Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Asda promise

Published: 18 January, 2007

Asda has come out of its shell and held its first wine tasting for two years. The invitation arrived with a week to go (bad form).

My View: The Scotch Whisky industry has not been troubled

Published: 18 January, 2007

In October, Defra announced a consultation on new regulations for Scotch whisky, with the possibility of legislation by spring 2008.

My View: TV must promote responsible drinking

Published: 18 January, 2007

Our biggest challenge in the battle against alcohol misuse is the social acceptance of excessive drinking.

Abnormal vintage issues are nothing new. Viticulturalists and winemakers have learned to live with adversity, and have managed to turn climatic conditions to their favour, sometimes in the most extreme conditions.

My View: Pride and Prejudice - The British view of Chilean wine

Published: 18 January, 2007

Pride and Prejudice - you may think it odd that Jane Austen's celebrated romantic novel would fascinate me. Or you might wonder what stories about social stereotyping have got to do with Chilean wine.

Plastic could be fantastic

Published: 18 January, 2007

A few years ago I attended a Wine Intelligence seminar which contrasted a survey showing that consumers took very little account of packaging when choosing wine, with video evidence of consumers at the point of purchase.

My View

Published: 18 January, 2007

In response to Joe Fattorinin's article, 'It's the economics ... stupid', Miles Corish considers the dynamics of restaurant mark-ups.

Educating a nation

Published: 18 January, 2007

Is raising the price of alcohol for the consumer the way to stop binge drinking? Jeremy Beadles shares his thoughts.

Recycled Matter

Published: 18 January, 2007

From earrings to worry-cusions, there's lots that can be done with the paraphernalia of wine.

My View

Published: 18 January, 2007

Balancing the need for consistent communication with evolution, Jack Daniel's has remained true to its heritage and its consumers.

The tasting season

Published: 18 January, 2007

It's time one again to polish the killer heels for all the wine industry awards' nights.

My View: Creating a South African wine brand

Published: 18 January, 2007

It's isn't easy creating authentic South African brands which are consumer friendly enough to become global, but it is important.

My View:

Published: 18 January, 2007

One and a quarter percent isn't a big enough margin for any supplier," says Allan Cheeseman (Harpers magazine, August 31).

The problem with generics

Published: 18 January, 2007

The story is told of a group of Australian cattle ranchers who, with demand for beef plummeting, called in the help of a Sydney ad agency to help boost sales. The result was so unsatisfying that the ranchers developed a campaign themselves.

My View: Evolving a brand

Published: 18 January, 2007

It is always interesting when people review, revamp or simply evolve anything which has been in place for a number of years.

Low alcohol lunacy by EU

Published: 18 January, 2007

As a lawyer, navigating the complexity of environmental law was my day-to-day business. It was, however, as nothing compared with the legislation now faced by the wine industry.

My View: Wink Lorch

Published: 18 January, 2007

According to recent reports, wine tourism in France is at last being taken seriously and regarded as one route for la France viticole to escape la crise viticole.