Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

A taste of the Occitanie

Published: 18 December, 2019

Harpers hosted a round table in association with La Région Occitanie to assess the scope for encouraging UK consumers to trade up in this diverse corner of France

What we can learn from the Majestic/Naked 'experiment'

Published: 16 December, 2019

The matchmakers behind the Majestic and Naked Wines merger speak to Jo Gilbert about why the ‘experiment’ didn’t work, and why the demand for niche products is driving wine businesses to double down on their specialisms

Greece is the word

Published: 11 December, 2019

From Santorini to Naoussa and Nemea, and the thriving shop window that is Athens’ bar scene, Greece’s standout regions are ripe for exploration. Norman Miller delves deep into this fast-rising country of interest

Selling Italy in the off-trade

Published: 09 December, 2019

Justin Keay digs deep into Italy in the off-trade, taking his microscope to the supermarkets’ Italian ranges and discovering what indie customers are demanding from their local merchants.

Avoiding the low/no Frankenwine monster

Published: 09 December, 2019

In the battle for low/no customers, Frankenstein wine may not be the answer, writes Chris Losh

Independents: Collaborate to innovate

Published: 05 December, 2019

Teaming up to bring in ad hoc shipments is ushering in a new wave of collaboration between like-minded independents. Chris Wilson weighs the practicalities and benefits

Sustainability: Time to embrace 'boutique bulk'?

Published: 03 December, 2019

With sustainability high on the global agenda, it could be time to embrace a new approach to shipping premium wine. Andrew Catchpole reports back from a round table partnered by Lanchester Wines.

Making IT work for your warehouse

Published: 27 November, 2019

Should companies run their own warehousing IT systems rather than use a provider and how easily
can systems be integrated with other parts of the business? Simon Jack breaks down the fundamentals.

The pros and pros of pop-up culture

Published: 26 November, 2019

Pop-up spaces offer the chance to road test a concept while also appealing to experience-hungry demographics. Jo Gilbert looks at the commercial benefits

All quiet on the Australian front

Published: 21 November, 2019

ABS Wine Agencies continues to demonstrate its command of the supply chain with the ongoing success of its parcel-based shipping scheme. Jo Gilbert reports

The spirits of Christmas

Published: 19 November, 2019

Christmas is no longer a single trading period, but a series of escalating moments brimming with opportunities to upsell and drive profit. Jo Gilbert looks at where spirits slide into the mix.

Coming into port

Published: 15 November, 2019

Despite its best efforts, the famous fortified is failing to make any real headway. But producers are putting their faith in premium and innovation, reports Lisa Riley

Gin: Ascending the throne

Published: 14 November, 2019

It’s been on the cards for some time. Back in 2014, there were rumblings that gin was poised to overtake vodka as the UK’s spirit of choice in time for the new decade.

CBD winners on a high as premium demand grows

Published: 06 November, 2019

CBD is the new rock ’n’ roll of drinks, but products infused with this by-product of the hemp plant are only just starting to find their feet. A revolution is likely on the way, finds Andrew Catchpole.

Loire leaps up in UK exports but still has far to go

Published: 04 November, 2019

Wine producers are making concerted efforts to convince consumers to fall in love with their region. By Lisa Riley

Digital frontiers

Published: 30 October, 2019

Excel spreadsheets and WhatsApping account reps should be a thing of the past, say the brains behind OnStock, a new online ordering platform for the UK bar trade from the Vanquish and 31Dover team, as Jo Gilbert reports.

Sherry and the pacemakers

Published: 28 October, 2019

Young drinkers have shunned Sherry for years, writes Andrew Catchpole. But premium styles are winning them over.

Branded outlets thriving in difficult marketplace

Published: 23 October, 2019

The MCA Restaurant Report 2019 shows there are gains to be had in a troubled market for restaurants prepared to double down and focus on quality. Jo Gilbert wades in