Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hospitality sales up 6% in Q4

Published: 02 February, 2024

New data from Fourth has revealed hospitality revenue in Q4 2023 is up 6.1% year-on-year.

Harpers received over 160 responses to our State of the Nation Survey, which canvassed the views of on-trade operators, multiple/indie retailers as well as distributors/importers spanning the length and breadth of the UK. Jo Gilbert takes the UK’s temperature.

On-trade: All I want for Christmas…

Published: 11 December, 2023

With the festive period upon us, Chris Losh asks how restaurants might fashion a silk purse out of a pig of a trading climate.

Aldi wines announce biggest-ever price drop

Published: 07 December, 2023

Discounter Aldi has laid down an early Christmas pricing benchmark after it revealed all ‘Specially Selected’ wine will be 25% off until 24 December.

Novel Wines acquires Croatian Fine Wines as it eyes expansion

Published: 06 December, 2023

Bath-based wine merchant Novel Wines will finalise its acquisition of Croatian Fine Wines by the end of 2023. The move is a part of Novel Wines’ expansion strategy as it widens its wholesale operation to supply its esoteric wine and spirits range to a national audience.

Navigating Port’s choppy waters

Published: 27 November, 2023

In some quarters, Port sales received something of a lockdown boost as consumers made the most of longer, more relaxed at-home-drinking occasions. Jo Gilbert asks, can restaurants utilise this goodwill to maximise sales this winter?

Industry welcomes RMT breakthrough

Published: 09 November, 2023

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), has agreed a deal in principle with train operators to resolve the ongoing rail dispute, quelling fears of a repeat of last year’s Christmas strikes which were so damaging to the hospitality industry.