Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The pros and cons of importing direct

Published: 29 November, 2017

Bypassing the traditional middleman can be tempting for indie merchants says Chris Wilson, who looks at the highs and lows of importing direct.

The Pack Outsider

Published: 27 November, 2017

Wine is thinking inside the box again when it comes to new formats, recognising that consumers want both smaller and more sharing possibilities. By Lisa Riley

Upmarket Champagne bucks downward sales trend

Published: 27 November, 2017

The Great British love affair with Champagne has been waning – except at the premium end. James Lawrence reports

Connecting with Generation Z

Published: 24 November, 2017

A new generation coming up behind the Millennials is presenting new challenges to the drinks trade. Andrew Catchpole reports from the Global Drinks Forum in Berlin

Learning from China

Published: 23 November, 2017

Jo Gilbert looks at the opportunity for wine among the world’s biggest online consumer group and its growing appetite for western provenance

Team Tesco talks shop

Published: 20 November, 2017

After two years of regrouping and a recent restructure, Tesco gives Angela Mount a taste of what’s to come

Crémant upping the pressure

Published: 14 November, 2017

The love of sparkling has led to a spike in production in the Crémant de Bordeaux AOC and others around France. Jo Gilbert reports

South Africa chases premium ground

Published: 13 November, 2017

As South Africa strives to push innovation and quality, natural factors may just provide the tipping point for the country.

Global Drinks Forum: a taste of future on-trade trends

Published: 13 November, 2017

Immersive experiences, category blur and premium drinks were hot topics at the recent Global Drinks Forum in Berlin, where the trends shaping the on-trade were put under the spotlight.

Italian sparkler sets out its stall for more UK market share

Published: 08 November, 2017

Lombardy sparkler Franciacorta is embarking on a major push into the UK market following its 50th anniversary. Jo Gilbert reports

Climate change: The greatest threat to humanity

Published: 06 November, 2017

Extreme weather has wreaked havoc on the winemaking world this year. Jo Gilbert traces these events back to the effects of climate change and the global impact of an increasingly CO2-laden planet

Vermouth: Herbal Remedy

Published: 02 November, 2017

With quality vermouth fast gaining ground both in cocktails and as a standalone tipple, Jaq Bayles samples the trend

Languedoc standing strong

Published: 02 November, 2017

Jo Gilbert looks at how France’s leading volume producer continues to evolve and intrigue the UK market

The battle against frost

Published: 02 November, 2017

Frost is one of the greatest threats to wine producers. Jo Gilbert looks at the technology being developed to keep this unwanted vine visitor at bay

Trade prepares for premium push on Christmas wines

Published: 30 October, 2017

For most in the drinks world Christmas trade – the eight weeks or so leading up to the nation’s fuzzy wake-up call on January 1 – is a crucial period in the annual sales calendar.

Cracking fortified

Published: 25 October, 2017

As wine’s post-prandial frontrunners seek to reposition and re-engage, James Lawrence looks at how it’s being done

Ruling the high street

Published: 24 October, 2017

With its diverse own-label portfolio, Marks & Spencer is tearing ahead of its competitors.

Serendipitous Success

Published: 24 October, 2017

Swartland’s star has fast risen to prominence. Natasha Hughes MW sizes up how far it has come and where South Africa’s most exciting region is heading next