Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The future of wine writing

Published: 11 June, 2024

With times tough and outlets shrinking, Chris Losh invites trade comment on the relevance of wine writers.

Analysis: Call to action by trade body

Published: 11 June, 2024

WSTA chief urges government action for £35bn UK wine sector. James Bayley reports.

On-trade: Greener drink choices

Published: 07 June, 2024

Clinton Cawood looks to the sustainably minded on-trade, where bars and restaurants are being ever more mindful in building their drinks offers.

Indies: Tricky customers

Published: 05 June, 2024

In the second of our spring indie surveys, Andrew Catchpole invited feedback on service and the foibles of the punter.

Sustainability Report: Back to basics

Published: 03 June, 2024

With the number of schemes related to sustainable production many and varied, are we confusing consumers? James Lawrence reports.

Sustainability Report: Round table In partnership with The Wine People

Published: 31 May, 2024

With organic accreditation widely understood, Andrew Catchpole invited a panel to debate whether this could be a useful ‘in’ when set against the confusing profusion of differing sustainability certifications.

Sustainability Report: Waste management

Published: 30 May, 2024

With waste there’s a clue in the word, clearly flagging up the unwanted by-product or packaging that sits alongside almost any business activity. Winemaking is no different, and it’s possible (broadly speaking) to break the main sources down into three areas. There’s waste from the winemaking process itself, then oenological supplies and, finally, all of the associated packaging aligned to the bottling line. Cutting down on waste is one thing, but aiming for zero waste is a tougher nut to crack.

Sustainability report survey: Positive picture revealed

Published: 30 May, 2024

Jo Gilbert canvassed the signatories of the Harpers Sustainability Charter to find out how far they have travelled on their renewable energy and waste management journey.

English Sparkling: Boom or bust?

Published: 24 May, 2024

With rumblings of oversupply in the market and the UK’s biggest-ever crush in 2023, Jo Gilbert asks, could the bubble be about to burst for English wine?

Premiumising Spain’s white wines

Published: 22 May, 2024

Justin Keay takes a pan-regional look at Spain’s white wines as more young winemakers look to experiment and revive older varieties.

Uncorking SEO success: strategies from wine industry leaders

Published: 20 May, 2024

James Bayley explores the importance of SEO to digital wine marketing and how a nuanced approach is best.

Multiples: A shifting landscape of beverage consumption

Published: 15 May, 2024

James Bayley looks at the growing trend towards functional drinks, such as CBD-infused variants, and how the multiples are responding.

Analysis: English Whisky’s growing pains

Published: 13 May, 2024

The burgeoning English whisky sector is not without its challenges, as Henry Jeffreys reports.

Analysis: Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024

Published: 10 May, 2024

Harpers is once again inviting nominations for this year’s iteration of the hotly contested list of leading UK drinks wholesalers.

Analysis: Oz wine sails back into China

Published: 07 May, 2024

Diversification continues to be a priority for Australian wine companies as they prepare to re-enter the Chinese market, writes Jo Gilbert.

On-trade: Wine needs to be more visible in restaurants

Published: 02 May, 2024

Little coverage is given to the beverage section of a restaurant offer, but there’s potential to make more of it. James Bayley reports on the latest research findings.

Indies: What ‘value’ truly means

Published: 01 May, 2024

Jo Gilbert canvassed independent traders to find out how they are looking to stay relevant and competitive during this era of expensive living.

South America Report: Malbec 2.0

Published: 01 May, 2024

Malbec continues to dominate Argentina’s wine exports, but it is undergoing a radical transformation. Amanda Barnes reports.

South America Report: Evolving Argentina

Published: 29 April, 2024

Argentina continues to diversify in styles and sites, with an ever-growing buffet of wines from across the country. Amanda Barnes samples the main trends.