The week that was

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 06 July, 2018

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of the top online news, analysis, opinions and features.

Top stories: Among our most read stories online this week was the latest chapter for Pernod Ricard, which is chasing the success of Seedlip into the non-alcoholic spirits category.

Ceder’s, a premium ‘gin’, is due to launch across Britain later this month.

Elsewhere, there was a focus on the grocery sector.

While the media voiced concern that Waitrose plans to shut one supermarket and four convenience stores, in conversation with retail analysts, Harpers suggested the freeing up of assets could help the supermarket in its on-going crusade to differentiate its product and service from competitors.

Such competitors include Tesco, which also had a big announcement to make this week.

The UK headquartered company, which is the fourth largest in the world in terms of revenue, is forming a strategic alliance with French grocer Carrefour, the world’s fifth largest supermarket according to Investopedia.

Analysis and Insights: In this week’s analysis pages, we explored the biggest challenges to the high street, including how aggregator service Deliveroo is adding to a cocktail of pressures squeezing bars and restaurants.

And we turned our attention to Greece, where Malagousia, Vidiano, Kidonitsa, Savatiano and Moscofilero are leading a chorus of indigenous white wines ready to take centre stage with Assyrtiko.

People and Opinion: Following an impassioned defence of Robert Parker by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, editor-in-chief of Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Tim Atkin MW looked at the legacy of a critic who still manages ignite heated discussions, 25 years or more since he started out.

And we continued our Meet the Buyers series with Peter Mitchell MW, wine director at Laytons, who talked to Harpers about eschewing the trappings of accountancy degree to pursue a career in wine.

Printer friendly version