Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Insights: Mediterranean wines appeal rises as consumers become more adventurous

Published: 12 February, 2016

The search for the new and interesting is upping the ante for Greece, Croatia, Lebanon and Turkey. Justin Keay reports

Analysis: Conviviality brings Matthew Clark business into the fold

Published: 12 February, 2016

The impact of Conviviality's acquisition of Matthew Clark is just beginning to be felt as it renegotiates with suppliers

The rise of the Drink's Consultant

Published: 10 February, 2016

Smaller drinks lists, coupled with the trend towards more casual dining, is favouring consultants over sommeliers

Q&A: Chris and Andrea Mullineux, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines

Published: 10 February, 2016

As Swartland's winemaking prowess matures, Geoffrey Dean talks to Chris and Andrea Mullineux of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines about keeping that freewheeling spirit

Insights: Is Portuguese wine finally taking hold in the UK?

Published: 10 February, 2016

Portugal ticks all the boxes when it comes to wine and yet remains under-represented on UK lists. But could it make its mark in 2016?

Insights: Independents best poised to gain if value can be returned to wine category

Published: 08 February, 2016

With supermarkets retrenching, independents stand to gain if value can be returned to the wine category

Profile: Ayo Akintola, the MD of Oddbins, looks at the future of wine retailing

Published: 08 February, 2016

UK's quirkiest retailer, Oddbins, has made a remarkable recovery in the past five years. Erin Smith talks with managing director Ayo Akintola about taking risks and what's ahead

Analysis: Concha y Toro's mission to help build Chilean wine globally

Published: 08 February, 2016

Concha y Toro, the dominant Chilean wine company, is quietly trying to change the perception of the country's wines, as it embarks on a mission to help others in order to help itself.

Insights: Lidl's successful strategy

Published: 05 February, 2016

In an exclusive interview with Lidl's BWS buyer Ben Hulme, Angela Mount explores the strategy behind the success of the discounter's wine department

Analysis: The gin craze rages on

Published: 05 February, 2016

Offering beguiling botanicals with classy cohorts to match, Alice Lascelles explores the gin and mixer revolution

The Smith Report: Tesco in the Spotlight

Published: 05 February, 2016

Following the finding by the GCA that Tesco seriously breached the Code, what does it mean for the future of the supermarket giant?

Tim Atkin MW: The story of the world's highest vineyard

Published: 05 February, 2016

In his wonderful book BAD: Or, the Dumbing of America, the late Paul Fussell developed a theory about altitude: the higher the restaurant, the worse the food.

Q&A: Peter Sisseck, Pingus

Published: 04 February, 2016

Pingus owner Peter Sisseck signed a controversial manifesto in defense of Spanish terroir challenging the dominance of the country's top DOs. Sisseck explains why a village specific approach is essential for Spain's future.

Insights: More women working in rum is helping the category thrive

Published: 04 February, 2016

The number of women in the rum industry is rising and it is happening across all levels of distilleries from top management to master blenders. The increased diversity within the workforce and at the top level is helping to build stronger businesses long-term.

Insights: Tailoring wine packaging to the consumer

Published: 03 February, 2016

Angela Mount visits Accolade Park and gets an inside look at the how the company creates and develops packaging and merchandising for today's customers.

Q&A: Leanne De Bortoli and her husband Steve Webber, De Bortoli Wines

Published: 03 February, 2016

Leanne De Bortoli and her husband Steve Webber, the chief winemaker, of the De Bortoli Wines talk about Yarra Valley wines, the 2015 vintage, anticipating consumer tastes and the UK market.

Insights: On-trade needs to embrace social media to drive footfall and sales

Published: 28 January, 2016

There is a promising shift in the role of social media in the on-trade, but are pubs and bars missing out on a lucrative sales opportunity?

Q&A: Andreas Clark, CEO, Wine Australia

Published: 28 January, 2016

Wine Australia's chief executive officer Andreas Clark at this week's London Australia Day Tasting discusses the challenges facing the UK market

Insights: How can Italy communicate its regional diversity to consumers?

Published: 26 January, 2016

After visiting last week's Borsa Vini Italiani tasting, Justin Keay asks how much the average wine enthusiast really knows about Italy?

Analysis: Catalonia's rebellious Penedès region

Published: 26 January, 2016

In Catalonia, a region that has been actively trying to secede from Spain for the last 300 years, Catalans are nothing if not determined to shake up the staus quo..