Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Indies: Staying ahead

Published: 22 February, 2021

A new year is likely to bring new challenges for indies looking to hold on to new custom, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Helping hospitality survive

Published: 18 February, 2021

If reopening doesn’t come soon, many on-trade operators face ruin unless new support measures come into play. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Data from Proof Insight, data and insight partner to the C&C-owned Matthew Clark and MC Bibendum Wine, puts the challenges of 2020 into crystal clear vision, while helping to map the road ahead. Jo Gilbert looks at the figures

A duty to industry

Published: 15 February, 2021

Will the chancellor address the continuing controversy over punishing duty rates in the wine and spirits sectors in the 3 March Budget? Lisa Riley reports.

South Africa: The long road ahead

Published: 10 February, 2021

South Africa is by no means out of the woods, say allies following this week’s easing of a complete domestic alcohol ban, with ongoing ramifications for the agricultural sector and its workers. Jo Gilbert reports

Advertorial: Premium cork producer at cutting edge of technological achievements

Published: 09 February, 2021

Over the past 49 years Masilva has established itself as a premium cork producer and an industry technology leader in cork-cleaning processes, especially focused on eliminating TCA. With several awards obtained, Masilva is recognised on a global scale, with its proprietary technologies offering a successful state-of-the-art approach.

Brexit: Reality bites

Published: 08 February, 2021

The actualities of shipping goods from the EU are beginning to sink in as wine incurs an estimated €200 per shipment, making groupage cost-prohibitive for many. Jo Gilbert calculates the knock-on costs to the trade

Tech vs critics: developing satellite scores

Published: 03 February, 2021

Saturnalia aims to overcome the ‘mystery and magic’ surrounding fine wine pricing and scores with space-based technology. Felicity Carter eyes up its heavenly ambitions

Tech & Innovation: The rule of change

Published: 01 February, 2021

A surge of smaller, indie-focused delivery platforms and third-party apps are helping to bridge the gap between neighbourhood restaurants, bars and consumers, accelerating pre-lockdown trends, as Jo Gilbert discovers

The dark and light of rum

Published: 28 January, 2021

Harpers’ recent consumer tasting panel revealed a category that is yet to emerge from its mixology-focused reputation. But rapidly growing awareness and availability of quality liquid mean it could soon sit on a par with top-level Cognac and whisky. Jo Gilbert gets the 360° view.

Opportunities abound

Published: 27 January, 2021

The likelihood of a free trade agreement between the UK and Australia has led to optimism among many wine producers that new possibilities lie ahead. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Wine trends to watch in 2021

Published: 25 January, 2021

Predicting wine trends for the unpredictable year ahead is certainly a challenge as the trade attempts to plan and prepare for ever-changing times.

Indies survey: Health check 2020

Published: 21 January, 2021

The loss of the on-trade was obviously a huge blow to the UK drinks sector in 2020. In all parts of the UK, the forced shuttering of hospitality has wreaked havoc on both economic and mental wellbeing. For independent businesses, this has often meant the loss of a major chunk of sales in terms of wholesale trade, with an entire source of revenue lost overnight.

2021 Events guide

Published: 20 January, 2021

James Lawrence rounds up the highlights of the coming year’s events calendar

Portugal’s new wave

Published: 19 January, 2021

Ines Salpico reports on how the country’s winemakers are finally finding a balance between tradition and modernity

Trends to watch for 2021

Published: 18 January, 2021

After a tumultuous and challenging 2020 and more to come in 2021, Harpers wrapped up last year by partnering with Bordeaux Wines for a webinar examining Current Consumer Trends in the UK.

Game on 2021: Hospitality needs to come out fighting fit

Published: 14 January, 2021

The new edition of Harpers, out today, will reach readers hot on the heels of a parliamentary debate on the need for the creation of a minister for hospitality role in UK government. Resulting from the success of the Seat at the Table petition launched by hotelier Robin Hutson, of The Pig group and (formerly) Hotel du Vin fame, the proposal gained “an overwhelmingly positive response from all corners”, as reported by Harpers.

Drinking in the new sustainability

Published: 11 January, 2021

A critical mass of smaller, sustainability-focused players is helping the wine and spirits industries reach new levels of innovation and accountability, writes Jo Gilbert

Embracing sustainable thinking

Published: 07 January, 2021

Bacardi’s new plant-based, entirely biodegradable bottle marks a new era for packaging and design ambition, which aims to push sustainably crafted products to the front of the mass-market shelf.