Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Consumer interest in no and low products surging

Published: 05 January, 2022

One in three UK drinkers now regularly choose low or no alcohol brands, according to a new survey commissioned by the Portman Group.

IWSR report: E-commerce to grow exponentially in three years

Published: 08 December, 2021

The total value of the e-commerce sector in headline markets is expected to grow at an unprecedented rate between 2022-2025, according to the IWSR.

Bonterra achieves 'Climate Neutral' certification for its entire business

Published: 30 November, 2021

Californian brand Bonterra has laid claim to being the world's first organically-farmed, climate neutral certified wine.

Friday read: Prosecco DOC Rosé's future prospects

Published: 26 November, 2021

After years of intense lobbying by producers, the Prosecco Consortium finally allowed blended sparkling wine styles to be bottled under the 'Prosecco DOC Rosé' designation in 2020. Exports began in November last year, although there have been reports of a Pinot Noir shortage in 2021. Nevertheless, the category has got off to a flying start, with buoyant sales and an enthusiastic consumer reception. But how sustainable is this growth, and will it affect sales of 'ordinary' Prosecco?

Retail's great reboot: The future to 2030 and beyond

Published: 26 November, 2021

Euromonitor’s Commerce 2040: The Future of the Store in a Digital World report envisions a seamlessly blended on and offline shopping experience, with major inventory shifts making way for value added experiences in store that keep consumers coming back for more. Jo Gilbert reports

English fizz's bawdy move

Published: 17 November, 2021

A month or so ago, I attended two eye-catching, if very different, launches. Both were from Bibendum Wine: the UK debut of former Dom Pérignon chef de cave Richard Geoffroy’s sake; and an unorthodox new English sparkling wine, with the charming name Harlot.

Long read: Chasing formats isn't enough for the Instagram generation

Published: 15 November, 2021

In the past decade, regular wine consumption among 18-34 year olds has fallen by 10% (Wine Intelligence), which could indicate trouble for the sector in the future. Alex Green, co-founded wine distributor Beyond Wines after working with business partner Matt Johnson at Copestick Murray where they worked on i heart and Freixenet. Here, he explores why wine brands are failing to engage the younger demographic and where they stand to make the biggest wins.

Young consumers set to embrace Christmas trading

Published: 02 November, 2021

Young adults are set to embrace pubs, bars and restaurants for Christmas celebrations, but older people may be more hesitant about eating and drinking out, new research from CGA has revealed.

Christmas 2021: An optimistic appraisal

Published: 27 October, 2021

The British tabloids have spoken: Christmas 2021 is unlikely to yield much festive cheer. Unfortunately, this isn’t simply press hyperbole – the UK’s food industry is under enormous pressure, while retail supply chains continue to be stymied by a lack of HGV drivers.

Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released a set of data in September which confirmed that the on-trade staffing crisis has not abated. “Sourcing staff has been one of our biggest challenges since we reopened,” says Avinash Shashidhara, head chef at Pali Hill restaurant in London.

WSTA makes further calls for duty freeze

Published: 19 October, 2021

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is again calling on the Government to freeze alcohol duty as consumers face record high prices over the festive period.

Long Read: Will vogue for organic grow beyond pandemic?

Published: 07 October, 2021

The organic market, along with its wine and beer subdivision, swelled during the past year, but whether this was a spur-of-the-moment spike driven merely by the pandemic remains to be seen. Callum Saunders, planning director at Zeal Creative, dives into the UK trend to explore whether organic wine and beer is set to be a staple in the drinks sector.

A third of consumers to stockpile drink and food products for Christmas

Published: 06 October, 2021

A third (34%) of consumers either have or are considering purchasing food and drink for Christmas before the end of October, new research has revealed.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Do you mind being lied to?

Published: 30 September, 2021

I have never been to The Sportsman pub in Seasalter near Whitstable on the Kent coast. The loss is all mine. Described as “a grotty rundown pub by the sea” it has held a Michelin star since 2008 thanks to the efforts of chef-patron Stephen Harris. I haven’t met Stephen either, but like others who have eaten at Noble Rot’s restaurant in London’s Bloomsbury, I have benefited from his skills in the kitchen. He became executive chef of NR at the outset, overseeing menus that have satisfied customers since day one.

CGA: Digital consumerism continues to accelerate post-Covid

Published: 28 September, 2021

New research undertaken by CGA Strategy and a global reputation management firm has revealed the importance of maintaining a robust digital presence in the pandemic era, with consumers increasingly focusing on social media reputations – and peer review sites – before planning a night out.

Lockdown accelerated Champagne's growth in mainland China

Published: 14 September, 2021

Demand for Champagne has risen dramatically in mainland China over the past 12 months, according to market expert Lei Meng.

Soapbox: Zero clarity threatens the future of no and low

Published: 12 August, 2021

In an extended soapbox this month, Vickie Rogerson, MD of specialist food and drink communications agency North PR and former head of food and BWS PR at Asda, makes the case for radically improved no and low alcohol labelling.

Oeno opens fine wine oasis in City of London

Published: 12 July, 2021

Fine wine investment company OenoGroup is opening a “multi-functional boutique” dedicated to wine in the heart of London’s financial district.

Long read: Will this be the decade the wine industry ditches glass?

Published: 24 June, 2021

Émilie Steckenborn, sommelier, education consultant and creator of the Bottled in China podcast, delves into the wine industry’s reliance on often coloured, non-recyclable glass while giving the lowdown on this year’s biggest sustainable launches.

Long Read: Pushing quality South America

Published: 17 June, 2021

Condor Wines marked its 10th anniversary this June with its South American Discovery Sessions, looking at how far the wines had come in a decade and what the next 10 years might hold for Latin America’s collective vinous offering.

Hospitality predicted to bounce back and exceed 2019 sales in 2022

Published: 10 June, 2021

The total eating and drinking out market is expected to see 44.7% YOY growth in 2022, the equivalent value of almost £92bn and surpassing its 2019 value growth as pent up demand is set to give the sector a boost in its recovery from the pandemic.