Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Main debate: What is the best way to source wine from France?

Published: 20 November, 2013

What is the most efficient way to source wine from France? Andrew Catchpole reports on the first cross-industry debate at the France Summit

Opening debate: Setting the Scene

Published: 20 November, 2013

Tackling the French wine sector in one day was always going to be a tall order, but leading figures from both the UK wine trade and its French suppliers, certainly gave it a go at the inaugural Harpers France Summit

Wine Vision's leader view: Don St Pierre Jr, ASC Fine Wines

Published: 19 November, 2013

"The US is number one at approximately 315 million cases. Of the 180 million cases consumed in China, 36 million are imported but the imported market has been growing approximately 55% a year since 2007."

Wine Vision's leader view: Simon McMurtrie, Direct Wines

Published: 19 November, 2013

"People focus more on enjoying life when they get older. Wine is part of that and if there are more people getting older, more people will be drinking wine"

Wine Vision's leader view: Paul Symington, Symington Family Estates

Published: 19 November, 2013

"Sometimes people ask me: 'Why do you sell to supermarkets?' I'm astounded by the question. If I didn't, we would have to lay off at least 80% of our staff and sack
more than 90% of our growers."

Wine Vision's leader view: Ted Baseler, ceo Ste Michelle Wine Estates

Published: 19 November, 2013

"I call our approach the 'string of pearls' - we keep each winery separate, with its own manager, its own name and winemaker. Then we have the string through the pearls which is the back-of-house admin"

Wine Vision's leader view: Christophe Salin, Domaines Barons de Rothschild

Published: 19 November, 2013

"I don't like to see amateurs getting into vineyards. They don't realise that it takes a long time for it to be profitable - as the saying goes: "How do you make a small fortune out of a vineyard? Start with a large fortune."

Biercraft brings craft beers to independent on- and off-trade

Published: 15 November, 2013

Biercraft is a new drinks distributor that hopes to offer independent wine merchants and premium restaurants the same level of service they are used to receiving from specialist wine suppliers - but for the emerging craft-beer sector.

Q&A with Col McBryde of Some Young Punks

Published: 15 November, 2013

Following a successful showing of Australia's Some Young Punks wines at Boutinot's Powerhouse tastings in Manchester, Katherine Canfield catches up with winemaker Col McBryde for the story behind the wines and their outlandish packaging

What makes British drinkers decide to go out to drink?

Published: 15 November, 2013

Businesses operating in the UK on-trade are facing many challenges in 2013, not least among which is the pressure on household income and the "cost of living" squeeze. Market data suggests downward pressure on volumes of three of the top-five core drinking categories, including standard lager and white wine.

Wine-trade leaders share vision of future

Published: 15 November, 2013

What do the world's wine leaders think of the industry's future? Gemma McKenna reports on an exclusive survey of the trade's senior figures ahead of next week's Wine Vision conference

Are we all talking a foreign language?

Published: 15 November, 2013

Effective communication is vital for an industry fighting for customers. But it means using a language consumers understand, heard October's DWCC conference in Rioja. Richard Siddle and Erin Smith report.

The Wine Society: finding strength in simplicity

Published: 15 November, 2013

Throughout its 140-year existence the Wine Society has continued to prove consistency is key. Glynn Davis discovers why it won't be appearing on the high street any time soon

Emergence of "Second World" of wine promises healthy future

Published: 15 November, 2013

As the year nears its end, the urge to look into the crystal ball and see what lies ahead becomes ever stronger. The on-trade wine category has seen some interesting developments over the last 12 months and these - along with some longer term trends - suggest a fascinating 2014 to come.

How exchange rates can predict the future of wine

Published: 15 November, 2013

Worldwide currency exchange rates continue to help shape the winners and losers in the global wine world and have played a key role in helping China become such a significant player.

Spirit Supplier Views

Published: 14 November, 2013

Views from: Gillian Gibson, global brand manager, Balblair; Roy Summers, head of category management, First Drinks; Simon van Moppes, commercial director, Pernod Ricard

Consumer reasearch session: Champagne

Published: 14 November, 2013

The 21 attendees were asked to taste seven different Champagnes and then to fill in a questionnaire, which explored their attitudes and knowledge on fizz in more detail.

Christmas Champagne

Published: 14 November, 2013

Nobody loves Champagne quite as much as the British, writes Anne Krebiehl. Françoise Peretti - director of the Champagne Bureau, the UK office of the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne - even refers to an "enduring love affair".

Champagne Supplier Views

Published: 14 November, 2013

Views from: Keith Isaac MW, general manager, Champagne de Castelnau Isaac; Andrew Steel, co-founder and director, Connoisseur Estates,

Christmas Spirits

Published: 14 November, 2013

From awkward December dalliances at the company party to toasting Christmas pudding on the big day, spirits play an important role in the 21st-century Christmas. Lucy Britner looks ahead at what tipples will be being tipped this year.