Mangrove appointed UK distributor for Fernet-Branca

UK premium spirits supplier Mangrove Global has unveiled that it has become the UK distributor for Fratelli Branca, the owner of the Fernet-Branca bitter brand.

Gin rides the wave of consolidation and falling consumption

After an unprecedented run of success, gin has hit some problems: consumption is falling and the industry is going through a painful process of consolidation. “The days of seeing a new gin brand appear almost every week are over,” observes Martin Reid, co-founder of The Gin Cooperative. “Unfortunately, we will see many gin brands vanish over the next two years.” Yet the weakening of the craft sector does not tell the whole story – not by a long shot.

The intriguing proposition of rhum agricole

In light of rum’s recent success, the subject of rhum agricole, the category’s quieter and less well-known cousin (at least outside La Francophonie), has swung back into the conversation at Harpers. Made minus the molasses, rhum agricole offers up a fresh, grassy and slightly green flavour from its sugarcane juice-only recipe. This in turn offers an undeniable point of difference to the traditional molasses-based rums which make up 98% of the world’s production, according to statistics from Markwide Research and its Global Rhum Agricole Market report.

Rum's reportcard: its place in the spirits trade today

Rum officially broke the £1bn sales barrier in the UK in 2018, just one year after gin, while riding high on a reputation for being a bartending favourite and the high-energy drink that takes partying to the next level.

Mangrove forecasts rich flavours and classic cocktails this winter

As the cooler months approach, premium spirits distributor Mangrove has identified several key trends likely to dominate the drinks scene across the UK this winter. 

Waitrose expands spirits range with Mangrove Global partnership

Mangrove Global is expanding its independent spirits range across the UK through an extended partnership with Waitrose. This will bring five new products to the supermarket's spirits shelves and increase the availability of existing items from VIVIR and the East London Liquor Company.

The economics of the great British booze market – do we pay to play?

The UK spirits market, to many global producers, is one they want to be part of. It’s not the biggest by any means, nor is it the most fruitful – but there is an air of prestige about it. And yet many independent producers trying to break into the UK market, will struggle or worse, fail miserably. It’s a tough nut to crack but by understanding the nuances of the market, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenge – and hopefully reap a bit of great British success.  

Nick Gillett: Staffing issues yet another blow under a government failing hospitality

The UK government recently announced that it would create 20,000 new apprenticeships by reforming the complex, paperwork-fuelled, resource-thirsty apprenticeship levy system for SMEs. A move that should benefit hospitality businesses up and down the country by bringing in new blood at the beginning of their careers. Phrases like ‘cut red tape’ and ‘regulatory burdens slashed’ appear throughout the government’s official, grand announcement – but forgive me if I retain my cynicism for now. This is coming from a government that has done nothing but increase the burden on business. And I’ll come back to that shortly.

How will tequila’s price spiral impact the UK?

Prices for agave are currently in a tailspin as sales of premium products slow in key markets like the US and years of zealous plantings finally catch up – and outstrip – demand.

Nick Gillett: Education, education, education – hospitality’s secret weapon

When it comes to the spirits and hospitality industries, I harp on about education a lot. But with good reason. That dinner you had out the other week with the outstanding service – it’s thanks to education. Receiving a top new tipple recommendation from your local bartender – education. Formal training, cocktail masterclasses, category insight – it’s all helping to create better teams, better serves and ultimately an altogether better experience for the customer. So as someone who works for or is interested in the industry, here’s why you should care about it.

East London Liquor Company releases exclusive cask to Harvey Nichols

Renegade spirit maker, East London Liquor Company, is releasing its first-ever cask whisky to Harvey Nichols as a one-off exclusive. 

Mangrove Global expands into Middle Eastern spirits

One of the UK's leading distributors has welcomed Israel's first whisky brand into its growing family of premium spirits.

New era for Mangrove following French buyout

Mangrove Global has been bought by the spirits branch of GBH, a French group based in Martinique, in a move which is set to usher in a new phase for the company. 

Nick Gillett: The big boozy, British brain drain

Nick Gillett: How red tape is paralysing the industry

In the second of our new critical mini-series, Mangrove UK’s MD calls for a serious untangling of post-Brexit red tape.

Friday Read: The post-pandemic hangover for hospitality

Nick Gillett, MD at specialist spirits company Mangrove UK, talks challenges and opportunities for the still beleaguered on-trade.

‘It’s not the job of businesses to solve global problems’ says Mangrove MD

A new taxpayer-funded ad campaign will ask businesses to cut prices to help with the cost-of-living crisis from July.

Mangrove signs distribution deal with New York Distilling Company

Mangrove has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of New York Distilling Company. 

Brown-Forman brings all UK distribution in-house

Brown-Forman has announced that it will distribute the entirety of its brand portfolio in the UK.

Former Blue Peter presenter jumps ship to head up Mangrove marketing