Independents - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Indies: Fighting fit?

Published: 17 January, 2022

Adaptability has been key for indies that have sought not just to survive, but to thrive, as Angela Mount reports.

With sustainability roaring back to the top of the agenda, Harpers surveyed the indie sector to discover what demonstrable initiatives, innovations and actions leading merchants have implemented on their green journey.

Vindependents launches Groupage Europe to overcome Brexit challenges

Published: 04 November, 2021

Vindependents has managed to cut transit time from Europe to the UK from six weeks to two weeks, while shaving 20% off transports costs by launching a new a warehouse and distribution company in South-West France.

Increased supplier costs for SMEs as price of raw materials rack up

Published: 02 November, 2021

Supply chain issues and increasing costs have impacted small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country with four out of five (79%) revealing they have faced increased prices from suppliers over the past six months.

Autumn Budget is ‘double-edged sword’ for independent retailers

Published: 28 October, 2021

Business rates and the national minimum wage represent a ‘double-edged sword’ for independents retailers, the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) has claimed.

Building a wine subscription model

Published: 25 October, 2021

The traditional wine club has gone online and re-emerged as a strong subscription proposition for businesses of all shapes and sizes, as Jo Gilbert reports from Harpers’ SITT panel discussion.

Wines of Germany launches Retailer Partners competition

Published: 27 September, 2021

Wines of Germany has launched an innovative scheme to encourage UK independents to spread the word about Germany’s vinous offering.

Lay & Wheeler expands team as part of plans for growth

Published: 23 September, 2021

Lay & Wheeler is expanding its buying team with the appointment of Beth Pearce MW, who will help to grow the business’s portfolio, and Liz Cobbold who has joined in the newly created role of marketing director.

UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021: The Top 10

Published: 09 September, 2021

Welcome to the final release instalment of our UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021, featuring the chart-topping Top 10, along with all of those that have made it into the ranking this year.

UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021: 11-20

Published: 09 September, 2021

Welcome to the release of our fourth tranche of our 50 Best Indies list, from 11-20, also featuring all of those that have made it into the ranking from 21-50.

UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021: 21-30

Published: 08 September, 2021

Welcome to the release of our third tranche of our 50 Best Indies list, from 21-30, also featuring all of those that have made it into the ranking from 31-50.

UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021: 31-50

Published: 07 September, 2021

Welcome to the release of our second tranche of our 50 Best Indies list, from 31-40, also featuring all of those that have made it into the 31-50 ranking so far.

Register for our 50 Best Indies Top 10 live countdown

Published: 02 September, 2021

Harpers UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021 results are primed to be revealed throughout this coming week, with the final, live Top 10 countdown taking place on Friday 10 September from 11am.

Natural wine experts launch wine school

Published: 04 August, 2021

Provisions, the north London natural wine experts and cheese specialist, is launching its own wine school.

Berry Bros & Rudd to build largest private client facility in Europe

Published: 02 August, 2021

London-based fine wine merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd is drastically expanding its capabilities for private clients with plans to build a new state-of-the-art warehouse which can hold up to 14 million bottles.

Selling independence

Published: 02 August, 2021

With on-trade reopening still disrupted, Andrew Catchpole assesses the impact and opportunities for indies’ wholesale operations.

Cambridge Wine launches inaugural Veni Vidi Bibi charity event

Published: 14 July, 2021

Cambridge Wine Merchants is organising a charity wine dinner in Cambridge at the beginning of September, loosely based on La Paulée, held annually in Burgundy and others places around the world.

Wines of Portugal promo boosts independent sales

Published: 08 July, 2021

Wines of Portugal is reportting sales uplift of +286% in volume and +300% in value at participating retailers that were specially selected for June’s month-long promotion.

North South Wines secures ‘AA Grade’

Published: 07 July, 2021

North South Wines has been awarded an ‘AA Grade’ – the highest rating possible for an announced audit – after it was assessed against the BRCGS Global Standard for Agents and Brokers.