Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Vitamin vodka maker on export trail

Published: 03 June, 2009

An American producer of vodkas containing extra vitamins and legal stimulants is planning an assault on export markets after securing investment from a New York private equity firm.

Vodka heads past £2 billion

Published: 01 May, 2009

The UK's annual vodka sales are likely to reach the £2 billion mark according to a new Mintel report.

Vodka goes Vanilla with Walders

Published: 27 April, 2009

Liqueur producer Walders is preparing to release a new vodka and vanilla drink for the category.

Vodka-based drink is banned

Published: 16 April, 2009

A vodka-based test-tube drink has been removed from sale across the UK because it encourages irresponsible consumption.

A vodka-based test-tube drink is to be removed from shelves across the UK after its producers were accused by a powerful complaints panel of promoting irresponsible drinking and linking the drink to sexual success among youth.

UK rollout for flavoured Smirnoff and Baileys

Published: 02 March, 2009

Diageo is rolling out two new flavoured Smirnoff vodkas and a coffee-flavoured version of Baileys in the UK, after successful test markets.

Hendrix estate wins vodka trademark case

Published: 18 February, 2009

The makers of a vodka named after the rock legend Jimi Hendrix have been ordered by an American judge to withdraw it from sale and pay the musician's estate $3.2 million.

Currencies hit vodka maker's forecasts

Published: 03 February, 2009

Polish vodka producer and spirits importer CEDC has reduced its full year net sales forecasts for 2009 from around US$2 billion to the range of US$1.25 billion to £14 billion.

Global Brands introduces 1.5l Corky's vodka

Published: 16 November, 2008

The UK's best selling flavoured vodka shot range, Corky's, will now be available in a 1.5l format for optics - a first in the vodka shot category.

Absolut Vodka sues Absolute Radio

Published: 14 October, 2008

Vin & Sprit (V&S), owners of premier Swedish vodka brand Absolute Vodka is suing Absolute Radio, the rebranded Virgin Radio, over what it claims is trademark infringement.

Vodka pulled from sale for appealing to children

Published: 13 October, 2008

A vodka drink is to be removed from sale because it looks like a soft drink and could appeal to children.

Russian Standard Vodka partners with Maxim Media

Published: 29 September, 2008

Russian Standard Vodka has announced a multi-million dollar programme with Maxim Media, the largest men's lifestyle media brand in the US.

Corky's gives vodka a fruity twist

Published: 26 September, 2008

A new blueberry flavour vodka shot from Corky's is set to provide the perfect tipple for those who like to mix cranberry, pomegranate and other 'super fruit' juices with their favourite vodka.

Oval gives limited edition vodka some bling

Published: 24 September, 2008

OVAL Vodka are bringing something completely new and unique to the top London night scene, by introducing an ultra luxurious bottle. The handmade OVAL Vodka bottle is completely covered in 7000 Swarovski Crystals. Only 25 of these bottles will be produced in the whole World. Making it a very sought after product.

Pincer launches 'herbal infused' vodka

Published: 22 September, 2008

Pincer Vodka is set to transform the drinks market as the first herbal infused vodka with botanical benefits. Available from select bars and retailers from October, Pincer Vodka is fused with the light refreshing taste of Wild Elderflower and key ingredient Milk Thistle - widely recognised for its protective and restorative effects.

Skyy vodka helps T.G.I. Friday's seek bartender champion

Published: 08 September, 2008

Skyy vodka is to sponsor T.G.I. Friday's national in-house Bartender Championship and become the group's new house vodka.

New distributor launches into market with vodka brand

Published: 08 September, 2008

A new drinks distributor has entered into the UK market with the launch of Latvian vodka product.

Launch of Vodkat Smoothies targets women

Published: 20 August, 2008

August sees the start of a massive campaign of support for Vodkat Smoothies, the new over ice sensation that combines the pure clean taste of Vodkat original with refreshingly tangy all natural fruit and juices.

Oval vodka launches in Selfridges

Published: 19 August, 2008

For the first time OVAL VODKA will now be available in the UK, exclusively at all 4 Selfridges stores from Saturday 27th September (Oxford Street, London - Manchester Trafford - Manchester Exchange Square - Birmingham).