Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Liberty report: Indies steal a march on supermarkets

Published: 04 December, 2024

Liberty Wines’ first ever Independent Off-Trade Wine Report paints a cautiously optimistic picture for the future. Jo Gilbert reports

Bibendum predicts top wine trends

Published: 04 December, 2024

Bibendum Wine has outlined a series of consumer trends likely to influence buying behaviour in 2025, compiling data from its ‘Wine MODE’ tool, in addition to analysis from Bidendum's in-house insights team.

Italian fine wine resilient as Burgundy faces significant decline

Published: 04 December, 2024

A new report by Wine Cap suggests that investors are prioritising Super Tuscans over Chambertin, with modest declines in price compared to the most prestigious blue chip Burgundies.

OIV reflects on a century in the glass for centenary milestone

Published: 02 December, 2024

The wine industry has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past 100 years, from a Eurocentric production hub to a globally diversified and internationally traded commodity which is now looking ahead to the second half of the decade as part of its strategic plan.

Leading Stellenbosch producer acquires Overhex Wines’ portfolio

Published: 02 December, 2024

Origin Wine has purchased the entire brand portfolio of Overhex Wines, a Worcester-based outfit that was set up 18 years ago by Gerhard van der Wath.

Sustainability Report: Social responsibility at the cellar door

Published: 29 November, 2024

Andrew Catchpole shares highlights from Harpers’ recent Bibendum-partnered webinar on the human side of sustainability.

California set for ‘memorable vintage’ following fast-paced growing season and harvest

Published: 28 November, 2024

The 2024 California harvest got off to an early start in many regions following a rainy winter, a cool spring and a warm summer during a year which has left a lasting impression on vintners, the California Wine Institute said.

Bar 44 expands no & low offer to meet rising demand

Published: 25 November, 2024

Award-winning Spanish restaurant group Bar 44 has significantly expanded its portfolio of no & low beverages, including new wines, beers and a 'Lilt Sangria' at 0% ABV.

International Alliance for Responsible Drinking exceeds safeguarding target

Published: 22 November, 2024

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a collective of some of the world’s biggest alcohol producers, has surpassed its 2024 goal of embedding rigorous digital safeguards across thousands of brands worldwide.

Rhône Valley producers optimistic despite 'Homeric vintage' in 2024

Published: 18 November, 2024

As the dust settles on another roller coaster vintage, winemakers across the Rhône Valley are nonetheless confident that their wines will showcase “fruit, tension and balance” - as much for white wines as for reds and rosés.

Friday read: Embracing Costières de Nîmes

Published: 08 November, 2024

Costières de Nîmes is the last hurrah of the Rhône valley, between the Camargue and the vineyards of Provence in one direction, and the start of the long sweep of the Languedoc in the other. The vineyards sit southeast of Nîmes, a city whose Roman roots are near the surface.

Friday read: Lago di Garda, Gropello Gentile and Italy’s most memorable rosato

Published: 01 November, 2024

Italy’s wine reputation has never been higher. Many of its reds from Tuscany and Piedmont are well established icons, its whites get better each year, whilst sparkling wines are also on the up with Franciacorta, Alta Langa and Oltrepo Pavese increasingly appealing to higher end consumers tired of Prosecco.

Armenia: A rising Caucasus star?

Published: 25 October, 2024

This mountainous former Soviet republic in the south Caucasus has long traditions of Christianity and hospitality, and an ancient wine culture that dates back Millenia. It also has outstanding territorial issues and has recently endured conflict and has a large neighbour with whom it has a history of bad relations. The country is modernising but also grappling with corruption, bureaucracy and cronyism. Its shrinking population is mitigated to some degree by returning former emigres, who are active in a revitalising a wine industry where traditions and indigenous grape varieties are being rediscovered, with winemakers aiming for wines that appeal to a modern palate rather than a typical Russian one.

SA delivers first female OIV president drawn from Africa

Published: 21 October, 2024

South Africa’s wine industry is basking in a moment of pride having had one of its number announced as president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

South Africa hopeful of recovery after ‘challenging’ 2024 harvest

Published: 15 October, 2024

After a difficult 2024 season, which was characterised by floods, frost and strong winds, South African wine producers are optimistic about the 2025 harvest.

Friday Read: Gerard Bertrand’s rosé tinted Temple

Published: 11 October, 2024

Clos du Temple, three words that spell close to £200 for consumers of fine rosé wines. So, when the opportunity came to see behind the curtain (literally) of one of the world’s most expensive wines, during harvest, and to taste the latest vintage; I was tickled pink.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024: The full rundown

Published: 04 October, 2024

Harpers’ round up of the leading UK wine, beer and spirits suppliers has landed once again, featuring the best in the business. Drawn from a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, these are the companies that our judges deemed to have gone the extra mile in terms of quality of service and portfolio, plus much else besides. And their inclusion in this list is a celebration of that professionalism and attention to detail.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 ranking: 10-1 revealed

Published: 04 October, 2024

Welcome to the final reveal of our Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024, featuring the Top 10 businesses in the UK.

Jerry Lockspeiser: What are we in business for?

Published: 03 October, 2024

Two contrasting news stories caught my attention last month. The first featured the largest ever gathering of the B Corp movement. Held in Oxford the B Corp Festival brought together people from a growing community of over 2000 UK companies who have embraced its key objective – that business should be a force for good. B stands for Benefit. The slogan is People, Planet, Profit. The ethos is that all stakeholders – internal and external – should benefit from what a business does and how it does it.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 ranking: 20-11 revealed

Published: 03 October, 2024

This week marks the unveiling of our Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 results, singling out and celebrating the best in the business when it comes to supplying wines, spirits and beers.