Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

UK the fourth most expensive EU country to buy alcohol and tobacco in

Published: 31 October, 2018

The UK has been pinpointed as the fourth most costly country in the EU when it comes to buying alcohol and tobacco.

WSET reveals Outstanding Alumni Award nominees

Published: 31 October, 2018

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has revealed the nominees for its outstanding Alumni Award.

Missed opportunity: What a rise with inflation means for the UK wine trade

Published: 30 October, 2018

Pub landlords and spirits importers will be breathing a sigh of relief this morning, but not the nation’s wine trade – which is looking at an extra £90 million bill in duty next year.

Duty frozen for spirits, cider and beer, but wine will rise with inflation

Published: 29 October, 2018

Investing in Britain’s future was one of the anthems that ran through Philip Hammond’s autumn Budget speech this afternoon.

Proof Drinks appoints former Hi-Spirits chairman as MD

Published: 25 October, 2018

Drinks brand owner and distributor Proof Drinks is gearing up for the next phase of its growth as the company confirms the appointment of Jeremy Hill as managing director.

Demand for craft spirits in the US shows no sign of slowing

Published: 24 October, 2018

The appetite for craft spirits in the United States - arguably the nation behind the boom in craft drinks worldwide - still packs a major punch new research suggests.

Reinventing Cognac

Published: 22 October, 2018

Cognac has two faces, neither of which appeal to millennial consumers. James Lawrence finds a spirit trying to revitalise its image

Asia drives strong Q1 growth at Pernod Ricard

Published: 18 October, 2018

Pernod Ricard’s first quarter figures revealed strong growth underpinned by China and India the Asian markets.

Reaching the last mile

Published: 17 October, 2018

Fulfilling those “last mile” orders is expensive – especially for small businesses, but there are innovations that could help businesses better reach their local customer base.

Maker’s Mark launches new collection to tap Brits’ thirst for American whisky

Published: 16 October, 2018

Maker’s Mark has produced a limited edition run of 252 Private Select bottles in the UK to tap Brits’ thirst for American whisky.

Waitrose introduces 100 new lines to bolster premium position

Published: 12 October, 2018

“Functional booze is not our game. We need to tell a story,” says Pierpaolo Petrassi, head of buying, beers, wines and spirits at Waitrose.

Ditch vanilla approach to engage millennials

Published: 11 October, 2018

On-trade operators at Bar Convent were urged to ditch a “vanilla” approach in favour of taking a more political stance with the brands they pour and activities they run.

International Beverage appoints new marketing director

Published: 09 October, 2018

International Beverage has appointed Cara Chambers as its new marketing director, taking over from Karen Walker.

Bar Convent Berlin

Published: 09 October, 2018

With its new three day format and increasingly international reach, Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) shines spotlight on professionalism, mentoring and entrepreneurial skills.

The Gin Guild welcomes 23 new members

Published: 08 October, 2018

The Gin Guild has welcomed 23 new members to its fold boosting its membership to 300.

William Grant & Son reports strong growth

Published: 04 October, 2018

William Grant & Sons has reported strong profit growth of 12.6% to £250.2 million after tax for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Maverick brings Empirical spirits to the UK

Published: 03 October, 2018

Maverick Drinks has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor for Empirical Spirits – the spirits brand headed up by ex-Noma chef Lars Williams.

Vins de Bordeaux to host charity night for The Benevolent

Published: 02 October, 2018

Vins de Bordeaux is hosting its first Charity Quiz Night this October in aid of The Benevolent.

The many faces of gin

Published: 01 October, 2018

Thanks to gin’s unwaning popularity, on-trade operators are faced with a challenge when it comes to selecting from the plethora of new products and styles on offer. Clinton Cawood is here to help