Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Reviving Tequila

Published: 12 December, 2018

Thanks to its renewed reputation as a drink to be taken seriously, Lisa Riley looks at tequila’s potential in the UK as an upmarket and fashionable spirit.

Harpers Design Awards 2018: The winners

Published: 10 December, 2018

Good design may only sell the one, first bottle if the liquid inside is discovered to be below par. But present the most sublime booze in a mediocre or off-putting package and the painstaking craft of the distiller or winemaker is likely to be left collecting dust.

Where's my order?

Published: 03 December, 2018

Linking up online and offline channels is now expected by not only consumers, but B2B clients too. Jo Gilbert looks at the companies bringing greater visibility to the supply chain while oiling the wheels of stock management and logistics

The quest to boost festive sales

Published: 29 November, 2018

Christmas and spirits go hand in hand, with festive sparkle helping to boost the sales of retailers and operators who can convince consumers to shop with them. Jo Gilbert sits down with brand owners and distributors working to make this Christmas the best one yet.

Differing States: US wine regions on the rise

Published: 28 November, 2018

It’s been just over a decade since North Dakota, the final state to host a winery, joined the party, adding to the substantial growth of many states’ wine tourism and consequent direct consumer sales. California’s primacy remains constant, though its share of US production continues to slide from what

Your local, approachable indie wine merchant

Published: 26 November, 2018

Following The Vineking’s soft opening of The Tasting Rooms in Reigate last month, Lisa Riley meets the brains behind the new venture and hears about the raison d’être – accessibility

Delving into the Pacific Northwest

Published: 22 November, 2018

Leading lights from Oregon and Washington talk Andrew Catchpole through the trends and developments in their respective states

Creating stronger bonds

Published: 19 November, 2018

At first glance, the day-to-day logistics of running a bonded warehouse is scarcely of any interest to the wider trade, let alone consumers. Regarded as a prosaic stepping stone in the overall supply chain, firms such as Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) have been managing these “holding bays” for decades, a regulated space where imported goods that are intended for export can be stored without actually entering the UK market. Duty and VAT payments are deferred until the wine is sold or removed from the bonded warehouse. It’s that simple.

California soul

Published: 15 November, 2018

Travelling with fellow MWs in the Golden State, Natasha Hughes MW delves far beyond the usual suspects.

Breaking the mould

Published: 12 November, 2018

Chris Wilson looks at the age-old conundrum – how can fortified wine break away from its seasonal reputation?

Looking Stateside

Published: 06 November, 2018

US wines have been generating an unprecedented buzz in the UK. Andrew Catchpole discovers why

Rigging the game

Published: 06 November, 2018

Less is often more when it comes to turning a profit says consultant Sean Finter, a master at optimising returns from on-trade businesses. Harpers tuned in to his message at Bar Convent in Berlin.

Insights: Focus on fizz

Published: 06 November, 2018

Drawing on sparkling wine research carried out with Wines Direct, Harpers assesses the state of play

Rejuvenating Beaujolais

Published: 31 October, 2018

As the French region looks to revitalise its reputation, Lisa Riley meets the growers introducing greener methods and pursuing organic certification

Not delivering the goods

Published: 31 October, 2018

Just Eat and Deliveroo offer restaurateurs a whole new customer base away from the high street, according to CGA. But is this at the expense of restaurants’ drinks offerings? Jo Gilbert reports

All the trimmings: alternatives to pair with Christmas

Published: 29 October, 2018

As summer slides inexorably into autumn, we Brits start ringing the seasonal changes. Light cotton shirts give way to warm sweaters, then the coats come out of seasonal hibernation. Afterwards there’s the annual dither about whether or not to switch the central heating on yet. Before you know it they’ll be playing Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas on a continuous loop in every shopping mall and supermarket between Land’s End and John O’Groats and offering deals on anything from Play Station consoles to family-sized boxes of Quality Street.

Festive Fuel

Published: 25 October, 2018

With Christmas set to deliver yet again for drinks retailers far and wide, Jaq Bayles takes a look at current trends to help merchants prepare for the golden quarter

Reinventing Cognac

Published: 22 October, 2018

Cognac has two faces, neither of which appeal to millennial consumers. James Lawrence finds a spirit trying to revitalise its image

Reaching the last mile

Published: 17 October, 2018

Fulfilling those “last mile” orders is expensive – especially for small businesses, but there are innovations that could help businesses better reach their local customer base.

Tipping point

Published: 17 October, 2018

The government has revealed plans to help ensure hospitality workers get all the tips left for them, but reactions to the news were mixed, reports Michelle Perrett.