Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

On-trade: Creativity around the margins

Published: 07 April, 2023

When every penny counts, there are wily ways to drive drinks list sales. Chris Losh reports.

Indies: Hybrid thinking

Published: 05 April, 2023

Once billed as bricks-and-mortar retail’s salvation, an on-trade element has become a trickier proposition. James Lawrence reports.

Unearthing South America's treasures

Published: 03 April, 2023

Jo Gilbert catches up with the UK’s South America specialists, diving into what styles they are getting behind and why.

Producers on sustainability in South America

Published: 31 March, 2023

Jo Gilbert catches up with some of South America’s leaders in organic and sustainable winemaking to see where the road goes from here.

Argentina: Taking organic to the next level

Published: 29 March, 2023

Mendoza deserves its reputation as a pioneering force in sustainable viticulture – the region now has 7,300ha of vines under organic management, which represents approximately 11% of all organic viticulture in the world. Moreover, several of the region’s leading wineries are planning to adopt biodynamic viticulture in due course – the logical next step in this important journey.

South America: Beyond the big hitters

Published: 27 March, 2023

Amanda Barnes, author of The South America Wine Guide gives her take on those lesser-known yet infinitely interesting wine-producing nations such as Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, to see what styles are sticking to the wall.

South America: Diversity does the talking

Published: 24 March, 2023

David Kermode goes on a goes on a varietal journey among South America’s big players, looking at what commercial gains have been made in Chile and Argentina.

Lebanon round table: East meets West

Published: 22 March, 2023

Inviting curious trade palates to taste and discuss Lebanese wines for the UK market, co-hosts Andrew Catchpole and Harpers Lebanon Report author Michael Karam unearthed a wealth of enthusiasm for the country’s engaging offer.

Boutique Bulk

Published: 20 March, 2023

Bulk is going boutique and both trade and consumers are the winners. Andrew Catchpole assesses this planet and margin-friendly option.

Languedoc's changing tide in fortunes

Published: 17 March, 2023

The Languedoc AOP continues its journey to bridge the gap between entry level and top tier, premium wines, with a raft of eminently drinkable styles now finding favour with consumers from across its stable of reds, whites – and increasingly – rosés. Jo Gilbert reports from a fascinating roundtable session.

In search of Portugal’s national treasures

Published: 17 March, 2023

Justin Keay looks at the Portuguese regions once passed over by importers.

Managing the flames of Champagne demand

Published: 15 March, 2023

Out of the Covid frying pan into the cost of living fire – having experienced a strong bounce in premium sales, how is Champagne faring as inflationary pressures continue to impact? James Bayley reports.

The added benefits of functional drinks

Published: 14 March, 2023

So-called functional drinks have been on the rise for a while now. Jo Gilbert looks at the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Amazon makes own-label play

Published: 13 March, 2023

Amazon has already moved into the grocery sector but is now upping its game with a range of own-label wines, finds James Bayley.

Antipodean challenger

Published: 10 March, 2023

With Pinot-philes increasingly expanding their horizons, Guy Woodward assesses Australia’s offer at its Pinot Noir Celebration.

On-trade: Not an open and shut case

Published: 08 March, 2023

While the number of venues closing seems scary, there are still new ones opening up. James Bayley talks to George Sandbach about an enigma.

Closures – beyond cork and screwcap

Published: 06 March, 2023

James Lawrence looks at the top closure innovations beyond cork and screwcap, to find out what is improving both quality control and the consumer experience.

Austria: 100 years of Zweigelt

Published: 03 March, 2023

One hundred years on, Zweigelt is a variety that’s in tune with the times, writes David Kermode.

New Zealand: Sauvignon’s next step

Published: 01 March, 2023

Years of research have helped to develop a deeply cultivated understanding of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at home and abroad, with clear messaging and a finely tuned wine style that appeals the world over. Jo Gilbert asks, where does the story go from here?