Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Room to work from home

Published: 13 July, 2021

As working from home practices become more ingrained, it looks like they will become part of a long-term culture shift, says Jo Gilbert.

Ageism in hospitality

Published: 12 July, 2021

Staff shortages in the hospitality industry have reached alarming levels, but will employers relax their natural tendency to favour younger workers and take on older people instead?

Positive thinking

Published: 07 July, 2021

While the past year has been extremely challenging for alcohol, there’s cause for optimism when it comes to recovery. Lisa Riley crunches IWSR numbers.

Advertorial: Western Australia's fine wine regions ‘unearthed’

Published: 06 July, 2021

Western Australia has long staked its reputation on the premium quality, sustainability and diversity of its wines. Although geographically isolated and remote (Sydney is four hours by plane, London 16), this unique location is a magnet for oenophiles from all corners of the globe. They flock to cellar doors, fortifying themselves before hiking across the exquisitely beautiful Karri forest, or perhaps they'll attempt to conquer Western Australia's legendary surf. The summers are reliably warm and dry, moderated (especially in the south) by cool afternoon breezes courtesy of Antarctic currents and a maritime climate – factors vital in maintaining freshness and acidity in the wines.

Staff shortages threaten hospitality

Published: 06 July, 2021

With pubs and restaurants finding it difficult to recruit, there have been calls for government to step in and help attract workers to the industry. Lisa Riley reports

Harpers Wine Stars 2021: Australia

Published: 05 July, 2021

Highlighting the people and places wowing the judges in the Harpers Wine Stars Awards.

Hospitality hit once more by opening delay

Published: 01 July, 2021

The latest extension of Covid-19 rules could see the industry lose a further 300,000 jobs. Lisa Riley reports on the likely outcome of the measures

Along came Covid

Published: 30 June, 2021

Jo Gilbert examines whether the past year has helped or hindered the pre-Brexit narrative that leaving the EU would benefit sales of English and Welsh wine

Indies: Crossing the divide

Published: 29 June, 2021

Specialist supplier Graft Wine Company has dipped its toe into bricks-and-mortar retail, enhancing its understanding of indie needs. Six months on, Andrew Catchpole discovers what’s been learnt.

The Diversity of Argentina

Published: 28 June, 2021

James Lawrence reports from the recent Harpers webinar.

Italy Report: Supping on the south

Published: 24 June, 2021

Characterful and alluringly individual, Italy’s southern wines are on the rise, gaining more recognition for the blend of quality and value they can deliver. With all of this plugging into current consumer drinking trends, Andrew Catchpole surveyed a handful of Italophile importers and retailers to discover if the south’s time has arrived.

Sangiovese – Tuscan star

Published: 23 June, 2021

Michèle Shah charts the fortunes of grape variety reaching new heights, despite the challenge of climate change.

Brighter days ahead for Italy

Published: 22 June, 2021

Despite a challenging year for all involved across the trade, Italian wine is showing promising growth potential, as Jacopo Mazzeo reports

Vodka: Back to basics

Published: 21 June, 2021

With the on-trade revving its engine post-lockdown, Aleesha Hansel delves into the bar world to find out where this enduringly popular spirit is heading next

Bordeaux en primeur report 2020

Published: 17 June, 2021

Is 2020 another top Bordeaux vintage and what are the chances of a strong en primeur campaign after the success of the 2019s? Gavin Quinney, our man in Bordeaux, reports

Technology: Power of the network

Published: 17 June, 2021

The phrase ‘content is king’ gained new meaning at this year’s LWF where two sessions focused on how runaway digital adoption rates among consumers are leading to seismic shifts around how the industry markets and sells wine. Jo Gilbert reports.

2021 Drinks Wholesaler Spotlight

Published: 16 June, 2021

We surveyed the trade asking how drinks suppliers have evolved their businesses in response to the pandemic. Andrew Catchpole rounds up the responses.

Online sales still booming

Published: 15 June, 2021

Sales of alcohol online have remained strong despite the fuller opening of the on-trade, signalling how buying BWS online has become a way of life during the pandemic, as Jo Gilbert reports.

Hospitality under pressure

Published: 14 June, 2021

In a piece written before the government warned of a one-month delay to Covid restrictions lifting, Jacopo Mazzeo takes the temperature of the UK on-trade as staff shortages and restrictions continue to eat into venues’ ability to turn a profit.