Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Debunking the myth

Published: 24 June, 2019

Vodka has long had an image problem, says Nate Brown, but a new exploration of its natural flavours is helping consumers better understand the spirit

Brits love Pornstars

Published: 14 June, 2019

Cocktails are now one of Britain’s fastest growing drinks categories in spirits, according to CGA.

Grey Goose claims ‘world first’ with sub-zero draught tap

Published: 30 May, 2019

Premium vodka Grey Goose has launched a “pioneering” sub-zero draught tap system it claims puts it at the “forefront of innovation” within the drinks business.

Żubrówka Biała to launch in the UK

Published: 08 May, 2019

Żubrówka Biała, the best-selling premium vodka in Poland and one of the fastest-growing vodka brands in Europe, has revealed plans to launch in the UK.

Manly Spirits arrives in the UK

Published: 06 February, 2019

Manly Spirits has launched a range of spirits in the UK, following “huge success” in Australia since it launched in April 2017.

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

Published: 17 August, 2018

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.

Tony Conigliaro mixes it up with new spirits brand

Published: 08 August, 2018

Mixology maestro Tony Conigliaro is releasing his first ever spirit brand, bottling the recipes he has used in serves across his bars for over a decade.

Vodka: return of the king

Published: 23 July, 2018

Vodka may have been eclipsed in recent years by the gin boom. But Britain’s bartenders are rediscovering its charms.

Halewood adds Russia’s Beluga vodka to portfolio

Published: 19 June, 2018

Halewood Wines & Spirits has signed a deal as the exclusive distributor of premium Russian vodka brand Beluga in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Maxxium UK rebrands in a bid to clarify market position

Published: 14 March, 2018

Maxxium UK, the UK’s sales and distribution arm of global companies Beam Suntory and Edrington has undergone an enormous period of change since 2009, when the head office of its global brand owners – then a mix of Edrington, Beam, Rémy Cointreau and former Absolut owner VMS – folded.

Pure Wild Spirits seeks £750,000 investment to accelerate growth

Published: 06 March, 2018

Pure Wild Spirits (PWSL), maker of Freya – a premium white spirit distilled from birch, has announced it is seeking a £750,000 investment to accelerate growth into premium retailers, bar and restaurant groups, and initial exports to the US and Italy.

Craft distiller guns for global giants with new Classics duo

Published: 01 February, 2018

A London distiller is gunning for the global drinks giants with the launch of a new duo of affordable craft spirits aimed at the pub trade.

Durham Distillery confirms whisky production to start this year

Published: 03 January, 2018

Craft distillery Durham has confirmed it is to start whisky production this year.

Trends of 2017

Published: 20 December, 2017

There has been no shortage of evolution in the drinks world over the past year, providing canny operators with plenty of openings for upping customer engagement. Andrew Catchpole reports

Dingle Distillery to upscale production

Published: 13 November, 2017

The Dingle Distillery, the craft spirits producer, is launching an investment drive to scale up its production.

Echo Falls launches vodka to replicate success of Fruit Fusions in spirits aisle

Published: 01 November, 2017

Accolade Wines has expanded its Echo Falls brand with a flavoured vodka, marking the wine brand’s first foray into spirits.

Durham secures £250,000 investment

Published: 21 September, 2017

Craft distillery Durham has received a £250,000 investment from the Finance Durham fund managed by Maven Capital Partners.

Snapshot of gin as it's crowned the king of Christmas spirits' growth

Published: 08 March, 2017

The gin renaissance has been in full swing for some time now, but new data has confirmed its position as the major cause of excitement - and growth - in the spirits category.