Consumer caution hits Christmas drinks sales

On-trade drinks sales fell by a quarter in the run-up to Christmas as wary consumers avoided pubs, bars and restaurants ahead of socialising on the big day, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Cold Christmas in the on-trade

Already battered on-trade businesses suffered further in what should have been their busiest time of year. Clinton Cawood reports.

Indies: Fighting fit?

Adaptability has been key for indies that have sought not just to survive, but to thrive, as Angela Mount reports.

Packaging’s conflicting objectives

After 18 months of escalating online demand and consumers being immersed in “online shopping training”, the packaging industry is being tasked with satisfying supercharged convenience, sustainability and luxury trends, which , finds Jo Gilbert, is quite the challenge.

Prosecco opens doors for Italy

David Kermode delves into the world of Italian sparklers as the category covers new ground, from the march of rosé Prosecco to the increasingly popular high-quality fizzes of Franciacorta and Trento.

No & low: The sector giving food for thought

A new world of teas, kombuchas and fermented infusions are among the healthy drinking trends helping the top bars to scale up not only their no & low offer, but their overall alcohol offer, as Jo Gilbert reports.

Connected packaging revs up

At any one time, there are an average of seven trillion pieces of packaging in the world. The opportunities offered by technology to engage with consumers via the bottle are only just getting started, says Jo Gilbert.

Fine wine market hits new highs

The global secondary fine wine market has hit new heights in 2021, surpassing previous records and growing in variety. Andrew Catchpole dips in.

Online uplift to grow

Ecommerce is to remain a key driver of value growth in global alcoholic drinks markets, with wine to the fore. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Yuletide cheer

With supply and delivery issues forcing indies to be nimble and imaginative for the Christmas rush, Andrew Catchpole asked a trio of merchants how they prepared for the festive sales spike in such an unpredictable year.

A year in review: The 2021 challenge

James Lawrence picks out the highs and lows of another history-making year.

Wine vision

James Lawrence reports on the main findings from the ninth annual Sopexa Wine Trade Monitor survey.

30 Under 30: The drinks trade’s future leaders

Harpers is launching 30 Under 30, a brand new list highlighting the top young talent blazing a trail in wines and spirits. Self-nominate or nominate a colleague now to be in the running and to help us celebrate the rising stars working in our trade.

Indies: Sustainable steps

With sustainability roaring back to the top of the agenda, Harpers surveyed the indie sector to discover what demonstrable initiatives, innovations and actions leading merchants have implemented on their green journey.

Port’s new groove

An explosion of on-trend Port products with instant drinkability is providing a fillip to a previously flatlining category, finds Jo Gilbert. 

How can scotch thrive post-pandemic?

Douglas Blyde looks at some of the more innovative strides made by Scotch producers over the course of the pandemic in order to remain resilient in the fallout from Brexit, lockdowns and the USA’s draconian import taxes.

Chile's old vine renaissance

Shifting sales

With ‘shop local’ boosting convenience stores and premium on the rise, Angela Mount rounds up the changes wrought on and by the multiple retail sector.

Retail's great reboot: The future to 2030 and beyond

Euromonitor’s Commerce 2040: The Future of the Store in a Digital World report envisions a seamlessly blended on and offline shopping experience, with major inventory shifts making way for value added experiences in store that keep consumers coming back for more. Jo Gilbert reports

Premium wine sales on the rise

Michelle Perrett dives into Liberty Wines’ latest on-trade focused report, rounding up the top takeaways.