Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Social sustainability: The need to spotlight working conditions globally

Published: 28 November, 2025

Marcos Carol looks proud as he describes the changes in the village of Tilimuqui, north west Argentina, since his La Riojana wine co-operative became Fairtrade certified in 2006. The Fairtrade premium has helped fund a new running water system, a health centre, a new secondary school and 50 scholarships for the children of growers. It’s just one example of wine industry efforts to address ‘social sustainability’ – its ethical responsibility to the people who work in it and buy its products. And at a moment when concerns around the environmental impact of wine already have a high profile, social sustainability is fast moving up the agenda.

Harpers Webinar sign up: meet those with ‘A Seat at the Table’

Published: 14 April, 2025

With just over a week to go until Harpers ‘A Seat at the Table – Elevating Voices in the Drinks Industry’ webinar (Wednesday 23 April 11.00am – 12.00pm), there’s still time to sign up and benefit from the collective experience of our industry experts below.

Sustainability Report: A social affair

Published: 27 April, 2023

From staff welfare to attracting employees, by way of putting back into the community, ethical concerns are ever higher on the agenda. Andrew Catchpole reports.