Drinks tech takeover in 2024 and 2025

Jo Gilbert rifles back through a year filled with digital breakthroughs in drinks, dominated by the march of AI, while looking forward to what 2025 may bring.

Harpers archive heads for California

One hundred and forty-five years of trade history is soon to cross The Pond, as the Harpers archive moves to a new home at UC Davis.

What the fungible?

Touted as the future of digital marketing, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) also raise huge questions around provenance, authentication and fraud, says Jo Gilbert, who takes a crypto dive.

Connected packaging could become 'main' marketing bridge to customers

More and more brands are using QR codes and smartphone apps to transform simple packaging into digital experiences.

Mondavi winery to release new vinous art collection via blockchain

One of California's leading wine brands is poised to launch a new series of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), each one representing a porcelain magnum of Napa red.

Languedoc producer launches inaugural NFT scheme

A boutique wine label in the Languedoc Roussillon has become the first French wine brand to embrace cryptocurrency and sell digital assets via blockchain.

'OIV must embrace the digital revolution to stay relevant’

The director general of the OIV has called upon the global wine industry to more quickly embrace the opportunities afforded by new technologies, in order to stay relevant in a fiercely competitive world.

CGA: Digital consumerism continues to accelerate post-Covid

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.

31 Days of German Riesling award winners revealed

Wines of Germany has unveiled the winners of its 31 Days of German Riesling campaign, an annual event that brings all sectors of the trade together.

Bar Convent Berlin returns following Global Bar Week digital team-up

Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) is set once again to be a standalone, in-person event when it returns to Germany’s capital this year in its brand new home.

France's great digital shift

A new breed of French digital-solution companies is helping the country’s producers embrace online. Jo Gilbert reports

Technology: Power of the network

The phrase ‘content is king’ gained new meaning at this year’s LWF where two sessions focused on how runaway digital adoption rates among consumers are leading to seismic shifts around how the industry markets and sells wine. Jo Gilbert reports.

Harpers Wine & Spirit Digital Edition

First digital LWF "exceeds expectations" though numbers fall

LWF: Digital efficiencies helping with the big three – content flow, stock flow, cash flow

A mental shift around harnessing digital capabilities and automation this year has moved businesses towards stock management systems that free up time and capital to focus on sharing information and storytelling with customers.

Digital strategies and synergies continue to rise in importance as businesses physically reopen

Online services continue to grow in importance, key sources have highlighted this week, as online retail sales continue to strengthen despite physical stores reopening, and as digital strategies and e-booking becomes more important than ever for bars and restaurants re-launching to demob-happy crowds.

Preview: London Wine Fair 2021 heads online

The 40th London Wine Fair (LWF) is set to be a digital event this year, boasting a range of tastings, industry sessions, one-to-one meetings with winemakers and networking opportunities.

Tech & innovation: Seismic shifts

We’re on the cusp of a new and advanced tech-fuelled era for hospitality as the on-trade begins to reopen, says Jo Gilbert.

London Wine Fair 2021 will be 100% digital

Organisers of the London Wine Fair (LWF) have discarded hopes of running a Covid-secure physical event and have now confirmed a virtual only schedule.

2021 Events guide

James Lawrence rounds up the highlights of the coming year’s events calendar