Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Pernod Ricard and Irish Distillers sell Paddy Irish Whiskey to US company

Published: 18 May, 2016

Pernod Ricard and Irish Distillers have finalised the sale of Paddy Irish Whiskey, to US family-owned drinks company Sazerac.

WSET launches redesigned Level 1 Award in Spirits

Published: 17 May, 2016

As part of a major shake-up of its courses, which includes the separation of wine from spirits in its advanced qualification, the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has unveiled a redesigned Level 1 (L1) Award in Spirits.

Is "small-batch" and "craft" gin the same thing?

Published: 17 May, 2016

Since the gin renaissance took off with a vengeance in 2010, the terms "craft" and "small-batch" have, in many cases, become one and the same.

Analysis: Brand equity is critical in an increasingly saturated gin market

Published: 17 May, 2016

In an increasingly saturated gin market building brands, like Sipsmith and Langley's Gin, with a long-term vision could not be more important.

Third annual Ginposium 2016 sells out

Published: 16 May, 2016

The third annual Ginposium 2016 was hosted on the 12 May at the London Transport Museum in Convent Garden which sold out with 120 delegates attending the technical conference.

Spike in gin and rosé sales at Waitrose as bbq season kicks off

Published: 16 May, 2016

A surprisingly warm early start to May was reflected in an increase in sales of gin (up 15%) and rosé wine (up 39 per cent) at Waitrose.

Milk-based vodka to launch into US and Australia with new appointment

Published: 16 May, 2016

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka has brought on board a new global sales director to help launch the spirit into new key markets worldwide.

New Scottish gin brand smells its way to success

Published: 13 May, 2016

A new Scottish gin brand is hoping to unlock gin-lovers taste buds by appealing to their sense of smell.

Amathus unveils fast-aged Bourbon

Published: 13 May, 2016

UK-based distributor Amathus is launching a new whiskey bourbon drink which uses a technique to accelerate the maturation process

Debt dispute between Diageo and former United Spirits boss continues

Published: 13 May, 2016

British alcohol giant Diageo Plc has submitted details of its agreement with USL's former boss Vijay Mallya to a debt tribunal.

Could leaving the EU apply the brakes to the gin boom?

Published: 13 May, 2016

Leaders in the gin industry gathered to highlight the dangers Brexit poses to the millions of bottles of gin exported to the EU each year if the UK leaves the single market.

Launch of new Plantation rum into the UK with Pineapple Society

Published: 12 May, 2016

Maison Ferrand is expanding its range of premium Plantation rums by releasing its Plantation Pineapple Stiggins' Fancy 1824 Recipe into the UK.

Az Valor supports Amaral in Stock Spirits row

Published: 12 May, 2016

AZ Valor Partners have come out in support of Western Gate's proposals to nominate two candidates to the board of Stock Spirits.

Gruppo Campari Q1 results dampened by currency effects

Published: 10 May, 2016

Gruppo Campari results released yesterday show net sales remained flat at €327.4m for the first quarter of 2016, with organic growth offset by a negative exchange rate effects.

Vestal Vodka partnership to drive growth in the UK and abroad

Published: 06 May, 2016

Drinks industry guru, Dave Steward, has partnered with Vestal Vodka to drive growth in the UK's most competitive spirits category.

Sandeman: Port bottled with spirit attitude

Published: 04 May, 2016

Sandeman is showcasing its rebranded tawny port at the London Wine Fair - which has been bottled to resemble a whiskey bottle.

Hendrick's "Cucumber Couriers" campaign pushes into the on-trade

Published: 02 May, 2016

Premium drinks brand Hendrick's is reminding bartenders how to order up 'the perfect serve' with an on-trade engagement campaign.

Tourism and identity "vital" to independents says Isle of Arran

Published: 29 April, 2016

Independent whisky producers Isle of Arran Distillers is preparing to build a new site in response to increasing visitors numbers to the their Lochranza distillery.