The Smith Report: Exchange rate is it a friend or foe?

The Smith Report takes a look at the opportunities for wine producers in South Africa, where its currency exchange has proven to be both its best friend and its worst enemy.

Pinot Grigio stocks tighten further, says Murphy Wine Company

Murphy Wine Company's latest price list, dated July 30, 2014, shows further tightening of Pinot Grigio stocks globally as Californian producers say their crop could be down by around one third.

Big interview: Pierre Levron on why Costco takes wines and spirits so seriously

Costco likes to pile it high, so if you secure a listing there you can expect to see sales take off overnight. Pierre Levron explains to Andrew Don why the wholesaler takes beers, wines and spirits so seriously

For future growth Carlsberg must succeed in wine as well as beer, says James Lousada

As Carlsberg's specialist wine and spirits division, now called Crown Cellars, celebrates over 20 years, the brewer's UK chief executive, James Lousada, explains to Richard Siddle why wines and spirits are now so important to the group

Richard Clark: we're always looking for next "Crabbie's" breakthrough at Halewood

Halewood International's innovation programme has been the lifeblood of a £270m-plus turnover independent drinks manufacturer and distributor that has reinvigorated many of the markets in which it operates. Andrew Don speaks to Richard Clark, director of innovation, about the company's new product development (NPD) and the importance NPD plays in the life of a 30-year-old business that learns from both failure and success.

South African wine under the microscope

South Africa may be known for its value-for-money wine, but the country is vying for a spot in more premium territory, as Gemma McKenna and Erin Smith find out

High street wine retailers take a fresh look at franchising

As Oddbins announces plans to open up 200 franchise stores, Gemma McKenna looks at franchising in the wine trade and, as the economy recovers, asks whether taking on a business that already has the wow factor could be the way forward

Diana Hunter, Conviviality CEO, on the new BB's Warehouse concept

Diana Hunter is chief executive of Conviviality Retail, owner of the Bargain Booze network. Last week the firm announced the launch of a new concept - BB's Warehouse - a destination discount off-licence warehouse. Gemma McKenna finds out more.

Jean-Claude Mas on how he has helped build a global French wine brand

Christine Parkinson on driving sake with customers and sommeliers at Hakkasan

Helen Arnold talks sake with Christine Parkinson, chief wine buyer at the 12-strong Hakkasan restaurant chain, the first company to put some of its sommeliers through a new WSET sake course.

How a 'yes' vote from Scotland would affect alcohol taxes and logistics

Excise duty expert Alan Powell considers how Scottish independence could affect drinks firms operating both sides of the borders in terms of excise duty and logistics.

Jayke Mangion on the story behind setting up a restaurant in an old Clapham public toilet

Andrew Weeber Gusbourne looks back at ten years of growth at his English winery

Andrew Weeber Gusbourne, chairman of Gusbourne plc, talks to Anne Krebiehl at the celebration of the estate's tenth anniversary. He remembers the past decade and looks ahead, always with his motto in mind: "There's always room at the top." Congratulations and happy 10^th birthday, Gusbourne!

Harpers Low-Alcohol Wine Report: Subscribers download here

Try as it might, the UK wine trade has yet to crack the low-alcohol wine category, according to a new Harpers report published today.

Are classic Italian wines making a comeback?

Many believe that classic Italian styles are poised for a major comeback, but could they be obscuring the depth and breadth of Italian wine?

How retailers are using consumers to drive their brand image and strategy

The new, all-singing, all-dancing London Wine Fair was an apt setting for Harpers debate on how companies can harness consumer power to drive their businesses forward.

The rum doctor: Dr Frank Ward of WIRSPA

Harpers.co.uk caught up with Dr. Frank Ward of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) to find out what the association is currently doing to raise the profile of Caribbean rum in the UK.

WSTA's Miles Beale gears up for the next battle to cut wine duty

Fresh from victory in the battle against hiking alcohol duty ever-upwards, the Wine & Spirit Trade Association's chief executive is already champing at the bit to secure a fair duty level next time around.

The Smith report: the rise of Scotch as an alternative to fine wine investors

According to a new report by Rabobank released in June, Scotch whisky is currently going through a boom. But Scotch producers could learn a thing or two from the wine trade in that regulating the peaks and troughs of supply and demand is necessary to increase value over the long term. So could Scotch whisky now rival fine wine as an alternative investment?

Why wine clubs need up their game to fully engage with their members

Hannah Saunders, international and UK business development director for contract publishing company, Cedar Communications, assesses the merits of the retailer wine clubs and finds many could take lessons from other sectors on how to fully engage and interact with their customers and members.