Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Soapbox: Spirit of celebration

Published: 07 April, 2026

Speaking from Denomination’s NYC HQ, Hamish Campbell runs Andrew Catchpole through spirits’ need to ‘find their Champagne moment’.

‘National spirits’ lead global beverage alcohol decline over 2025

Published: 02 April, 2026

According to preliminary data released today by the IWSR, total beverage alcohol (TBA) volume declined in 2025 by -2% across 22 markets – representing about 75% of the global market.

Nick Gillett: Bitters – longstanding yet underappreciated modern cocktail star

Published: 24 March, 2026

I’m a champion of all categories, right? It’s part of the job description. But there are some that just hold a special place in my booze cabinet – especially when they’re backed up by centuries old production methods and a sterling reputation with the best and boldest bars.

Amber Beverage UK appoints Pavel Verblyudenko as MD

Published: 26 February, 2026

Spirits distributor Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has unveiled a new MD with Pavel Verblyudenko (pictured) taking on the role.

Wine Paris hits international stride as numbers continue to grow

Published: 16 February, 2026

Wine Paris took a further step in establishing itself as the premier Wine and Spirits exhibition last week (7-11 February), with both visitors and exhibitors exceeding last year’s record-setting numbers.

WSTA asks government to end ‘doom loop’ as duty to rise

Published: 31 January, 2026

The WSTA has called on the government to end the “doom loop” caused by its decision to continue to increase alcohol duty at the last Budget (as Harpers reported).

Altos’s plans to shake up tequila

Published: 16 January, 2026

If the response to Cointreau’s satirical ad featuring White Lotus star Aubrey Plaza is anything to go by, consumers are tired of the endless treadmill of premium, celebrity-backed tequila. In times like this, when money’s tight and mood is low, consumers aren’t seeking status brands to impress their friends, they want quality drinks that provide an experience – without the reputational hangover tequila just can’t seem to shake.

Rita Greenwood set to become chair of Scotch Whisky Association council

Published: 13 January, 2026

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced Rita Greenwood as the new chair of the SWA council. The appointee, who will be in the role for two years, is the first female chair in the SWA’s 114-year history.

50 Best Indies 2026: Watch the Top 10 reveal

Published: 09 January, 2026

Last week (5-9 January) we released our 50 Best Indies 2026 results day by day, celebrating the leading UK wine and spirits merchants as we revealed those placed from 50-11.

50 Best Indies 2026 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 08 January, 2026

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

50 Best Indies 2026 ranking: 29-21 revealed

Published: 07 January, 2026

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

LBW Drinks announces new MD

Published: 06 January, 2026

LBW Drinks, the premium producer of English wines, meads, fruit wines and spirits under the Lime Bay Wine banner, has appointed Wolfgang Sieg-Hogg as MD.

50 Best Indies 2026 ranking: 40-30 revealed

Published: 06 January, 2026

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

50 Best Indies 2026 ranking: 50-41 revealed

Published: 05 January, 2026

This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.

Wine Paris puts governments in sights as show hits new high

Published: 05 December, 2025

With record numbers of exhibitors signed up and record numbers of attendees also predicted to attend, Wine Paris has evolved its content for this year’s event to send a clear message on unfavourable government policies.

WSTA highlights cost of Budget to drinks trade

Published: 27 November, 2025

In the wake of the Budget, the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has released a table (below) revealing just how much the duty increases will impact prices for the consumer, further dampening demand for wines and spirits.

Re-imagined Calvados sets Gen Z in its sights

Published: 21 November, 2025

Mention Calvados to a twenty-something in the UK, and there’s a vanishing slim chance that they will have heard of the spirit, let alone tried it. It’s a category whose image is more one of a past era, when the sight of elderly French workmen chugging down a tot with their Gauloises represented a romantic notion of France.

HMRC ‘sin taxes’ revenues down by 35% over last decade

Published: 17 November, 2025

HMRC take from the so-called ‘sin taxes’, comprising alcohol, tobacco and gambling, have continued on a downward trajectory, having fallen 35% in the last decade, according to research by leading accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young.

Christmas expectations: Innovative spirits distributors have their say

Published: 10 November, 2025

Stamina is not only needed by revellers at this time of year but also spirits suppliers, who need to sate the cyclical rise in demand for everything from single malt to mezcal. Harpers spoke to distributors – whose agility and innovation set the standard for UK spirits suppliers – about their expectations for the Yuletide period.

Former Tesco chief Dave Lewis announced as Diageo CEO

Published: 10 November, 2025

Drinks giant Diageo has unveiled its new chief executive with Sir Dave Lewis taking the helm at the company. The new hire will commence his role from 1 January 2026.