Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Upping your festive game

Published: 23 September, 2019

Spirits and wine are set to receive a healthy dose of Christmas cheer this festive season – if operators can capitalise on premium trends.

Rising to the occasion

Published: 23 September, 2019

Global challenges remain but malts and modern brands have given whisky producers a new spirit of quiet confidence, says Tom Bruce-Gardyne

March of the crèmants

Published: 18 September, 2019

Over the past decade, the UK sparkling wine market has increasingly become a tale of two sparklers.

Social media gives indies plenty of likes

Published: 18 September, 2019

The rapid pace of tech evolution means merchants have even more to gain from platforms in the future says Lisa Riley

Gastro pubs: The challenges and joys of getting a pub wine list right

Published: 17 September, 2019

With the vast majority of pubs in the UK part of a chain where buying decisions on everything from beer and wine to crisps and peanuts are sanctioned by the chain’s owners, it can be very hard for wine merchants and importers to get an in, especially on the ground rather than in a boardroom setting.

Christmas indie predictions: trends and top tips for the festive season

Published: 17 September, 2019

Speaking to independent merchants on the September tasting circuit it’s clear that their minds have already turned to Christmas and what is for them the busiest time of the year.

Cider aligns with wine

Published: 16 September, 2019

A new association aiming to promote cider’s quality credentials is putting it side-by-side with wine. Jo Gilbert looks at how it holds up

Prosecco’s new hue

Published: 12 September, 2019

A new Prosecco style is poised to launch, but has it already missed the boat? Giles Fallowfield weighs up the pink fizz’s chances

China’s rules of engagement

Published: 11 September, 2019

With 32 million regular drinkers of imported wine between the ages of 18 and 54, and a potential 398 million untapped, China offers tantalising opportunities for exporters. Jo Gilbert dives in

Working in harmony

Published: 10 September, 2019

English and Welsh vineyards are joining forces to promote their wines and are on track to meet an export value of £350m in 20 years’ time. Lisa Riley reports

Roundtable: Pinotage catches up

Published: 05 September, 2019

South Africa has undergone Darwinian-levels of evolution over the past decade. Where the country – and its flagship varietal – goes from here formed the crux of Harpers’ recent roundtable in association with Kumala Wines. Jo Gilbert hosted the debate.

Ask an indie: Hal Wilson thinks pink

Published: 04 September, 2019

Everyone may be banging on about orange wine at the moment, but let’s face it, there’s only one colour that’s flying of the shelves at this time of year – pink

Bulk savings

Published: 02 September, 2019

Importing wine into the UK in bulk used to be all about saving money. Now it’s about saving the planet, too, as Simon Jack reports.

Saying yes to no and low

Published: 30 August, 2019

Looking back to December, there was one major trend analysts were backing to have the most influence on the mix of sales and consumer behaviour in 2019.

Saving graces

Published: 29 August, 2019

As businesses large and small focus on long-term sustainability goals, Lucy Britner goes back to basics to find out what practical measures producers are taking to ensure their socio-economic and environmental longevity

Cape promise

Published: 27 August, 2019

Tim Atkin MW distils three decades worth of South African knowledge into his ten top trends

Australia: On-trade viewpoints

Published: 21 August, 2019

Lucy Britner asked leading on-trade figures what turns them on about Australian wines – and how they ensure those wines work on their list. Here are their replies.

Serving up sustainability

Published: 21 August, 2019

Sustainability encompasses myriad aspects of business and production. These range from the big-ticket environmental and carbon-emission concerns – seeking to mitigate and adapt in the face of now-rapid climate change – to the socio-economic, whereby workers and employees are offered a fairer deal, including aspects of pay, work conditions, education and advancement.

Hybrid indies: Opportunities and pitfalls

Published: 21 August, 2019

The rise in independent merchants looking at the hybrid model and offering a drink-in option to complement traditional off-trade sales has seen the landscape change in recent years.

Trading places: Swapping the UK trade for winemaking

Published: 21 August, 2019

“I think it’s inevitable if you’re in the wine trade that you think you can make wine better than anybody else,” says solicitor turned wine importer turned winemaker Robin Baum. “So I thought I’d give it a go.”