Harpers Wine & Spirit Digital Edition

COPY: The Drinks Wholesaler: Intriguing Times

We've covered a far-reaching spread of issues, insights, interviews and profiles in these pages along with focuses on the sparkling wine category, gin, British beer and the contrasting, but in some ways complementary, wine offers of Chile and Argentina. We also examine what the word 'craft' means to consumers and ask whether it can be better applied to wine to engage millennials.

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The Drinks Wholesaler: Intriguing Times

Welcome to our autumn issue of Drinks Wholesaler, which is packed with the usual medley of analysis, insights, viewpoints and features, plus original research into the wine market, commissioned and shared by Crown Cellars, appearing for the first time here. 

Convivial Deal?

The seismic news of the £60 million Conviviality Brands acquisition of Bibendum-PLB breaking just ahead of the London Wine Fair, potentially delivering the Group annual sales of £1.4 billion, certainly gave the trade much to speculate on during the show. Significant consolidation had once again swept through the landscape of wine market, presenting new challenges to rival operators across most of the channels in the UK

The Drinks Roadshow: Edinburgh, June 28

The third outing of The Drinks Wholesaler Roadshow will roll into Edinburgh on 28 June, building on the momentum of our inaugural Manchester and Windsor events.

5 minutes with... Andrew Maidment, Wines of Argentina

Malbec has become a 'must list' on UK merchant shelves and restaurant lists. So much so that while Argentina has been keen to promote the broader diversity of styles and varieties in its collective wine portfolio, the main focus is likely to remain firmly on how to best to deliver on-going interest and growth centered on its flagship wine.

Spotlight on: Brexit

With the latest update of the Financial Times Brexit poll tracker standing at 46% 'Stay' and 43% 'Leave', the June 23 referendum as to whether Britain should part company with the European Union would appear to remain too close to currently call.

Sommelier Shortage

The suggestion that the role of the sommelier could be on the wane with the advance of more casual dining in the UK appears to be contradicted by a shortage in the industry, according to the UK Sommelier Association.

IWC 2016: On the judging trail with this year's 400 judges

The International Wine Challenge 2016 opened the innings of Tranche two, at the Kia Oval, in South London on Tuesday, which will now be home to the IWC organisers, hard-working crew and judges for the next two weeks.  With over 15,000 wines to assess across Tranche one, Tranche two, and the Sake Challenge, by more than 400 judges, in panels of up to 5, it's a feat of gargantuan proportions, requiring meticulous planning, and organization on a military scale.

Independents turn to experiential approach

Independent drinks retailers are currently facing a double whammy with supermarkets providing consumers with the convenience of picking up drinks with their weekly shop, while discounters are providing the sort of low prices that are hard to ignore.

Enotria & Coe partner with key spirits brands to target regional on-trade

South African harvest 2016

The hottest growing season in South Africa since 1904, according to official statistics, is having a major impact on production for the current vintage. Yields are dramatically lower - down by as much as 60% or more in certain regions like Swartland - with the national crush expected to the smallest for over a decade.

Speciality Brands

Warner Edwards

Dà Mhìle

Pinkster Gin

Maverick

Mason's Gin

Marussia