Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Think Insights day to deliver spirited agenda on drinks sector

Published: 15 March, 2021

Harpers and Drinks Retailing News readers are invited to join us for our Think Insights 2021 day of spirit-focused events on Wednesday 24 March.

SA Fairtrade dealcoholized wines hit the UK

Published: 19 January, 2021

Cognato Wines has introduced its South African range of Fairtrade certified dealcoholized wines to the UK market.

Game on 2021: Hospitality needs to come out fighting fit

Published: 14 January, 2021

The new edition of Harpers, out today, will reach readers hot on the heels of a parliamentary debate on the need for the creation of a minister for hospitality role in UK government. Resulting from the success of the Seat at the Table petition launched by hotelier Robin Hutson, of The Pig group and (formerly) Hotel du Vin fame, the proposal gained “an overwhelmingly positive response from all corners”, as reported by Harpers.

Long Read: A virtual Christmas will pave the course for 2021

Published: 17 December, 2020

While big parties and large gatherings may be off the menu, premium drinks sales are still expected to grow this Christmas thanks to the rise and rise of online channels.

Drinks Trust survey highlights need for upskilling and greater diversity inclusion

Published: 08 December, 2020

The drinks industry still has a way to go to being a more supportive place for those facing employment, mental health and inclusion issues, the Drinks Trust’s annual survey has found.

The survey, which aims to inform the objectives and support offered by the charity each year, found that 66% of respondents believe that diversity has remained the same in the industry in 2020, with only 29% receiving any kind of training on diversity and inclusion. A further 23% revealed they had faced discrimination due to race, gender, sexuality or disability in the workplace.

Drinks Trust unveils new mentoring scheme

Published: 02 December, 2020

The Drinks Trust has today unveiled its The Drinks Community Mentoring Programme, a key part of its recently announced The Drinks Community initiative.

Lockdown will end in Tiers (2 and 3 for most of England)

Published: 26 November, 2020

The end of lockdown will bring little relief for England’s hospitality sector, which is returning to the rule of alcohol “only to be served with substantial meals” or stricter for most of the country.

Diageo launches ambitious ten-year sustainability plan

Published: 23 November, 2020

Global drinks giant Diageo has launched a new ten-year sustainability action plan featuring a range of goals involving environment issues, diversity and inclusion, and moderate drinking initiatives.

Virtual Christmas cocktail party in aid of The Drinks Trust

Published: 17 November, 2020

Liana Cocktail Co is gearing up to host a virtual Christmas cocktail party in a bid to raise funds for The Drinks Trust.

Brits set to mix up Christmas drink choices

Published: 11 November, 2020

Brits are gearing up to throw out the festive rule book this Christmas with new research showing a shift in festive consumer drinking trends.

Pernod Ricard recognised for environmental efforts

Published: 06 October, 2020

Drinks giant Pernod Ricard has been awarded ‘Lead’ status by the United Nations Global Compact for the third consecutive year for its work on sustainability.

Cognac raises its game

Published: 06 October, 2020

As a younger generation of drinkers becomes increasingly interested in what Cognac has to offer, Lisa Riley looks at the innovation and diversity at work within the category.

Trade squeezed over calories

Published: 24 September, 2020

A new consultation into mandatory calorie labelling on alcohol products is adding fuel to already fiery conversations around health, wellness and indulgence, finds Jo Gilbert.

Round Table: Rebooting the on-trade

Published: 17 September, 2020

Prominent restaurateurs joined Andrew Catchpole around a virtual table to discuss rebuilding trade in the new norm.

Long Read: Moonshine and fruit wine – a postcard from post-Covid Latvia

Published: 03 September, 2020

Pernod Ricard, Mentzendorff and Lucky Saint alum Hugh Jones upped sticks recently and headed to Baltic capital Riga where he found an emerging drinks industry with parallels to the UK's own.

Back to the bar: the reality of reopening

Published: 25 August, 2020

Lisa Riley catches up with a trio of bar professionals after the reopening of the on-trade to get a feel for the ‘new world’ to which they have returned.

Enotria & Coe bolstered by £6m investment

Published: 10 August, 2020

Leading on-trade supplier Enotria & Coe has received a major new investment.

Spirits: Premium’s in the house

Published: 10 August, 2020

Premium spirits have done a roaring trade under lockdown, as consumers with no place to go attempt to recreate some on-trade magic, writes Nigel Huddleston

Diageo GB’s full year results reveal impact of on-trade closure

Published: 04 August, 2020

Diageo’s full year results reveal a 47% fall in operating profits globally as a result of the pandemic, with net sales of spirits down 8% globally, and a 4% dip in the UK.

Alcohol sales outperform soft drinks on first weekend back

Published: 13 July, 2020

Sales of alcohol in managed pubs and bars outstripped non-alcoholic drinks on the 4 July weekend, it has been revealed, with beer becoming the celebratory lockdown-breaker of choice among punters.