Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Strong spirits performance boosts Adnams sales

Published: 23 March, 2017

Adnams has reported a 7% jump in annual sales boosted by a particular strong distillery performance in addition to healthy brewery growth.

Brand Ambassadors: Spreading the gospel

Published: 22 March, 2017

Glenfiddich's UK brand ambassador, Mark Thomson, is introducing the brand's new IPA beer-infused expression at a trade event in central London. "When I tell people I'm a brand ambassador they usually say: 'Yes, but what's your real job?'"

Distell extends partnership with Stock Spirits to boost its UK spirits portfolio

Published: 21 March, 2017

South African alcohol producer Distell has extended its partnership with Stock Spirits to enhance its spirit range in the UK.

The drinks world takes action over alcohol misuse

Published: 17 March, 2017

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) announced this week it is calling for entries for this year's Scotch Whisky Action Fund - an initiative set up in 2013 to help tackle alcohol misuse by offering grants for related projects across Scotland.

Sustainable gin which uses by-products of Sussex winery releases second batch

Published: 16 March, 2017

A British gin distilled with grapes from a Sussex vineyard is gearing up to release of its second batch following its launch in September.

Pernod rolls out standardised nutritional info across its major brands

Published: 14 March, 2017

Pernod Ricard has committed to publishing nutritional information across its strategic brands by including 'smart' codes across it major labels.

Gin replaces spirit-based drinks in ONS inflation basket

Published: 14 March, 2017

The ONS, which has not included the price of gin in inflation calculations for 13 years, today unveiled it had re-introduced it in light of "increased expenditure" on the popular tipple, which has replaced spirit-based drinks in the basket.

Jameson makes its first move into RTDs

Published: 14 March, 2017

Pernod Ricard has poured Jameson into cans in a bid to up the Irish Whiskey brand's relevance among younger drinkers.

Marie Bizard makes its first foray into frozen cocktails with low-calorie line

Published: 14 March, 2017

The range, rolling out in the UK and other European countries from May this year followed by a worldwide launch in 2018, comprises seven variants, including more unusual cocktails such as Rosé Grapefruit, White Peach, Elderflower Lime & Mint and apple liquor Manzanita.

Think Gin 2017 Awards: Winners announced

Published: 10 March, 2017

This week Harpers' held its third Think Gin event to celebrate the growth of this versatile, yet undeniably British spirit.

The International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show set for UK debut

Published: 10 March, 2017

The International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS) is poised to make its London debut next year.

Halewood secures £50m debt facility

Published: 10 March, 2017

Halewood Wines & Spirits has secured a £50m debt facility from Royal Bank of Scotland as part of its strategy to develop a balanced portfolio of spirits.

What the Budget means for wine and spirit prices

Published: 08 March, 2017

Wine and spirit duty is set to increase from 8p for a bottle of wine and by 43p for a bottle of gin as a result of the Chancellor's decision to make alcohol subject to inflationary rises.

Trade bodies "disappointed" by the Chancellor's decision not to cut alcohol duties

Published: 08 March, 2017

The Chancellor's decision not to cut duties on alcohol and tobacco has been meet with dismay by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

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.

Pure Milk Vodka rapped by ASA

Published: 08 March, 2017

Pure Milk Vodka has been rapped by advertising watchdogs following a quartet of complaints in relation to ads for its Black Cow spirit.

Bacardi CEO successor announced

Published: 07 March, 2017

Spirits giant Bacardi will have a new CEO by 2018.

Halewood and Pernod Ricard show commitment to flavoured spirits

Published: 07 March, 2017

The trend for flavoured spirits is showing no signs of slowing down with further launches this week from Halewood and Pernod Ricard.

Think Gin 2017: Mapping out gin's future

Published: 06 March, 2017

When something gets too big or grows too fast, it's only a matter of time before the wolves gather, waiting for it to fall - or trying to knock it - off its pedestal. This is true of gin, where the spirit's unprecedented rise has made it a target for gleeful mutterings that it's finally past its peak.