Insights: The pros and cons of buying groups and the changing agency model

Buying groups, particularly among independent merchants and on-trade wholesalers, are becoming more commonplace. Harpers.co.uk investigates the pros and cons of joining one

James Bielby: Has the Government turned its back on small businesses?

James Bielby, chief executive officer of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, asks whether a number of different government initiatives being focused on from the National Living Wage to the relaxation of Sunday Trading rules could harm small business owners.

Insights: Independents best poised to gain if value can be returned to wine category

With supermarkets retrenching, independents stand to gain if value can be returned to the wine category

Insights: Is it the end of the traditional wine shops?

As the competition hots up in independent retail with the introduction of more and more hybrid venues, could this spell the end for the traditional wine shop? Nigel Huddleston investigates 

Drinks businesses flex their sharp social media skills

Social media has become a crucial tool in any brand manager's box of tricks and it will become increasingly important in 2016. Erin Smith reports 

Andrew Catchpole: A promising year for the wine trade

Consumer confidence - and spend - is on the up, a stronger pound is easing the path for UK buyers, and time has seemingly been called by the multiples on an era of heavy discounting, with range cuts also playing into the hands of adventurous independents selling on the contrasting breadth of their portfolio.

Analysis: Trade optimism lifts following festive trading

Consumer confidence is generally on the up and early indications suggest that Christmas delivered a welcome boost to the trade.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: John McLaren, Wines Institute of California

As we all ease our way into 2016 and we have a few of our final thoughts as the year begins from John McLaren, UK director of Wines Institute of California. Californian wines have done incredibly well in 2051, but McLaren sees consumers which buy from supermarkets as a challenge ahead in 2016.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Ted Sandbach, Oxford Wine Company

Ted Sandbach, managing director and owner of the Oxford Wine Company, looks back at an exciting 2015 with opening of another Wine Cafe and figures are up with his wholesale business.  He is looking forward to enjoying the Great Escape over the Christmas break, but looking to 2016 Sandbach sees more consolidation ahead for the industry.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Hal Wilson, Cambridge Wine Merchants

Hal Wilson of Cambridge Wine Merchants has had an 'awesome' and 'dynamic' 2015. He has embraced the popularity of spirits, which has helped boost his offering to over 900 SKUs.  The two biggest challenges in 2016 Wilson's thinks will be to keep wine 'sexy' and combating supermarket discounting.

Armit releases highly anticipated 2014 Domaine Leflaive en primeur

Fine wine merchant Armit Wines has announced the en primeur release of the 2014 vintage from highy regarded Burgundy winemaker Domaine Leflaive.

Insight: Coffee shop by day and wine bar by night outlets are hot

Coffee operators are turning their focus from daytime-only trade to the evening opportunity, including alcohol sales. Jo Bruce looks at the trend for serving skinny lattes alongside Sauvignon Blanc.

Analysis: Independent merchants trends for 2016

With the growing popularity of hybrid wine shops, the independent retailers are finding strength in offering their customers something that the 'big boys' are not able to. So what does 2016 hold for the sector? James Lawrence investigates

Q&A: Nik Darlington, founder, Red Squirrel Wine

Q&A: Merchant Vintners' chairman James Tanner

James Tanner is the third chairman of the buying group which is celebrating 50 years of business and looking for new recruits.

Majestic Wine to eliminate six-bottle minimum

Majestic Wine is implementing a new pricing strategy beginning tomorrow, which includes eliminating the six-bottle minimum that the store has had in place since 2009.

Armit launches #LoveLeVolte Week

Fine-wine merchant Armit Wines is launching its inaugural "Love Le Volte" promotion next week.

Analysis: Port, a very British Tradtion

The Christmas trading period has historically been Port's chance to shine in the UK and this year looks set to be no exception.

Harpers Awards 2015 winners

The drinks industry's finest gathered at Vinopolis last night to celebrate a year of achievement across the on and off-trade.

SITT Preview: Specialist Importers Trade Tastings