Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Packaging: Weighing up the options

Published: 30 August, 2023

With glass in the firing line and alternative packaging now routinely found in supermarkets, Jo Gilbert asks: is there a price ceiling for consumer buy-in for alt formats?

Vodka: Mainstay on the back-bar

Published: 24 August, 2023

James Bayley assesses the health of the vodka category in the wake of the great Russian boycott and notes the spirit’s premium leanings.

Tech: Wine goes heavy on sustainability

Published: 23 August, 2023

Lightweighting is often the first stop for businesses in their sustainability journey. In recent years, the industry has moved on to bigger, more holistic goals. However, innovation around changing both minds and bottle weight continues, writes Jo Gilbert.

On-trade: Edinburgh focus

Published: 21 August, 2023

As Edinburgh’s dynamic wine and food scene continues to evolve, Andrew Catchpole dips in to some of its highlights.

Santorini: Rising to the challenge

Published: 18 August, 2023

In Santorini, Jo Gilbert discovers a volcanic wonderland producing premium whites. However, winemakers face keen challenges as the price of grapes edge towards Champagne.

White grapes on the rise

Published: 16 August, 2023

Both market and climate are driving a shift in emphasis on the colour of the grape, as James Lawrence reports.

Independents: Cutting it fine

Published: 14 August, 2023

From ‘classics’ to new contenders, Chris Losh sizes the trends at the high end.

The trials and tribulations of family-run wineries

Published: 11 August, 2023

James Lawrence dives into the complex world of family-owned and run wineries to assess how they prepare for a successful (and undramatic) succession.

Insights: Crunching EU export numbers

Published: 09 August, 2023

James Bayley delves into new data to determine the shape of current EU export trends.

Multiples: Shoppers to pay price for duty

Published: 07 August, 2023

With wine duty set to increase by 20% and spirits duty by more than 10%, how might supermarkets offset these costs? James Bayley reports.

Advertisement Feature: Boosting Bergerac

Published: 04 August, 2023

Let’s collectively banish the notion that Bergerac is simply a “pleasant alternative” to Bordeaux. Indeed, the delectable wines of the south-west have their own distinct identity, notwithstanding the popularity of Cabernet Sauvignon – and Merlot – in the vineyards of the Dordogne. Yet there are key differences: the climate shows more continental flourishes than the Atlantic-influenced Gironde, for example, and there are well-drained limestone soils on higher ground. The potential to make outstanding wine in the green valleys of Bergerac is unprecedented.

Indies: Vinotopia, from box to barn

Published: 02 August, 2023

Cotswolds indie Vinotopia’s latest ‘luxury’ wine destination is a rather posh barn. Andrew Catchpole takes a peek.

Taste-Off: Coming around to Riesling

Published: 31 July, 2023

The trade returns to the Riesling conundrum time and again, but our Taste Off panel detected signs of change with respect to this consumer-bewildering variety. Andrew Catchpole reports from a lively session at 9 Vines in Hove.

Tech: Innovation on the AI spectrum

Published: 26 July, 2023

In a follow-up piece to last month’s ‘chat’ with Chat GPT, Jo Gilbert dives back into the world of generative AI, to find out more with regard to wine.

On-trade: To somm or not to somm?

Published: 24 July, 2023

Weighing up the worth of a good sommelier, Chris Losh explores the benefits they can deliver.

Low and no: Dry summer

Published: 21 July, 2023

With more people leaning towards moderation when it comes to alcohol, on-trade venues could benefit by improving their low & no options. James Bayley dissects the findings of a new KAM report.

Henry Jeffreys on premium spirits

Published: 19 July, 2023

Henry Jeffreys dives into the growing world of premium spirits and how newly elevated category heroes are creating a halo effect.

Advertisement Feature: The versatility of Rhône

Published: 19 July, 2023

One need only look to the recent La Vie en Rhône rosé tastings to see the diversity of rosés on offer across the region. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Multiples: The rise of low-intervention wine

Published: 17 July, 2023

Interest in organic and natural wine is growing. James Bayley asks why more can’t be found in supermarkets.

Advertisement Feature: Rioja Residency

Published: 14 July, 2023

A selection of age-worthy styles from recent to older decades were on full show at this recent event – a new, unbeatable showing of the region’s best wines.