Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Nigel Huddleston: Whisky business

Published: 04 January, 2023

Nigel Huddleston looks at how the spirit’s global evolution is ‘loosening the chains of tradition’.

Chianti Classico: Respect for tradition, terroir and the planet

Published: 23 December, 2022

James Lawrence looks at how Chianti Classico has evolved to build sustainable winemaking practices and rigorous tasting processes into its traditions to premiumise its wines.

Tech: Year in review

Published: 21 December, 2022

This year had its struggles, but the overwhelming response from businesses looking to meet those struggles head-on proves there has never been a more exciting time to work in the wine and spirits trade. Jo Gilbert looks back at 2022’s top technological and digital innovations.

Prosecco’s quality battles

Published: 19 December, 2022

While there is a superior classification for Prosecco, James Bayley finds that it sometimes misses the finest players.

Insights: Moderation movement

Published: 16 December, 2022

Premiumisation continues as consumers lean into little luxuries. However, the economic doldrums and rising inflation are also fanning the flames of moderation trends, writes Jo Gilbert.

Rise of discounters not a threat to established brands

Published: 14 December, 2022

James Bayley finds that despite more consumers opting for own-brand grocery products, for some multiples sales of premium drinks brands have never been stronger.

Building on bulk

Published: 12 December, 2022

With economic and environmental credentials to the fore, bulk wine is taking an increasingly premium turn, as Andrew Catchpole discovers at WBWE.

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.

Indies: Is it grim up North?

Published: 07 December, 2022

Christine Austin gives us the Yorkshire view, looking at how businesses have fared during Covid and beyond.

Multiple messages: How retailers are communicating sustainability initiatives

Published: 07 December, 2022

With sustainability such a broad concept, how do retailers communicate the message? Angela Mount asks those at the sharp end.

Harpers Sustainability Charter: Reaching a higher standard

Published: 05 December, 2022

Almost one year on from the launch of the Harpers Sustainability Charter, Jo Gilbert surveyed its signatories to find out how much progress has been made on lowering carbon footprints.

Harpers Sustainability Charter progress: Green agenda

Published: 02 December, 2022

As the Harpers Sustainability Charter gathers momentum, James Lawrence looks at the progress made by just some of those involved.

Headline Heroes: Languedoc’s commitment to organic wine

Published: 01 December, 2022

As thousands of winegrowers in the Languedoc convert to organic farming, James Lawrence looks to Millésime Bio, the event at the centre of the movement.

Rounding up Roussillon

Published: 30 November, 2022

Andrew Catchpole looks into the innovation and excitement being generated by France’s compact Catalan wine region.

Bordeaux's evolution

Published: 28 November, 2022

There’s no denying that Bordeaux is a big beast when it comes to wine. Not only do its most famous names dominate the heady heights of investment portfolios, well-heeled cellars and critics’ scores, but it also produces some 25% of all French AOC wines. It’s the biggest appellation in France, with some 111,400ha under vine. And, to put that into perspective, the whole of Australia’s vineyard area tallies 146,244ha (2021 figures, CIVB and Wine Australia respectively). As such, it’s a powerhouse of vinous production.

CIVB: Talking Bordeaux

Published: 25 November, 2022

CIVB president Allan Sichel talks to Andrew Catchpole about the challenges and changes faced by this multi-faceted region.

Headline heroes: Prosecco – the jewel in the crown

Published: 24 November, 2022

Affordable and trendy, Italy’s famous sparkler has been in the fizz category’s driving seat for some time.
James Lawrence reports

Port finds a place in tourism

Published: 23 November, 2022

The famous fortified’s efforts to attract a younger demographic look to be paying off as travel plays favourably to its home nation. James Bayley has the details.

Dusting for wine prints

Published: 22 November, 2022

Forensic technology that aims to give a unique signature to the liquid inside the bottle could be a game-changer for provenance tracking, writes Jo Gilbert.