Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

?Glenmorangie releases Companta Private Edition Whisky

Published: 09 January, 2014

Glenmorangie has released its fifth annual private edition label called Companta, which has been aged in Grand Cru and Côtes du Rhône casks.

Over 77,000 fake Smirnoff Vodka bottles to be destroyed

Published: 07 January, 2014

Singapore Customs has handed over 77,850 counterfeit Smirnoff vodka bottles to brand owner, Diageo. The authorities first discovered the shipment in June 2013 and have only now released them to be destroyed.

Absolut Vodka releases friend finding app

Published: 03 January, 2014

Tired of losing your friends at the bar? There is an app for that. Absolut, the iconic Pernod Ricard vodka brand, released the Buddy Check app in November on iTunes and will be releasing an Android application on Google Play in early 2014.

Irish on and off-trade warned to look out for fake Smirnoff bottles

Published: 19 December, 2013

Bar and off-licence owners in Ireland have been urged to check Smirnoff vodka bottles following the seizure of a number of fakes.

Former SMWS brand ambassador to join Diageo's Mortlach team

Published: 18 December, 2013

Diageo has appointed Scotch Malt Whisky Society global ambassador Georgie Bell as its global brand ambassador for single malt Scotch Mortlach.

Bulleit bucks the trend and increases ABV of its UK whiskey

Published: 13 December, 2013

News this week that Diageo's Bulleit Bourbon would be changing its UK recipe and introducing a higher ABV is counter to what US bourbon and whiskey brands tend to do in the UK market.

?Q&A with Denis O'Flynn, UK managing director Pernod Ricard

Published: 12 December, 2013

As the trade braces itself for the most important time of the year, Helen Arnold looks back on 2013 with one of the biggest names in the industry

?Diageo fires bourbon Bulleit

Published: 11 December, 2013

Diageo has launched a stronger version of Bulleit Bourbon along with new product Bulleit Rye whiskey to the UK market.

?Rémy Cointreau moves distribution in-house

Published: 11 December, 2013

First Drinks Brands has announced the end of its distribution agreement with Rémy Cointreau from March 2014.

Adnams releases its first English whiskies

Published: 11 December, 2013

Adnams, the Suffolk-based brewer and distiller, has released its first selection of whiskies that have been spent several year maturing in French and American oak barrels.

Whisky drinkers to choose the design of limited edition Glenmorangie

Published: 04 December, 2013

Glenmorangie, the Scottish whisky distiller, is giving whisky drinkers the chance to decide the packaging design for a new single malt whisky as it looks to involve its customers more in the production process.

Glenmorangie unveils sculpture to celebrate 20 million bottles at its bottling plant

Published: 03 December, 2013

On Monday December 2, Glenmorangie unveiled a 20-tonne sculpture by sculptor Barry Grove at its production plant in Livingston, Scotland. The unveiling marked the passing of 20 million bottles through the facility since it opened in 2010.

Scotchy, Scotch, Scotch: Anchorman fans celebrate Ron Burgundy Scotch Whisky

Published: 29 November, 2013

TN Paramount Film Company announced it will be launching Ron Burgundy Scotch Whisky, to coincide with the premiere of Anchorman 2, starring the cast of original characters including Will Ferrell n his role as TV newsman, Ron Burgundy.

'Decade of Rum' report shines spotlight on authentic Caribbean rum

Published: 28 November, 2013

The global rum category has grown by 40% over the last 10 years and 24% in the UK, according to a new trade report, The Decade of Rum, produced by West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers'Association (WIRSPA).

Cutty Sark releases special edition whisky to commemorate Prohibition anniversary

Published: 28 November, 2013

Cutty Sark is releasing a special edition bottle to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition in the United States.

Gallo looks to grow UK spirits business with launch of New Amsterdam Vodka

Published: 27 November, 2013

Californian wine producer, E&J Gallo, is strengthening its UK spirits portfolio with the launch of New Amsterdam Vodka that has enjoyed considerable success in the US since its launch in 2011.

Drinks brands can block underage followers on Twitter

Published: 27 November, 2013

Twitter has launched an age-verification process for users who want to follow alcohol brands.

Diageo hopes to prop up United Spirits deal by selling "bulk" of Whyte & Mackay

Published: 25 November, 2013

Diageo is offering to sell off a "bulk" of its Whyte & Mackay whisky brands in order to address concerns the Office of Fair Trade (OFT) has had over competition issues in the British whisky market.

Bowmore offers limited edition 50-year whisky for £16,000 a bottle

Published: 22 November, 2013

Bowmore, founded in 1779 and Islay's first producer of single malt Scotch whisky, is releasing 200 bottles of limited edition, 50-year-old single malt, for £16,000 per bottle.

Greenall's Gin enjoys sales growth as it passes 100,000 cases mark

Published: 18 November, 2013

Greenall's Original London Dry Gin has surpassed the 100,000 nine litre case mark for the first time in the UK. The company said it has almost doubled its volume over the past three years and the brand has grown 33% in volume over the past year, according to Nielsen.