Research - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Ocado data shows mid-strength drinks ‘boom’

Published: 29 April, 2026

Online supermarket Ocado has released research which shows that demand for mid-strength drinks is “booming”.

Study finds hospitality SMEs hit hardest by inflation

Published: 20 April, 2026

A new study from UK-based card payment provider Dojo has found that hospitality businesses’ operating costs have been hit harder by inflation than any other sector over the past decade.

Low & no survey launched to let industry inform policy

Published: 13 April, 2026

Alcohol-free social impact business Club Soda has launched what it claims is the first ‘benchmarking’ survey of the low, no and mid-strength sector, aimed at gathering data to inform government policymaking. The survey is open to low & no brands, to ensure that they get a voice.

Rosé sales grow, avoiding wine market shrinkage

Published: 07 April, 2026

Rosé wine sales are bucking the trend of declining still wine sales, according to the WSTA’s latest Market Report.

‘National spirits’ lead global beverage alcohol decline over 2025

Published: 02 April, 2026

According to preliminary data released today by the IWSR, total beverage alcohol (TBA) volume declined in 2025 by -2% across 22 markets – representing about 75% of the global market.

Bordeaux trade confidence high despite low market prices

Published: 31 March, 2026

Wine business consultancy Wine Lister has released its tenth annual Bordeaux study, which shows that average trade confidence when it comes to the region's fine wine has increased to 6.4/10.

New study links GLP-1 use to reduced alcohol consumption

Published: 31 March, 2026

New research from consultancy KAM, in partnership with the Drinkaware charity, has highlighted a -29% reduction in how often the users of GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic or Wegovy being examples) consume alcohol.

Survey: 93% of workers would recommend a career in hospitality

Published: 24 March, 2026

Software provider Access Hospitality has said that belief in hospitality remains strong, despite “short-term morale” falling.

New packaging innovation aims to cut EPR fees and boost sustainability

Published: 23 March, 2026

Croxsons, a B-Corp certified firm that supplies glass packaging for the food and drink sector, has launched a lightweight glass packaging solution, Rightweight®.

Drinks industry survey reveals widespread safety concerns

Published: 27 February, 2026

A new survey by Drinks United – a collaboration between the WSTA, WSET and The Drinks Trust – has found that there are widespread concerns about safety, discrimination and inclusion across those who work in the drinks trade.

New YouGov survey shows continuing demand for low & no

Published: 06 January, 2026

According to The Portman Group's eighth annual survey in partnership with YouGov, 36% of UK adults who drink alcohol regularly or occasionally, consume low & no alcohol products.

Gen Z turning away from Dry Jan

Published: 08 December, 2025

New research from IWSR’s Bevtrac survey can reveal that Gen Z drinkers are showing less interest in ‘monthlong abstinence spells’ such as Dry January and Sober October.

IWSR: Global H1 alcohol volume sales decline, value steady

Published: 06 November, 2025

Fresh data from IWSR can reveal that global total beverage alcohol (TBA) consumption volume was in decline during the first half of the financial year, with a drop of -1% reported.

Carbon dioxide recovery tech sees Familia Torres break new ground

Published: 28 February, 2025

A pilot test conducted by Orchestra Scientific has allowed the Familia Torres’ Pacs del Penedès winery to concentrate carbon dioxide from wine fermentation in its purest form for reuse at the winery.

Hospitality confidence plummets amid rising costs and falling footfall

Published: 08 November, 2024

Confidence among Britain’s hospitality leaders has plunged as sector challenges deepen, with CGA by NIQ’s latest Business Confidence Survey revealing worsening sentiment amid squeezed margins and reduced consumer spending.

WineGB launches hub to boost diversity in industry

Published: 06 November, 2024

WineGB has introduced its ‘People Support Hub’ to mark the close of its 30 Days of Sustainable Action campaign, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within the wine sector.

Surge in temporary alcohol licences supports hospitality

Published: 05 November, 2024

The latest figures on alcohol licensing in England and Wales reveal a sharp uptick in new licences and temporary event notices, reflecting a surge in demand across the hospitality sector.

Sales drop in pubs and bars as weather cools and rugby boost fades

Published: 04 November, 2024

Sales at managed venues edged up by a modest 0.1% in the week to Saturday 19 October, just surpassing the same week in 2023. However, figures soon declined, with sales finishing 5% lower in the following week to Saturday 26 October. Drinks sales have now fallen in four of the past five weeks.

Pubs and hospitality warn of job cuts if rates relief ends

Published: 28 October, 2024

A survey of pubs, breweries and hospitality businesses has revealed that jobs and investment plans would be threatened if business rates relief expires in April, causing bills to quadruple.

Drinks United appoints programme manager to lead industry culture change

Published: 14 October, 2024

Drinks United, the joint initiative by The Drinks Trust, WSTA and WSET, has named Laura Aiken as programme manager to steer its three-year strategy aimed at reshaping the UK drinks industry. Aiken brings experience in managing global culture change projects.