The week that was

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 27 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: A report on research from Wine Intelligence was one of several stories reflecting on the UK’s place in the global market this week.

Their new compass report showed that consumers continuing to drink better isn’t just a UK-specific trend, with health-conscious and quality drinking helping to boost value sales in the world’s top 50 markets.

A separate story also focused on UK economic relationship with the wider world, this time with the latest on Brexit.

As the government continues to spread itself thin while preparing for A, B and C scenarios, it was also encouraging to see that companies like Flint Wines continue to flourish.

The appointment of Céline Sabatié to the new role of senior development manager comes off the back of solid sales at the Burgundy, US and Italy specialists, further encouraging them to expand the team.

Analysis and Insights: Mousiness is the latest problem to fox winemakers.

Darren Smith looked at the science behind this phenomenon, which has been likened to rancid milk and even baby sick.

We also found out how bars and restaurants are rediscovering vodka via our bartender-led piece.

Clinton Cawood rallied a selection of top talent to discuss the signature serves boosting sales.

And we looked at the technology helping retailers to decode in-store shopping habits.

People and Opinion: The recent scandal in France where Spanish grapes were being fraudulently sold as Provence rosé and the hoo-ha around a recent Champagne deal in the US – where tons of ‘French Champagne’ is legally sold - got columnist Jerry Lockspeiser thinking this week.

While these headlines garnered interest from the trade, he asked what the real damage is to the average drinker, who is frequently ‘bamboozled’ by the mysterious world of wine.

And we heard from Neil Anderson at Kingsland Drinks.

New research from the supplier shows that the over 45s represent a massive 83% of all the value in the wine industry – an opportunity that shouldn’t be forgotten amid the obsession on millennials.

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