Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Looking back on 2016 and ahead to 2017: Robin Copestick, Copestick Murray

Published: 22 December, 2016

Robin Copestick of Copestick Murray predicts a more adventurous 2017 wine-wise, while hoping for that big win for Stoke City

Looking back on 2016 and ahead to 2017: Ted Sandbach, Oxford Wine Company

Published: 21 December, 2016

The Oxford Wine Company's Ted Sandbach on a (mainly) good year, the challenges ahead and drinking more Pinot Noir

Q&A: Alberto Antonini, winemaker and consultant

Published: 21 December, 2016

Andrew Catchpole caught up with globetrotting consultant oenologist Alberto Antonini at Bodega Garzón in Uruguay, where they talked authenticity, music and the herding of sheep

Taking education to the front line

Published: 19 December, 2016

The current on-trade staffing shortage is being exacerbated by a lack of appropriate training. Harpers spoke to Matthew Cocks about Jascots' WineEd initiative designed to help plug the gap

Sipsmith purchase by Beam Suntory brings welcome reaction from WSTA

Published: 16 December, 2016

Beam Suntory's purchase of a 100% controlling stake in Sipsmith, the artisanal London Dry Gin producer, points to the growing global reach of the renaissance in British gin.

What lies ahead for 2017?

Published: 13 December, 2016

As a tumultuous year draws to a close, Harpers asked key trade figures to highlight the challenges, ongoing trends and opportunities in 2017

Champagne may be facing a bumpy time in the UK but, as Christmas approaches, all signs are that sparkling wines without the famous French appellation attached to their label are in rude health and many retailers are pinning their hopes on bumper fizz sales this festive season.

The Drinks Wholesaler: Drinking cheek by jowl

Published: 22 November, 2016

"Change is the only constant," mused the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and that has certainly never been more apt than in the current drinking and dining scene.

Q&A: James Trelawny and Hugo Tapp, co-founders, Trelawny and Tapp

Published: 22 November, 2016

Young guns Trelawny and Tapp have fashioned a niche online wine offer designed to connect with the craft beer generation. They explain their vision to Andrew Catchpole

Uruguay's "clean slate" leaves field open for building quality reputation

Published: 21 November, 2016

Bibendum has ambitious plans to put Uruguay on the map as a high-end niche proposition for independents and on-trade by focusing on quality wines from one of its most innovative producers

Wine Rack: Bringing hybrid to the high street

Published: 18 November, 2016

Wine Rack is calling time on traditional high street retail with the roll-out of hybrid stores across its estate.

Insights: Curating consumer preference

Published: 18 November, 2016

New WinePro research from Kingsland goes beyond defining consumers, unearthing their needs and habits on different consuming occasions.

The other side of life: Anne Jones, category manager at Waitrose

Published: 16 November, 2016

Just like the extra-curricular activities many of our children get stuck into after school, having time to unwind or pursue other interests can bring extra energy and inspiration to our passionate industry.

Q&A: Xavier Rousset MS and Gearoid Devaney MS, Cabotte

Published: 04 November, 2016

Xavier Rousset MS and Gearoid Devaney MS, restaurateur and wine importer respectively, have opened a Burgundy oasis in the City, realising a long-held dream.

The cost of Brexit to suppliers and retailers

Published: 04 November, 2016

Suppliers are under intense pressure to increase prices following sterling's dramatic fall. But the costs are not falling evenly.

New Zealand riding on high on record exports as annual tasting approaches

Published: 18 October, 2016

The UK New Zealand Winegrowers' Annual New Release Tasting is to showcase wineries seeking representation as exports reach NZ$1.54bn record high

Kingsland research sheds light on influences on millennial wine purchasing habits

Published: 18 October, 2016

New WinePRO research from Kingsland Drinks has revealed more about where millennials take their cues from when shopping for wine

Mind the Gap: on-trade wine training hitting buffers with non-wine drinking millennials

Published: 17 October, 2016

A lack of familiarity with and interest in wine among young staff is presenting a challenge to the on-trade, said panellists at the recent Drinks Roadshow in Bristol

Mind the gap: on-trade wine training hitting buffers with non-wine drinking millennials

Published: 17 October, 2016

A lack of familiarity with and interest in wine among young staff is presenting a challenge to the on-trade, said panellists at the recent Drinks Roadshow in Bristol