Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Demand for Rhône whites grows as appellation diversifies offering

Published: 02 July, 2025

Rhône Valley white wines saw a 3% growth in demand in 2024 compared to 2023, with 5% growth seen compared to a three-year average.

Moving the tanker: How the Rhône is changing course

Published: 27 June, 2025

I doubt many of us have actually been called on to adjust the course of a mighty oil tanker at sea, nevertheless, we understand the notion of the time and effort required to do such a thing. This is, metaphorically, what the Rhône is attempting to do now. According to agricultural body FranceAgrimer, red wine consumption in France has halved over the past 30 years.

France battles on: The latest stats

Published: 26 June, 2025

French wine on-trade sales have taken a hit over the past year, though bright spots are present, with a strong showing in the off-trade for Gallic labels by contrast. Off-trade performance is partly spurred by French sparkling – according to Kantar’s Take Home Purchase Panel the category grew 24% and 4.6% in terms of volume and value respectively over the past five years – the diverging figures potentially illustrating the promise of categories such as Crémant.

Classic and lesser-known wines drive the Loire’s appeal

Published: 25 June, 2025

The Loire remains one of France’s greatest export success stories: a touchstone for fresh, vibrant and multifaceted wines that pair irresistibly and effortlessly with food. Moreover, in a zeitgeist where ‘cost-of-living crisis’ has become part of the everyday lexicon, the region stands out for offering consistently high quality at reasonable prices. For the independent sector – where delivering value has never been more crucial – that’s a combination not to be overlooked.

Loire exports outperform French average in 2024

Published: 11 June, 2025

In its 2024 export report, Vins de Loire revealed that the popular region’s exports grew +5% and +5.9% in terms of volume and value, respectively. The total value of Loire exports reached €200mn, its highest level since 2000. France as a whole, by contrast, only saw a +0.7% uptick in terms of total export volume.

Harpers announces Bordeaux Sustainable Winemaking webinar

Published: 07 May, 2025

Harpers Wine & Spirit is delving into the secrets of sustainability success in one of France’s best-known wine regions with an unmissable webinar on Friday 23 May from 10.30-11.30.

Sustainability Report: on the ground in France

Published: 02 May, 2025

France has become one of the leaders in sustainability protocols in the 21st century, with its myriad regions now producing a network of best-practice roadmaps which can be used in the wine world’s global fight against climate change.

Yapp expansion comes to the fore at autumn tasting

Published: 18 September, 2024

Yapp Brothers showed the full breadth of its portfolio at 67 Pall Mall this week, just months after a major move to new premises which not only doubled the size of its HQ, but has trebled the business’s capacity.

Five minutes with Thibault Lavergne, Wine Story

Published: 05 March, 2024

Andrew Catchpole caught up with Thibault Lavergne of Wine Story at Vin, London’s leading French tasting, to find out what makes this specialist importer tick

French champions recognised for UK service

Published: 07 February, 2024

Daniel Lambert Wines, Waitrose and The Wine Society were among some of the big winners at The French Champion Awards organised and hosted by Business France.

Profile: Les Grand Chais de France

Published: 16 November, 2023

France’s leading producer remains very much a family affair, bucking the notion that big is staid. Andrew Catchpole discovers more.

Jump into the world of French wine at VIN

Published: 06 January, 2023

The UK trade is being invited to uncork some of France’s best kept secrets alongside enduring favourites at VIN, next month’s trade tasting event, which will bring together 50 producers and importers.

VinoVirtual launches for UK trade

Published: 04 January, 2023

French wine & spirits trading platform VinoVirtual is bringing its innovative marketplace specifically to UK buyers in 2023 for the first time, with a number of inaugural sessions taking place across January and February.

Vins de Provence rosés: sales rise by 9% in 2021

Published: 28 March, 2022

After a 6% drop in 2020, winery sales bounced back by 9% last year, according to data released by the Provence Wine Council (CIVP). The recovery is mainly due to good export figures, fuelled by booming European markets, and increased sales in channels such as wine merchants and hospitality outlets.

France performs against the odds

Published: 30 September, 2021

France has emerged from the pandemic in rude health with the “staggering” performance of rosé and impressive bounce-back from Champagne only representing the tip of what this wine powerhouse has to offer, as Jo Gilbert reports.

Pol Roger Portfolio adds Domaine Vacheron

Published: 11 August, 2021

Pol Roger Portfolio, the subsidiary of Champagne Pol Roger, has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of Domaine Vacheron taking effect from next week (16 August).