News - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Ribera del Duero completes milestone vintage

Published: 12 December, 2022

Ribera del Duero celebrated its fortieth harvest this year, picking the last grape on 12 November.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Phil Innes, Loki Wines

Published: 12 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Phil Innes, founder and MD of Loki Wines, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Losh and Goode blend Chenin from SA and Loire

Published: 11 December, 2022

Few would deny that Chenin Blanc is one of the world’s greats when it comes to grape varieties, but most would recognise that it sits far behind the likes of Chardonnay and Sauvignon in terms of recognition. Chenin is, of course, the de facto flagship grape of South Africa, also playing a strong role in the Loire. Here, in appellations such as Vouvray, Saumur, Angou, Savennieres, and others besides, the best – as with their Cape cousins – are world class, capable of developing great complexity while ageing for a very long time.

Turnover up, but profits down, suggests CGA on-trade report

Published: 09 December, 2022

Footfall across the hospitality sector is up on 2019 levels in Britain’s key cities, although high inflation and rail strikes remain major concerns.

Languedoc winegrowers celebrate plentiful harvest

Published: 09 December, 2022

Winemakers in the Languedoc have described the 2022 vintage as “very exciting,” despite the challenging conditions of this year.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Miles Beale, WSTA

Published: 09 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Denomination welcomes new personnel in winter reshuffle

Published: 09 December, 2022

Leading design agency Denomination has expanded its managerial team, appointing three new members to work in the firm's US, UK, and Australian offices.

Friday read: The revival of Bardolino’s crus

Published: 09 December, 2022

Few Italian wine regions have had as much of a roller coaster ride as Bardolino, nestled up against the beautiful eastern shores of Lake Garda, where wine has been made since Roman times.

Red flags for fine wine, says Liv-ex

Published: 08 December, 2022

Fine Wine provided stability amid an increasingly uncertain economic outlook in 2022, a new report from Liv-ex has revealed. However, as renewed investment and speculation pushed prices, analysts have been left wondering whether the ‘Covid era boom’ has run its course.

Harpers Design Awards 2022: The results

Published: 08 December, 2022

Judging the package, rather than the liquid within, is always an eye-opening and interesting exercise, and this year’s Harpers Design Awards once again delivered some sublime entries worthy of celebration. Andrew Catchpole dips in.

The era of economic moderation is here, as inflation finally bites

Published: 07 December, 2022

Premiumisation was an ongoing trend in wines and spirits during the first half of 2022 as consumers leaned into little luxuries, new data has revealed. However, as we teeter on the brink of global recession, it is increasingly clear that consumers are holding back on their drinks purchases – a trend that could be particularly acute in the UK, where both intensifying economic gloom and rising inflation is threatening to ‘derail premiumisation’.

Hallgarten Wines embarks on search for third ‘HeadStart’ Apprentice

Published: 07 December, 2022

Specialist wine importer, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, is once again on the hunt for a ‘HeadStart’ Apprentice.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Owen Morgan, 44 Group

Published: 07 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Owen Morgan, director of 44 Group, which includes Cardiff’s seminal Bar 44, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Bibendum predicts its top 10 drinks trends for 2023

Published: 07 December, 2022

Based on research conducted by Proof Insight, Bibendum has compiled its list of top 10 trends to look out for in 2023.

Viña Concha y Toro begins planting 'Grapevines 2.0'

Published: 06 December, 2022

Eight years since the launch of Viña Concha y Toro's Centre for Research and Innovation, the first of its climate change ‘resistant’ vines have been planted

Restaurant owners forced to borrow 12% more than last year

Published: 05 December, 2022

The amount restaurant owners are borrowing to keep their own businesses afloat has increased 12% in the past year, from £377 million in 2020/21, to over £424 million in 2021/22, says Mazars, the audit, tax and advisory firm.

Fine Wines Direct UK announces two new appointments

Published: 05 December, 2022

A regular finalist in Harpers best UK wholesaler, Fine Wines Direct UK has added two high-profile names to its sales team.

First South African crop estimate indicates smaller 2023 harvest

Published: 05 December, 2022

South African viticulturists and producer cellars are predicting a smaller 2023 wine grape crop following a “healthy, yet dry season.”

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Sam Thackeray, Enotria & Coe

Published: 05 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Sam Thackeray, MD of Enotria & Coe, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead

Consumer spending in pubs, restaurants and takeaways down since start of pandemic

Published: 02 December, 2022

The average amount consumers spend each month in restaurants, takeaways and pubs has fallen since the start of the pandemic, with restaurants the hardest hit, new research has found.

An independent survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Peckwater Brands, claims rising inflation and energy costs have reduced consumer spending, leaving hospitality businesses at risk.

Restaurants have seen the highest drop-off in consumer spending since the start of 2020, down 16% from £58.90 per person per month to £49.30. Spending in pubs fell 14.6% from £47.90 to £40.90, while spending on takeaways saw the lowest reduction, falling just 10% from £47.70 to £42.30.

While the cost-of-living crisis continues to loom large, the majority (63%) of UK adults surveyed said they still consider takeaways a treat they look forward to, with 34% intending to continually get them regularly (at least once per month) with 33% budgeting for this expense.