Thinking outside the wine box on global shortages

Sourcing more cannily, focusing on quality and seeking out alternatives are just some of the outcomes that have resulted from increased supply and price pressures over the past few years. Re-evaluation was a key theme at the London Wine Fair Innovation Zone debate on May 22, as panellists discussed how best to meet changing consumer needs when global consumption patterns and global supply rarely see eye to eye.

Tim Atkin MW: Where wines really come from doesn’t matter to many

I’ve never been to the Phantom River in New Zealand’s South Island, but a quick search online shows that it rises in the Ben McLeod Range and joins the Orari River close to Peel Forest. With its echoes of nature, mystery and the gold rush, it’s a wonderful name for a Sauvignon Blanc brand. Punters clearly think so too, as Phantom River is currently selling several million bottles at £5 in Sainsbury’s.

Jerry Lockspeiser: The rise of the empowered consumer

“Business leaders can no longer assume that consumers make rational decisions about which products to buy and use. Today’s empowered customers no longer purchase products; they buy experiences. They engage with brands that deliver what they need, when they need it, regardless of the delivery mechanism or channel.

Bacardi marches 5,500 employees ‘Back to the Bar’ for grassroots on-trade initiative

Employees at spirits powerhouse Bacardi left their computers and labs yesterday and headed to their local bars as part of a global initiative to find out what’s driving engagement at the sharp end of the trade.

Jerry Lockspeiser: What wine would you drink in an igloo?

During November and December last year, a skiing inspired pop-up appeared on London’s Southbank near the Festival Hall. Close to the skate boarders and overlooking the river Thames, Jimmy’s Lodge featured an outside bar and grill, inside restaurant and three heated Private Dining Igloos (or Snow Globes) for 6-10 people.

Looking ahead: Jason Haynes, co-founder, Flint Wines

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Diageo boss calls for action over “scandalous” talent waste in wake of Brexit

Diageo boss Ivan Menezes has claimed that there is a “scandalous waste of talent” in the UK with 790,000 young people not in education, unemployment or training (NEET).

Q&A: Steve Fennell, Sanford Winery & Vineyards

Steve Fennell, general manager and head winemaker at Sanford Winery & Vineyards located in Santa Rita Hills, talks about the winery that helped put the region on the map in the infamous film Sideways

Enter Story Headline

Ex-News of the World journalist to head WSTA communications

A former News of the World journalist, who was acquitted of criminal charges of paying sources for information, has been appointed as the Wine & Spirit Trade Association's head of communications.

Selfridges buyer Davies to leave after nine years for new challenge

Selfridges beer, wine and spirit buyer Dawn Davies is leaving the post after nine years.

Percival Val Brown talks about his 65 years in the drinks business

Percival Brown tells Douglas Blyde about his six decades in the business, from the cellars beneath Speakers' Corner to selecting the wines for Concorde.

Simon Cairns of The Co-operative on the growing importance of convenience retailing for the company

Simon Cairns, BWS category trading manager at The Co-operative explains to Angela Mount the supermarket's strategy, its supplier relationships and how it needs to "focus totally on convenience retailing, working within 2,000- to 4,000-square-foot shop formats."

Tanqueray master distiller Tom Nichol reflects on 42-years in the industry

Tanqueray's master distiller, Tom Nichol, who is retiring from Diageo after a 42-year career, has been awarded a lifetime award by the Gin Guild, at its annual dinner. 

Yalumba's first non-family member MD, Nick Waterman talks about his long-term view for the business

Nick Waterman has become the first non-family member to hold the position of managing director at Yalumba in 165 years. He talks about how it feels to fill such big shoes.

Bibendum PLB's new indie and wholesale arm Walker & Wodehouse on catering for the indepedent sector

Next month sees the final piece of the jigsaw slot into place for mega-supplier Bibendum PLB Group, as it launches its independent and wholesale division, Walker & Wodehouse. Arabella Mileham catches up with managing director Gareth Groves

Australian Vintage appoints Bibendum PLB sales manager

Australian Vintage has recruited Karen Humphrey's from Bibendum PLB as its new business manager for Sainsbury's.

Q&A: Jonathan James talks to Harpers about his new franchise venture of Conviviality Retail

Jonathan James, the convenience store expert who has taken on the franchise of 36 stores acquired by Conviviality Retail from GT News, talks to Harpers.co.uk about his ambitious plans for the business.

Q&A: Chris Tomlinson, Tirril Brewery

Former pub owner turned brewer and distiller Chris Tomlinson of Tirril Brewery talks to Helen Arnold about the launch of Cumbria's first single malt whisky - the only malt in Britain made using a beer recipe

Q&A: Andrea D'Ercole, Ipsum Vinoteca

Andrea D'Ercole has been importing Italian wine and food for the on-trade since 2003. Nigel Huddleston asks him why now was the right time to launch his own wine bar at Ipsum Vinoteca in Leeds