Harpers Global Design Awards 2016: What the judges said

 Design often precedes smell and taste when it comes to encouraging a customer to pluck a bottle from the shelf - it also adds lustre to the longevity of engagement with a brand. The Harpers team samples our Design Awards 2016 Trophy winners.

Analysis: Liberty Wines' On-Trade 2016 report highlights opportunties in the on-trade

Ahead of its tasting later this month,  Liberty Wines' Premium On-Trade 2016 report shows where the opportunities lie in an ever-changing landscape.

Insights: The importance of a well-honed drinks list

With new openings driving fierce competition, hitting the ground running with a well-honed drinks list is key. But how is it done?

Part 2: The boom-and-bust cycle of tequila

With mezcal and tequila taking off in the UK, harpers.co.uk looks at what is driving the trend in a three part series.

Part 1: Popularity for tequilas and mezcals in the on-trade rises

With mezcal and tequila taking off in the UK, harpers.co.uk looks at what is driving the trend in a three part series.

Greek wines make headway in the UK

Hellenic winemaking techniques have helped make Greek wine slowly make headway in the UK and helps brighten the country's prospects for the future

The Smith Report: Life beyond the back of the bar

With rising demand for on-trade consultants, bar staff now have ample opportunities out of house. At last month's Bols Business Class in Bristol leaders discussed what it takes to get started.

Analysis: Croatian, Slovenian and Turkish wines are offering really points of difference

Croatia, Slovenia and Turkey are increasingly recognised as fertile territory for wines offering real points of difference.

Insights: The rise of rum

Spiced rums and quality sipping products are driving the thirst for a taste of the Caribbean.

Keys to building your indie business Part 4: Making the most of events

At the first Think Indie, Drink Indie event, successful merchants shared best practices and avenues to consider when looking to expand. Here is the first of a four part series covering different areas independent merchants should consider in expanding their businesses. Topics covered included why wholesaling is good for indies, how the hybrid model can be great for retail, what to consider when expanding online and the how to maximise the value of events.

Keys to building your indie business Part 3: Wholesale improvement - developing your operation

At the first Think Indie, Drink Indie event, successful merchants shared best practices and avenues to consider when looking to expand. Here is the first of a four part series covering different areas independent merchants should consider in expanding their businesses. Topics covered included why wholesaling is good for indies, how the hybrid model can be great for retail, what to consider when expanding online and the how to maximise the value of events.

Insights: Implications of the entry point for wine into the UK

The supply chain for wine is often long and complex and one of the most important decisions is where to bring the product into the UK.

Keys to building your indie business Part 2: How to capitalise on the off-into-on-trade offer

At the first Think Indie, Drink Indie event, successful merchants shared best practices and avenues to consider when looking to expand. Here is the first of a four part series covering different areas independent merchants should consider in expanding their businesses. Topics covered included why wholesaling is good for indies, how the hybrid model can be great for retail, what to consider when expanding online and the how to maximise the value of events.

Insights: The rise of direct-to-consumer retailing

With products facing ever-increasing competition for shelf space, Angela Mount looks at how brands are cutting out the middlemen

Keys to building your indie business Part 1: World Wine Web

At the first Think Indie, Drink Indie event, successful merchants shared best practices and avenues to consider when looking to expand. Here is the first of a four part series covering different areas independent merchants should consider in expanding their businesses. Topics covered included why wholesaling is good for indies, how the hybrid model can be great for retail, what to consider when expanding online and the how to maximise the value of events.

Tequila 3

Analysis:

Insights: What could Brexit mean for bulk wine?

As the pound-to-Euro exchange rate takes a battering, bulk buying from the eurozone has suddenly become a less attractive prospect. What kind of impact will this have on both sides of the Channel?

Insights: Is cash or profit margin king when it comes to the on-trade?

How are on-trade outlets measuring the health of their business today?

Insights: Do wine preservation systems engage consumers or not?

Wine preservation technology encourages consumers to engage with new wines, but are they practical to the point of impersonal?