Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hospitality sales flat in January as consumer spending squeezed

Published: 15 February, 2024

Britain’s leading hospitality groups generated like-for-like sales growth of just 0.1% in January according to CGA.

Looking ahead: Winne Toh, The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Published: 01 August, 2022

With the first half of 2022 already history, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities.

Virgin Wines announces year-end trading update

Published: 29 July, 2022

Online wine retailer Virgin Wines has maintained much of its lockdown growth thanks to a loyal customer base and subscription model.

Portman Group pushes back against claims made in alcohol hospital admissions report

Published: 26 July, 2022

Two new studies from the University of Sheffield and the Institute of Alcohol Studies/HealthLumen have revealed the impact of pandemic-related changes in alcohol consumption on health outcomes.

Government extends off-sales licence after backlash

Published: 18 July, 2022

The government has announced that it will extend the alcohol off-sales easement, introduced during the pandemic, to September 2023, following a campaign led by UKHospitality and other sector bodies.

June online retail growth remains negative, but freefall eases slightly

Published: 11 July, 2022

Capgemini has announced its June IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks the online sales performance of over 200 retailers.

Premium soft drinks set to drive on-trade sales higher

Published: 05 May, 2022

Premium soft drinks and cocktails are in more demand than ever after consumers traded up for expensive beverages at home during lockdowns.

Champagne's Supernova

Published: 17 March, 2022

While there was little to celebrate in 2020, Champagne was back with a bang last year, which seemed to take everyone – including the Champenois – by surprise.

On-trade calls for hold on VAT rise

Published: 11 March, 2022

In April, the VAT on hospitality sector purchases will return to the pre-pandemic rate of 20%. The increase follows two years of reduced rates for the industry; in July 2020, rates were reduced to 5% before rising to 12.5% in October last year.

January online retail growth lowest ever as BWS sales fall

Published: 15 February, 2022

January saw the lowest rate of online retail growth ever at a slump of -24.4%, according to the IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks the online sales performance for over 200 retailers. At category level, beer, wine and spirits fell even further, reaching an average of -26.6%.

Fine wine market hits new highs

Published: 05 January, 2022

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

A year in review: The 2021 challenge

Published: 20 December, 2021

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

Survey: Indie minded

Published: 21 September, 2021

With our UK’s 50 Best Indies 2021 list unveiled, we’re revealing (anonymously) some of the insights gleaned from our entrants’ survey responses as to how businesses adapted their portfolios and subsequently thrived during the pandemic. Andrew Catchpole picks the persistent trends.

Lockdown accelerated Champagne's growth in mainland China

Published: 14 September, 2021

Demand for Champagne has risen dramatically in mainland China over the past 12 months, according to market expert Lei Meng.

BWS grocery sales decline 6%

Published: 24 August, 2021

Beer, wine and spirits (BWS) sales through supermarkets continued to slide in the four weeks ending 14 August 2021, down 6% compared with the same period last year, according to Total Till data from NielsenIQ released today.

Ageism in hospitality

Published: 12 July, 2021

Staff shortages in the hospitality industry have reached alarming levels, but will employers relax their natural tendency to favour younger workers and take on older people instead?

Long Read: Hidden gems making their mark

Published: 27 May, 2021

While travel has been restricted, many wine drinkers have been on their own journey of exploration enjoying hidden gem wines – whether unusual varieties from popular wine-growing countries or regions, or familiar grapes from unfamiliar places.

SLTA: 'We’re a long way from fully reopening'

Published: 12 May, 2021

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) has welcomed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's confirmation that the Scottish on-trade will be able to serve alcohol indoors until 10.30pm from 17 May, but warned the road ahead is long.

Nearly half of consumers in England flock to hospitality venues

Published: 22 April, 2021

Nearly of half (44%) of adults in England have visited pubs, bars and restaurants since they re-opened for outdoor service on the 12 April, beating last year’s rate of return to hospitality following the easing of restrictions after the first lockdown.

Online BWS sales slump

Published: 13 April, 2021

Year on year online beer, wines and spirits (BWS) sales slumped 6.7% in March, making it the only category online to record negative growth, according to IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index.