Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Retail gin sales hit all time high

Published: 10 June, 2021

Sales of gin in the retail sector have continued to soar during the pandemic, up 30% over the past 12 months.

Think Gin debate: What's next for gin?

Published: 11 May, 2021

Our Think Gin opening debate assessed which gins are flash in the pan and which are here for the long haul. James Lawrence tuned in.

Gin: Identity politics

Published: 06 May, 2021

A roster of ‘gin’ liqueurs, low-quality variants and no and low copycats have drawn the ire of some this year with calls to better ring fence the category. Are these outliers artificially accelerating gin fatigue or is this all part of the category’s natural evolution? Jo Gilbert weighs in.

Gin distiller denounces exploitation of the term 'craft'

Published: 05 May, 2021

The premium gin market is being threatened by unscrupulous distilleries bastardising the term 'craft', according to a leading niche brand.

Long Read: Gin's return as a sophisticated mature version of itself

Published: 29 April, 2021

Brits have welcomed the resurgence of gin with gusto, and while the market has been inundated with brands, flavours, colours, styles, bottle designs and fashionable labels, we’re now seeing a desire for classic, original, well-made gins – a return to gin, as it should be.  

Countdown to Think Gin digital day

Published: 13 April, 2021

The countdown is on for this year’s Think Gin digital day hosted by Harpers Wine & Spirit and Drinks Retailing News, and promising a full and exciting programme of content dedicated to the popular spirit.

Cotswolds Distillery announces Master Distiller achievement

Published: 29 March, 2021

The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) has awarded Cotswolds Distillery production director Nickolas Franchino the title of Master Distiller.

Gin exports hit by ‘time-consuming, complex' logistical Brexit difficulties

Published: 23 March, 2021

UK gin exports dropped by £100m in 2020 to £572m, according to new HMRC data.

Gin Masterclass for Independent Retailers

Published: 08 March, 2021

Does quality gin float your boat? And what difference does it make to the distilling process when the Master Distiller is also a Master of Wine (MW)? To find out more, read on and register for our exciting Gin Masterclass for Independent Retailers…

Drinking in the new sustainability

Published: 11 January, 2021

A critical mass of smaller, sustainability-focused players is helping the wine and spirits industries reach new levels of innovation and accountability, writes Jo Gilbert

Master of Malt launches own-label spirits

Published: 16 December, 2020

Master of Malt has unveiled its first own-brand collection spanning blended Scotch whisky, London dry gin, rum and vodka.

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.

Lousada steps up as CEO at QB

Published: 06 November, 2020

Quintessential Brands (QB) has announced changes for its senior team, with former MD James Lousada stepping up to take the role of CEO.

WSTA crowns rum the drink of lockdown

Published: 26 October, 2020

The WSTA has crowned rum the "drink of lockdown" with the spirit enjoying the biggest growth across all spirits during the period, according to new WSTA data.

UK spirits exports face huge strain

Published: 13 October, 2020

The UK’s burgeoning spirits industry has taken a hit, with exports significantly down in the first half of 2020.

WSTA maps out UK visitor centres for thirsty ‘staycationers’

Published: 24 August, 2020

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has launched an interactive map of distilleries and wineries that are open to the public in the UK.

Aviation Gin takes off with Diageo in $610m deal

Published: 18 August, 2020

Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin brand has landed a mega-deal with drinks giant Diageo, which has been acquired via parent company Davos Brands.

Relief as gin spared from US tariff hikes, but battle for Scotch continues

Published: 13 August, 2020

The US has backed down on its threat to expand a 16-year old trade fight with the European Union to impose tariffs on gin – a move which would have been “hugely detrimental” for the British alcohol industry.

Global online buying frenzy levelling out

Published: 11 August, 2020

The extraordinary upward curve in online wine and spirit sales appears to be flattening, suggests the latest data from Wine-Searcher.

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.