Scotch Whisky enjoys record-breaking year for exports

Scotch Whisky has enjoyed a record-breaking year for exports with both value and volume sales on the rise.

Bacardi marches 5,500 employees ‘Back to the Bar’ for grassroots on-trade initiative

Employees at spirits powerhouse Bacardi left their computers and labs yesterday and headed to their local bars as part of a global initiative to find out what’s driving engagement at the sharp end of the trade.

HB Clark launches Clark’s Crossing global range in latest addition to expanding wine portfolio

Yorkshire-based wholesaler HB Clark has boosted its portfolio of own and exclusive label wines with a newly developed global range called Clark’s Crossing Private Bin.

CIVB launches first Bordeaux Wine Month alongside PR shake-up

The official Bordeaux wine body has announced a number of initiatives lined up for the UK for 2018, including an official Bordeaux Wine Month to run in UK independents throughout the month of June.

Think Gin to return with great line up on 30 April at London’s Smith & Wollensky

Think Gin is back, bigger and better than ever, with a fantastic line up of debates and masterclasses, presented by some of the most gin-savvy experts in the trade.

The week that was

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Profits jump 25% at Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is celebrating rising profits of 25% in the first half of the 2018 fiscal year, with growth driven by stronger demand in China, India and at its travel retail division.

CA Grand Crus appoints commercial director for Santenay

CA Grand Crus has appointed Stéphane Charreyron as commercial director of Château de Santenay.

Vranken-Pommery Monopole becomes first French Champagne house to sell English wine

Champagne producer Vranken-Pommery Monopole has released its first English sparkling wine.

Calabria promotes Emma Norbiato to chief winemaker

Australian winery Calabria has promoted Emma Norbiato to the role of chief winemaker.

WSTA strengthens board with two new appointments

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has added two new members to its board - Tesco’s commercial director, Kari Daniels and The Wine society’s Robin McMillan.

UK alcohol prices the fourth most expensive in Europe

Britain has been revealed as the fourth most expensive country in Europe when it comes to alcohol.

Frizzenti expands on tap offering with cocktails

Justerini & Brooks takes on distribution of Swartland producer David & Nadia

Justerini & Brooks has signed a deal as UK distributor for Swartland producer David & Nadia.

Halewood acquires Dead Man’s Fingers as rum sales soar

Halewood Wines & Spirits has acquired spiced rum brand Dead Man’s Fingers for an undisclosed sum.

Mar de Frades appoints Enotria & Coe as UK distributor

Mar de Frades, the Albariño-specialising Rías Baixas sister to Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao, has appointed Enotria & Coe as its UK distributor with immediate effect taking over from Cellar Trends.

Dark Horse posts ‘outstanding’ UK performance

E&J Gallo has reported a 54% hike in UK sales of its Dark Horse Californian wine brand for the year ending 31 December, 2017.   

Moldovan winery Chateau Vartely sets sight on UK

Moldovan Chateau Vartely has revealed a new strategy to target the UK market.

Chilean Malbec continues rise as UK Roadshow ramps up focus on diversity

Sales of Chilean Malbec increased 51% in 2017, accounting for 12% of all Malbec sold in the UK, spearheading the fast growth of several of Chile’s emerging varieties.

Think Rum reveals this year’s winners

Think Rum revealed the winners of this year’s awards at the second annual event held last week, with Sly Augustin taking the prestigious Rum Champion of the Year gong and the Best Individual Rum Bar award.