Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Jago shows who's boss

Published: 18 January, 2007

This column has come in for its fair share of approbrium and praise but never, until now, has it been said that reading it would make anyone think of God.

Pinot Grigio is one of the success stories of the past five years. It's been the beneficiary of people somehow getting it into their heads that Chardonnay is a low-grade grape that has to be shunned because some New World producers once made it in a blowsy style.

My View: On-trade is not averse to supermarket brands

Published: 18 January, 2007

I disagree with Angela Mount's view (Harpers magazine, December 21) that the on-trade is averse to supermarket brands.

What does 2008 hold for Scotch Whisky?

Published: 18 January, 2007

Whatever else happens in 2008, it is already shaping up to be a landmark year for Scotch Whisky.

My View: Targeted alcohol policy makes more sense

Published: 18 January, 2007

From a public health perspective, there are two prevailing views on alcohol policy.

Something to celebrate

Published: 18 January, 2007

Politicians and the media are prone to go rather overboard in bemoaning the horrors of alcohol and the havoc it wreaks.

My View: Price hikes to breath 'new life' into wine sector

Published: 18 January, 2007

Fuelled mainly by Australia, the south of France and northern Italy, we are about to be clobbered by an unprecedented wave of "wine cost" inflation in 2008.

On-trade too brand-averse

Published: 18 January, 2007

Eight months on from my departure from the safety of the grocery retail world, I still appreciate the importance of brands within a supermarket wine range.

My View: Jago's comments should not be seen as unpalatable

Published: 18 January, 2007

Last week Dan Jago, category director for beers, wines and spirits at Tesco's, spoke out at the Australian Outlook conference.

Wine deserves a better press

Published: 18 January, 2007

We have fine literary magazines in this country and decent music journals.

Industry challenged by Government alcohol policy

Published: 18 January, 2007

Alcohol policy is at the top of the Government agenda, and our industry is facing a serious challenge, not least because of an unprecedented campaign from the anti-alcohol lobby.

Solving the retail paradox

Published: 18 January, 2007

Regular columnist Michael Paul weighs up the dilemma for wine retailers in achieving consumer satisfaction.

Time to accentuate the positive

Published: 18 January, 2007

The many lurid headlines in recent months give the impression that everyone across the nation, young and old, is a binge drinker. The reality is very different.

My View: Timing sucks for Champagne expansion

Published: 18 January, 2007

I am in favour of the proposed expansion of Champagne, although only an idiot would deny that the timing sucks.

Tackling the alcohol myths

Published: 18 January, 2007

Launched in a firestorm of media coverage on November 12, the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) has brought renewed attention to the debatearound alcohol and problem drinking in the UK.

Trade has escaped worst of Competition Commission

Published: 18 January, 2007

Amid the talk of landbanks, planning reform and supermarket codes of practice, what does the Competition Commission's provisional report into the groceries market really mean for producers, wholesalers and retailers of wine and spirits?

The Right Blend for Scotch

Published: 18 January, 2007

The UK Government's announcement that it plans to introduce new Scotch Whisky legislation in 2008 is a defining moment for the industry in more ways than one.

My View: Time for Italy to emphasise its quality

Published: 18 January, 2007

There is no doubt that Italy has experienced a difficult vintage in volume terms in 2007, with the post harvest Associazione Enologi Enotecnici Italiani report quoting overall figures 18%
down on 2006.

Oz wine stuck in quicksand

Published: 18 January, 2007

A fortnight ago I visited Australia to address the NSW Wine Press Club on the position of Australian wine in the UK.

I focused on how Australia might make more waves in the
premium wine sector, given the current move from surplus to scarcity. But the more I thought about this, the more I realised the problem.

My View: Safe drinking guidance remains true

Published: 18 January, 2007

When the Royal College of Physicians issued guidance in 1987 on safe drinking weekly amounts in units, it was acutely aware - and stated it - that precise figures were hard to come by.