Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

UK spirits decline, premium segments resilient

Published: 23 July, 2024

James Lawrence looks at the trends shaping and driving premium sales

France Report: Delivering diversity

Published: 25 June, 2024

Andrew Catchpole samples the trade’s take on France and its ever-enticing offer.

Gin brands innovate with local flavours says IWSR

Published: 24 June, 2024

According to IWSR data, while gin encounters challenges in certain markets, the category continues to evolve and innovate.

Gen Z shifts towards low & no alcohol amid declining disposable income

Published: 21 June, 2024

In the midst of declining disposable incomes and economic uncertainty, Generation Z is driving a significant shift in the beverage market. New research indicates that while overall alcohol sales have decreased, the no & low alcohol segment is experiencing impressive growth. This trend signals the need for a clear category vision that aligns with the evolving preferences of Gen Z, a demographic acutely feeling the pinch of high interest rates and economic challenges.

‘Moderate recovery’ predicted for global alcohol market in 2025

Published: 06 June, 2024

Following a decline in global beverage alcohol sales in 2023 and tough trading conditions so far in 2024, IWSR has predicted a gradual recovery from 2025.

Making the most of rosé

Published: 25 March, 2024

With premium rosé in the ascendancy, James Lawrence asks why apathy rules regarding its listings.

Low & no market up 5% in 2023

Published: 19 December, 2023

Despite signs of the low & no market maturing, growth continued apace in 2023, with consumption across the world’s top 10 markets increasing by 5% in 2023.

Spain Report: Cava rides youthful wave

Published: 01 November, 2023

As Cava enjoys a boost in popularity with a younger generation, James Bayley learns how explaining the nuances of the Spanish fizz could broaden its appeal further.

RTD category to hit $40bn by 2027 in key markets

Published: 23 October, 2023

New research from the IWSR reveals that the RTD category is expected to grow by 12% in volume between 2022 and 2027, generating $40bn in revenue across 10 key markets, including the UK.

Spanish wine has potential in diversity

Published: 23 October, 2023

Spain is seen as exciting and in evolution by those in the know. But the wider industry and consumers still stick to Rioja. How can Spain’s multiplicity infiltrate the UK mainstream? James Bayley reports.

Christmas 2023: Stay-at-home value

Published: 16 October, 2023

James Lawrence takes a pre-emptive dive into Christmas, consumer confidence and festive drinks trends.

Vodka: Mainstay on the back-bar

Published: 24 August, 2023

James Bayley assesses the health of the vodka category in the wake of the great Russian boycott and notes the spirit’s premium leanings.

The WSTA to launch ‘low and no’ alcohol guides

Published: 04 August, 2023

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has spearheaded the development of the UK’s first low and no alcohol guides, amid exponential growth in the burgeoning sector.

Curious Vines and Proof Insight to launch women in wine survey

Published: 03 August, 2023

Curious Vines and Proof Insight are to collaborate on the ‘first-ever’ survey to discover how women feel about working in the wine industry.

Is India the next China?

Published: 24 July, 2023

India has emerged as a key volume driver for beverage alcohol, whilst China's growth has softened according to the latest IWSR analysis.

Sparkling offers glimmer of light for UK alcohol, as global volume growth slows

Published: 08 June, 2023

India, Mexico and Brazil will take over from the US and China as the volume drivers of growth for alcohol around the world, new figures have revealed. Meanwhile, the US and China remain key to the industry’s value growth – and the UK continues its trend of wine stagnation.

Consumer confidence levels on the rise finds IWSR

Published: 19 May, 2023

While consumer sentiment has improved, beverage alcohol consumers in the UK are still mindful of how they spend their disposable income according to the IWSR.

ProWein survey reveals opportunities for no-low and sparkling wines

Published: 24 April, 2023

In a survey of nearly 2,500 wine experts from 47 countries, a special report from Prowein 2022 suggests 46% of producers and merchants want to adapt their portfolios to market trends.

Insights: (Some) reasons to be cheerful

Published: 19 April, 2023

Wine’s long-term decline continues while spirits and beer have enjoyed a Covid rebound. However, several markets, including the UK, have seen a resurgence in the total number of wine drinkers, with the rise of premium sales also offering positives. Jo Gilbert looks at the numbers.

Consumer confidence in finances is improving finds IWSR

Published: 13 April, 2023

The latest findings from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the global beverage alcohol data and insights specialist, show that although stated alcohol spend is falling in many markets, consumer confidence about finances and the future is trending more positively than in 2022. This is especially true of the UK, where consumers show signs of improved sentiment following lows in late 2022.