House of Tequila urges industry to work together to stabilise prices

With another two years to go before the current agave shortage – which has caused huge price spikes – is expected to come to an end, House of Tequila has urged the industry to “work together” to avoid such volatile market conditions in the future.

Harpers Design Awards 2018: The winners

Good design may only sell the one, first bottle if the liquid inside is discovered to be below par. But present the most sublime booze in a mediocre or off-putting package and the painstaking craft of the distiller or winemaker is likely to be left collecting dust.

Q&A: Xavier Rousset, restaurateur and master sommelier, Trade

Xavier Rousset talks to Harpers about Trade, a new Soho-based private members’ club for the restaurant and bar world

New dawn for on-trade training

It’s been a good year for education in the on-trade, with a number of new initiatives being launched in the UK recently.

On-trade wine trends for 2019

Edrington appoints new CEO as Curle retires

Edrington has announced its CEO Ian Curle will retire in March 2019 after 15 years in the role, and 32 years with the company.

Bibendum creates 'sales director for spirits' position

Bibendum has created a sales director for spirits position to broaden its reach into the premium side of the category.

The quest to boost festive sales

Christmas and spirits go hand in hand, with festive sparkle helping to boost the sales of retailers and operators who can convince consumers to shop with them. Jo Gilbert sits down with brand owners and distributors working to make this Christmas the best one yet.

Matthew Clark announces Black Friday sale

Matthew Clark has announced it will be taking part in Black Friday again this year with a 24-hour sale including big discounts on leading brands such as Absolut, Belvedere, Bombay Sapphire, Disaronno, Peroni and Tanqueray.

Edinburgh Gin plans multi-million-pound distillery

Edinburgh Gin has unveiled plans to invest in a new multi-million-pound distillery in Edinburgh city centre.

Vindependents gin launch flags further expansion into spirits

The Vindependents has launched its first gin, with rum, bourbon, cognac and vodka to follow, as this independent merchant member-owned buying group looks to expand its portfolio into premium spirits.

Diageo sells 19 brands to Sazerac

Diageo has agreed to sell 19 brands to Sazerac, the US distiller, for $550 million.

William Grant & Sons appoints new UK marketing director

William Grant & Sons has appointed Ifan Jenkins to the role of marketing director for UK and Ireland.

BrewDog appoints David Gates to MD of its distilling arm

BrewDog has appointed David Gates, former managing director of Diageo Futures, as managing director of its distilling arm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.