Woodward go ‘mano a mano’ for International Wine Columnist Award

With only two weeks to go until the 4 September final of the prestigious Louis Roederer International Wine Awards, Harpers columnists Tim Atkin MW and Guy Woodward are among the hopeful writers awaiting the final judging decisions.

TWE appoints Michelle Brampton as commercial director UK and Ireland

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has promoted Michelle Brampton to the newly created role of commercial director - UK and Ireland.

Waitrose at forefront of organic wine boom

Waitrose has revealed that organic wine sales are up 57% year-on-year as customers look for more sustainable wines.

Harpers launches new Think Whisky event

Harpers and sister title Drinks Retailing News are joining forces to add a new event to the popular ‘Think’ spirits series.

New business showcases over 400 English wines

A new online wine club called Winebuyers has launched listing over 400 English wines.

Experience economy increasing consumer confidence in wine

Consumer confidence in the wine category is increasing, driven by the ‘experience economy’ and the growing engagement with the drinks category, research analyst Wine Intelligence has claimed.

Looking ahead: Michael Patterson, senior category manager, food and beverage, GLH Hotels

Premium spirits worth 40% more to the on-trade at Christmas

The shift to premium spirits has happened and is here to stay, opening up a multimillion pound opportunity for the UK’s bars and restaurants this festive season.