Insights: The Age of Craft Beer

'Craft beer' is enjoying a golden age, with new breweries springing up across the UK - and there's still plenty of territory left to explore.

Mike Turner: Should parents let their kids have a go at wine?

There's been a few bits and pieces in the UK press recently about parents allowing their kids to drink alcohol with them at an earlier age than 18.

Insights: Vodka's back and going premium

Vodka may have hung on to its crown in recent years, but the gin renaissance certainly tempted a few of its followers. But make no mistake: vodka is back and its returning to form with a more premium offer

Analysis: Soave has evolved

If searching for lighter white wines that are easily accessible and affordable, possessing a rich history with a signature grape variety and complex soils with the capacity to age (if given a chance), a keen shop owner or sommelier would be advised to look into the 'New Soave'.

The Smith Report: New packaging formats are getting crafty

Wine has always been resistant to any format other than the classic 75cl bottle, but it has to start relaxing its approach to move forward

Q&A: Ian Harris, Wine & Spirit Education Trust

During his 14-year stint at the helm, Ian Harris has transformed the WSET into the leading global wine education body.

Silver linings: a post-Brexit boom?

Life after the referendum may not be as bad for the hospitality business as some feared

Profile: Henry Butler, Butler's Wine Cellar

With two Brighton shops and a share in a hybrid wine bar in Hove, vino purveyor Henry Butler is the de facto wine chap about town.

Insights: Could Prosecco pricing be under pressure again this year?

Taking a look back at the Prosecco pricing bubble in 2015, ahead of this year's harvest, Harpers.co.uk investigates if it could happen again.

Analysis: Exploring the Loire

Happily for the adventurous among us the Loire Valley is brimming with epicurean opportunity. If you need an acid-fresh white or two on the list, there are plenty less familiar names than the ubiquitous Sancerre to turn to. In the hunt for alternatives, let's start with some of the more obvious choices.

Insights: Suppliers provide in-depth data reports to attract and support customers

Anecdotal evidence about on-trade trends is being replaced by much more in-depth research from suppliers, delivering an invaluable sales asset for both wholesalers and accounts.

Q&A: Andrew Shaw, group wine buying director, Conviviality PLC

Conviviality PLC operates under numerous trading identities, including its retail arms Bargain Booze and Wine Rack. Having acquired leading wholesaler Matthew Clark in 2015, Conviviality added Bibendum PLB to its armoury in May 2016, with that group already operating a multi-channel sales strategy - Bibendum focusing on the on-trade, PLB on multiple off-trade and Walker & Wodehouse looking after the independent sector.

Insights: Sake's new image

Not long ago sake was the preserve of Japanese restaurants, often low quality, cheap and served hot. But standards and times have changed with the rise in popularity of superior premium sakes.

Analysis: Liberty Wines' On-Trade 2016 report highlights opportunties in the on-trade

Ahead of its tasting later this month,  Liberty Wines' Premium On-Trade 2016 report shows where the opportunities lie in an ever-changing landscape.

Insights: The importance of a well-honed drinks list

With new openings driving fierce competition, hitting the ground running with a well-honed drinks list is key. But how is it done?

Part 1: Popularity for tequilas and mezcals in the on-trade rises

With mezcal and tequila taking off in the UK, harpers.co.uk looks at what is driving the trend in a three part series.

Greek wines make headway in the UK

Hellenic winemaking techniques have helped make Greek wine slowly make headway in the UK and helps brighten the country's prospects for the future

The Smith Report: Life beyond the back of the bar

With rising demand for on-trade consultants, bar staff now have ample opportunities out of house. At last month's Bols Business Class in Bristol leaders discussed what it takes to get started.

Q&A: Jon Usabiaga, chief winemaker, Viña Aresti

Analysis: Croatian, Slovenian and Turkish wines are offering really points of difference

Croatia, Slovenia and Turkey are increasingly recognised as fertile territory for wines offering real points of difference.