Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Christmas Report: Champagne still a staple at any Christmas table

Published: 05 December, 2014

When it comes to celebrating in the Champagne category it pays to have a story, to be different and to stand out from the competition.

Logistics: Challenges that are currently facing logistics providers

Published: 05 December, 2014

Logistics represents a major investment for most companies. But leaders in the field must be aware of issues within the wine industry as well as the wider world, and also offer customers flexibility.

Why Greek wine deserves to be taken seriously

Published: 14 November, 2014

Greece recently celebrated its "Ohi Day" ("No" day) on October 28 to mark the time when in 1940 the then Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, rejected Benito Mussolini's ultimatum to march troops through Greece. In 2014, much is being said about how Greeks need to say "no" to corruption, which has contributed to the country's on-going economic crisis.

Kingland's journey from a contract packer to full-service wine supplier

Published: 12 November, 2014

In recent years Kingsland has grown from a contract packer into a full-service wine supplier and its worked hard in last 20 years to reposition itself.

DWCC 2014: why everyone in wine needs to know how to communicate effectively

Published: 12 November, 2014

The annual DWCC event is no longer just for bloggers, but has become essential for anyone involved in wine communications. When it comes to communications we really are all in it together, summed up Jancis Robinson MW after three days of the seventh annual Digital Wine Communications Conference in Montreux, Switzerland.

Bordeaux Buyers Roundtable: What leading on and off-trade players are looking for from Bordeaux

Published: 11 November, 2014

In light of its new global advertising campaign, launched last month, which looks to reposition Bordeaux as a region producing wines for all tastes and occasions, several leading buyers and consultants come together to truly assess Bordeaux's position in the UK trade.

TescoGate Analysis: Tesco woes go from bad to worse

Published: 11 November, 2014

The cat is still well and truly among the pigeons at Tesco. Following its £263 million profits overstatement, suspension of head wine honcho Dan Jago, along with seven other senior executives, and the current investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, every little has not helped.

Christmas Report: time for big hitting whisky brands to shine

Published: 10 November, 2014

The whisky companies have been unveiling their big-hitting Christmas whiskies at a flurry of consumer shows in recent weeks, writes Dominic Roskrow, and it's clear that they're keen to cash in on the sector's current popularity by extending its appeal to new drinkers and attempting to be all things to all people.

Christmas Report: how rum is spicing things up

Published: 10 November, 2014

Like the other spirit categories, the growth in rum is mainly driven by the premium sector. Spiced rum that is the latest big thing, with sales growing by more than 21% year on year, making it worth an annual £80m. It appears to be particularly popular in Scotland, where it accounts for over 21% of value sales, and at the younger end of the market, while well-aged rums are finding favour with a more discerning, 30-plus audience. Helen Arnold reports.

Christmas Report: how vodka can drive festive profits

Published: 10 November, 2014

Vodka commands the lion's share of the spirits sector, with over 30% of total sales; not only is it the most widely drunk spirit in the UK, but it is outstripping the overall spirits sector, with annual growth of 4.4%. Helen Arnold reports.

Christmas Report: why wine has reasons to be merry

Published: 10 November, 2014

It's that time again. With more than a third of wine sales coming through in the 12 weeks of Christmas, the trade is nervously checking the weather forecast and gauging the mood among consumers as shoppers prepare to fill their stockings, writes Gemma McKenna.

France Summit Debate: UK trade leaders on how to get the most out of France

Published: 10 November, 2014

Harpers.co.uk talks with leaders of the trade at France Summit 2014 to see how France is working for them and how they are making the most of their French wine offerings.

Can Booths leave its mark on the rest of the UK?

Published: 07 November, 2014

With strong sales growth across beers, wines and spirits, Booths continues to show the way forward in the north of England. But what can it teach the rest of the country? Andrew Don investigates

How Russian entrpreneurs are driving London's jet set to destination wine stores and restaurants

Published: 07 November, 2014

If you literally have it all, where do you go and spend it? As Glynn Davis discovers, there is a new mini club of entrepreneurs with the pockets and contact books to attract the best wines and richest customers

Christmas Report: why premium spirits are key for festive sales

Published: 07 November, 2014

Premium spirits are a crucial selling feature of the festive season. Helen Arnold explains why:

France Summit Report: How France is performing globally and online

Published: 07 November, 2014

Tim Wilson of the Wilson Drinks Report, Anne Burchett of Sopexa and Jon Rebuck of Winesdirect offer their insights and views on the latest trends surrounding French wines in the on and off-trades at France Summit 2014.

Gerard Basset, Hal Wilson and Kathrine Larsen lead France Summit masterclasses

Published: 07 November, 2014

Hal Wilson co-owner of Cambridge Wine Merchants, Gerard Basset and UK Sommelier of the year 2014 Kathrine Larsen led masterclasses at last month's Harpers France Summit that looked at trends and what sort of wines were appropriate for the independent wine merchant and premium on-trade sectors.

France Summit Report: Are French producers adapting to the UK consumer?

Published: 07 November, 2014

How well is the French wine industry adapting to suit the needs of the UK trade and consumer? That was the question posed to some of the UK's leading French importers, on-trade operators and producers themselves at Harpers' second annual France Summit.

Suppliers and indpendents unite for Best Practice debate

Published: 07 November, 2014

To help independents and suppliers work together more effectively Harpers hosted an open trade debate to see the difference the Best Practice Guidelines are having on day-to-day business.

TescoGate Special Report: how will retailers and suppliers work together in the future

Published: 17 October, 2014

Leading analysts and trade experts are divided over whether the Tesco accounting scandal will have ramifications for the wider trade. Some say there will be "no change whatsoever" in the retail landscape, while others say the change will be "seismic".