Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Scotch whisky losing ground to other spirits, says Rabobank

Published: 26 January, 2015

Scotch whisky is losing market share to more innovative spirits categories, Rabobank has warned.

DHL Tradeteam appoints new boss James Gill

Published: 26 January, 2015

Drinks logistics provider DHL Tradeteam has appointed James Gill as its new managing director, after predecessor Gavin Murdoch was promoted to head up the firm's Japanese business.

Diageo signs distribution agreements with Marblehead and Catalyst Brands

Published: 26 January, 2015

Diageo has signed two separate agreements with spirits brand distributor Marblehead and brand agency, Catalyst Brands, to distribute five of its smaller brands throughout Great Britain.

The Thinking Drinkers look to celebrate "legends of liquor" in new Soho show

Published: 22 January, 2015

The world of drinks has been blessed with some maverick and memorable figures over the years all of which will be celebrated as part of a new show by the Thinking Drinkers, otherwise known as drinks writers Tom Sandham and Ben McFarland.

On-trade drinkers unwilling to experiment

Published: 22 January, 2015

Eight out of 10 on-trade drinkers say they rarely or never try new alcoholic drinks - that's according to research from Canadean.

Small distilleries back cut in duty campaign

Published: 21 January, 2015

Small distillers across the UK have come out in force in favour of a 2% cut in the rate of duty, which they maintain would boost growth in the industry.

Glenmorangie launches 'rare' grain whisky Tùsail

Published: 21 January, 2015

Glenmorangie has launched Tùsail whisky made from the rare and recently resurrected Maris Otter barley grain.

Nielsen confirms sparkling wine and major spirits categories as big Christmas winners

Published: 16 January, 2015

Nielsen has confirmed that sparkling wine and the main spirits categories were the big winners during Christmas 2014.

WSTA's Miles Beale urges all in UK drinks industry to help secure 2% cut in alcohol duty

Published: 16 January, 2015

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, spells out today on Harpers.co.uk why it is so important everyone in the UK drinks industry plays their part in trying to secure a 2% drop in alcohol duty in the Budget in March.

Wine and spirits industry will not be helped by falling oil prices says Moody's

Published: 16 January, 2015

The global drop in oil prices will only have a "modest" impact on consumer spending and the retail industry in the European Union, according to a new report from Moody's the credit rating agency. revised its pricing assumptions in a newly published report that looked at the global impact the reduction in the cost of oil could have and found there would have a 'modest' impact to consumer spending and retail within the EU.

Portman Group hits back at Labour's public health proposals

Published: 15 January, 2015

The Portman Group has hit back at proposals from Labour on public health, which criticise voluntary industry and government partnerships.

Daffy's Gin hopes to win over bars and spirit lovers with its unique mix of botanicals

Published: 15 January, 2015

Daffy's Gin is the latest new launch in to an already bursting category, but claims it uses a unique set of botanicals, including Lebanese mint, to make its own mark.

Pub and restaurant groups grow Christmas trading 2.8%

Published: 15 January, 2015

Pub and restaurant groups across the country enjoyed a festive trading boost of 2.8% on the same period last year, with those inside London putting in a stronger performance.

Alfred Cointreau on history and how to engage with modern bartenders

Published: 14 January, 2015

Alfred Cointreau is a sixth generation member of the Cointreau family, and since 2011, has been the liqueur brand's heritage manager. He fills us in on the French brand's 165-year history and how he engages with bartenders today.

Bacardi confirms new leadership team

Published: 14 January, 2015

Bacardi, the largest privately held family-owned spirits company in the world, has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Dolan will fill the role permanently and appointed Dmitry Ivanov to chief marketing officer.

Tattooed bartenders are stars of new Giffard liqueurs and spirits campaign

Published: 14 January, 2015

Eleven tattooed bartenders have been chosen to take part in a new campaign to help raise awareness of the Giffard range of liqueurs and spirits.

Greenall's Gin signs £3m horseracing sponsorship deal

Published: 13 January, 2015

Greenall's Gin has invested £3 million in a three-year sponsorship deal plus marketing with horseracing's Jockey Club, which will see the brand take top billing at Cheltenham and the Grand National.

Spanish glass manufacturer Vidrala to buy Encirc business

Published: 12 January, 2015

Spanish glass manufacturer Vidrala is expected to purchase Encirc - the former Quinn Glass business - in a deal worth up to €400 million.

Falling oil price unlikely to cut wine and spirits distribution costs

Published: 12 January, 2015

The wine and spirits sector can expect to see little relief on distribution costs despite the plummeting oil price, say logistics experts.

Scotch Whisky Association to open London office as it ramps up international focus

Published: 08 January, 2015

The Scotch Whisky Association is on the hunt for a new global affairs director, to be responsible for all of its international and EU business, who will head up a new London office.