Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Beyond the Tejo

Published: 16 October, 2019

Jo Gilbert digs deep into the vinous roots of southern Portugal to discover how three decades of investment continues to unearth indigenous gems.

Vegan wine: the good stuff

Published: 14 October, 2019

The number of vegans in the UK has doubled in the last two years. But is the wine trade doing enough to cater to this exploding demographic, asks Lisa Riley?

Going full circle

Published: 11 October, 2019

Andrew Caillard MW talks Chris Losh through the complex web of trends shaping the winemaking scene Down Under

Aldi: from zero to hero

Published: 09 October, 2019

From outcast to underdog to winner of international awards, Aldi continues to beat expectations with a new buying hub in Austria and a range of online premium exclusives. Jo Gilbert reports

Brandies: unleashing a spirit of adventure

Published: 04 October, 2019

Grape spirits really don’t get a fair deal in UK bars, where even Cognac and Armagnac rarely receive the shelf space or cocktail list presence their global reputations deserve. Grapes are grown and distilled in dozens of other places around the world, but those brandies are largely overlooked as well.

Tech: Bringing AI to independents

Published: 02 October, 2019

How can smaller stores compete with the sprawling technology departments and deep machine learning capabilities of giants such as Amazon and Walmart? NextOrbit’s small business networks might provide an answer, writes Jo Gilbert

The sipping forecast

Published: 30 September, 2019

Modern brands are looking beyond mixing in search of a brighter future, says Nigel Huddleston

Championing Chile

Published: 25 September, 2019

There have been plenty of emerging highlights, but Chile stills needs to push its premium offerings says Andrew Catchpole.

Upping your festive game

Published: 23 September, 2019

Spirits and wine are set to receive a healthy dose of Christmas cheer this festive season – if operators can capitalise on premium trends.

Rising to the occasion

Published: 23 September, 2019

Global challenges remain but malts and modern brands have given whisky producers a new spirit of quiet confidence, says Tom Bruce-Gardyne

March of the crèmants

Published: 18 September, 2019

Over the past decade, the UK sparkling wine market has increasingly become a tale of two sparklers.

Social media gives indies plenty of likes

Published: 18 September, 2019

The rapid pace of tech evolution means merchants have even more to gain from platforms in the future says Lisa Riley

Gastro pubs: The challenges and joys of getting a pub wine list right

Published: 17 September, 2019

With the vast majority of pubs in the UK part of a chain where buying decisions on everything from beer and wine to crisps and peanuts are sanctioned by the chain’s owners, it can be very hard for wine merchants and importers to get an in, especially on the ground rather than in a boardroom setting.

Christmas indie predictions: trends and top tips for the festive season

Published: 17 September, 2019

Speaking to independent merchants on the September tasting circuit it’s clear that their minds have already turned to Christmas and what is for them the busiest time of the year.

Cider aligns with wine

Published: 16 September, 2019

A new association aiming to promote cider’s quality credentials is putting it side-by-side with wine. Jo Gilbert looks at how it holds up

Prosecco’s new hue

Published: 12 September, 2019

A new Prosecco style is poised to launch, but has it already missed the boat? Giles Fallowfield weighs up the pink fizz’s chances

China’s rules of engagement

Published: 11 September, 2019

With 32 million regular drinkers of imported wine between the ages of 18 and 54, and a potential 398 million untapped, China offers tantalising opportunities for exporters. Jo Gilbert dives in

Working in harmony

Published: 10 September, 2019

English and Welsh vineyards are joining forces to promote their wines and are on track to meet an export value of £350m in 20 years’ time. Lisa Riley reports

Roundtable: Pinotage catches up

Published: 05 September, 2019

South Africa has undergone Darwinian-levels of evolution over the past decade. Where the country – and its flagship varietal – goes from here formed the crux of Harpers’ recent roundtable in association with Kumala Wines. Jo Gilbert hosted the debate.

Ask an indie: Hal Wilson thinks pink

Published: 04 September, 2019

Everyone may be banging on about orange wine at the moment, but let’s face it, there’s only one colour that’s flying of the shelves at this time of year – pink