Scotch whisky applies for GI in New Zealand

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has applied for Geographical Indication (GI) status in New Zealand.

Looking ahead: James Hocking, director of wine, The Vineyard Cellars

World’s largest gathering of Aussie Women in Wine to descend on London

Wine Australia’s Women in Wine event on 26 September will see some 57 female winemakers and winery owners on hand at Australia House in London for an event that aims to help drive perception of premium Aussie wines and bring new wines to market.

New Zealand wine exports reach record high

The export value of New Zealand wine has reached a record high driven by strong growth of export to the US.

Earliest harvest start on record for Galicia

The usually cool and wet climate of Galicia in the Atlantic reaches of Spain has been turned on its head this year, leaving wine producers to handle one of the earliest, but longest and most peculiar harvests ever recorded.

Looking ahead: Muriel Chatel, MD, Borough Wines

With the autumn tasting season almost upon us, as the trade prepares for the run up to the all-important Christmas trading period, Harpers continues its web series asking leading voices in the trade what trends and challenges they’re expecting to face in the latter half of 2017.

Rum set to break £1 billion barrier

Hot on the heels of gin, rum is the latest spirit set to reach sales of £1 billion later this year.

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.

UK sales of premium Japanese whisky soar

The demand for Japanese Whisky has seen a boom in the price of rare whiskies with prices up 65% in 12 months, to £450 a bottle.

Diageo World Class panel reveals top cocktail trends

Leading mixologist and chefs have highlighted four trends that will change the way consumers drink cocktails in 2018.

Molson Coors launches 2017 on-trade wine brochure

Molson Coors has launched its 2017 wine brochure to the on-trade to help outlets boost sales of wine.

Looking ahead: Michael Patterson, D&D London

With the autumn tasting season soon upon us, as the trade prepares for the run up to the all-important Christmas trading period, Harpers is running a web series asking leading voices in the trade what trends and challenges they’re expecting to face in the latter half of 2017.

Collagin responds to watchdog’s calls for buyers to boycott its products

The owners of Young in Spirit, the producer of CollaGin, has hit out at The Portman Group for damaging its business after a Retailer Alert Bulletin was issued against its product.

Kingsland responds to "sweet-shop" labelling concerns

Mr Gladstone’s Curious Emporium product range has agreed to change its packaging after a ruling by drinks watchdog The Portman Group.

British liqueur gains national listing

UK-made blackurrant liqueur, British Cassis, has secured its first national listing with Waitrose and will also be appearing on the shelves of Majestic.

Broadland to drive international reach with US-based facility in pipeline

UK-based Broadland Wineries has revealed that it has plans to build a bottling plant in the States, to further grow the expanding international side of its business in tandem with its domestic operation.

Oxford Wine Company goes late with new wine bar

Opening a piano bar may seem far away from being a wine wholesaler but The Oxford Wine Company likes to take the opportunities when they arise.

Concern for baby boomers who drink to excess despite declining drinking trends

Over-50s baby boomers are continuing to drink heavily despite the overall trend of risky drinking declining, says a new report.

Looking ahead: Troy Christensen, CEO, Enotria and Coe

With the autumn tasting season soon upon us, as the trade prepares for the run up to the all-important Christmas trading period, Harpers continues its web series asking leading voices in the trade what trends and challenges they’re expecting to face in the latter half of 2017.

How a Cava producer alerted police to Europe's most wanted terrorist

Rather than a more usual tale of terroir, Cava producers in Upper Penedes region of Catalonia, have recounted the ordeal surrounding the police chase through vines to capture Europe’s most wanted terrorist.