Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Insights: Curating consumer preference

Published: 18 November, 2016

New WinePro research from Kingsland goes beyond defining consumers, unearthing their needs and habits on different consuming occasions.

Getting into the Christmas spirit

Published: 16 November, 2016

As the countdown begins to the most wonderful - and lucrative - time of the year, Harpers looks at how retailers can make the most of the opportunities presented by premium spirits.

On-trade: How to grow and expand your business

Published: 11 November, 2016

When Nathan Lee and Jason Mead were building their bar and restaurant group in Bristol, starting with Prohibition-style bar Hyde & Co in 2010, they received no shortage of advice on locations.

Cracking the UK market

Published: 09 November, 2016

At first glance, the answers to the holy grail of successful trading in the UK might appear obvious.

How wine is adapting to suit a new generation

Published: 07 November, 2016

With technology opening up new possibilities, the trade is finding new ways of not only engaging with younger consumers but making them part of their business models too.

The cost of Brexit to suppliers and retailers

Published: 04 November, 2016

Suppliers are under intense pressure to increase prices following sterling's dramatic fall. But the costs are not falling evenly.

Provence Part 2: Oaked, whites and reds coming to the fore

Published: 01 November, 2016

In Part 1 of our Provence two-parter, we looked at how Provence is evolving its 'pink summer quaffing' reputation.

Provence Part 1: Beyond summer rosé

Published: 31 October, 2016

It used to be that when you opened that bottle of Cotes de Provence rosé that you bought back from the south of France, the phrase "Caveat Emptor" would run through your head.

Bordeaux 2016: the yin-yang vintage

Published: 27 October, 2016

Fortuitous rain and an Indian summer deliver promising vintage for Bordeaux

Co-op sets up European distribution hub in radical change to supply strategy for its continental wines

Published: 26 October, 2016

The words 'agility' and 'flexibility' are used frequently by Simon Cairns. As the Co-op's beers wines and spirits trading director, he has overseen a category enjoying buoyant growth this year, with a 4.3% increase in like for like sales across the sector, according to the latest Nielsen reports.

Why finding and retaining talent has never been more important - or tough

Published: 21 October, 2016

According to new research from North Highland, a global management consultancy firm, 55% of executives believe their businesses lack "the talent needed to meet growth targets".

The future of fortified

Published: 19 October, 2016

Fortified wines may have been gaining traction in the UK, according to sommeliers and the on-trade, and they certainly fit well into the premium message, but export volume and value numbers have been mixed.

Kingsland research sheds light on influences on millennial wine purchasing habits

Published: 18 October, 2016

New WinePRO research from Kingsland Drinks has revealed more about where millennials take their cues from when shopping for wine

Independent merchants feel pressure as supplier price hikes start to feed through

Published: 17 October, 2016

The Bank of England warned of inflation rising beyond 2% on 14 October adding further concern to independent wine merchants who have already been forced to pass on price increases from suppliers to customers

What's in store for wine sales this Christmas?

Published: 17 October, 2016

Having worked in wine retail at the sharp end, I well remember the run up to Christmas Eve - and in some detail.

Analysis: What next for 'Brand Britain'?

Published: 14 October, 2016

Along with the monarchy, Aston Martin, the British sense of humour - and some would say, Downton Abbey - our drinks industry has helped to put Britain on the map and strengthen its image around the world.

France bouncing back from New World competition

Published: 11 October, 2016

As wine consumers have got more savvy, better informed and far more international in their choices - aided by a UK marketplace with arms open to wines from across the globe - France has seen its reputation and fortunes change.

Building a brand

Published: 10 October, 2016

At a Harpers' round table event in June 2016, Morrisons' wine buyer Andrew Ingham challenged suppliers to work more collaboratively with buyers on new product development.

WSTA speaks out on how to tackle Brexit

Published: 07 October, 2016

In a stark contrast to last year's theme of celebrating success, last month's WSTA conference unsurprisingly took on a somewhat different tone.

LCW: Prepare to be dazzled

Published: 06 October, 2016

As London Cocktail Week takes the city by storm, we took a look at what spirit brands are doing to capitalise on this year's hottest trends in the on-trade.