Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Winetraders adds ten new artisan Italian producers to portfolio

Published: 03 September, 2026

Winetraders has announced the addition of ten new artisan Italian estates to its portfolio, as it nears its thirtieth year in the industry.

Buyer’s Spotlight: Patient Picpoul

Published: 04 August, 2026

While some trade commentators like to write about the death of appellations and the inability of European wine laws to challenge the agility of New World brands, I have just three words: Picpoul de Pinet. A runaway success in export markets, Picpoul de Pinet has become a household name in the UK, rising up the ranks to full AOC status in 2013. Still a staple of pub wine lists and ubiquitous in seafood restaurants, Picpoul successfully poached Muscadet’s customers in the 21st century.

France report: Importer viewpoints

Published: 27 July, 2026

Already at the top when it comes to import value, French wines are currently benefiting from a host of trends (despite some doubts about long-term demand) including: premiumisation; increasing demand for rosé and crémant; and greater consumer exploration. With an up-close-and-personal view of the category, here’s what some key importers have to say.

Importers say French wine category benefiting from drive to premiumisation

Published: 29 June, 2026

Speaking to Harpers, leading importers said that French wines have continued to perform strongly in the UK, with the category benefiting from several ongoing trends – including premiumisation.

Grands Chais de France celebrates UK Crémant growth

Published: 22 May, 2026

Crémant has recently seen rapid growth in the UK, driven by value-led premiumisation and an increasing interest in regional exploration, according to producer Grands Chais de France (GCF).

Nick Gillett: Bitters – longstanding yet underappreciated modern cocktail star

Published: 24 March, 2026

I’m a champion of all categories, right? It’s part of the job description. But there are some that just hold a special place in my booze cabinet – especially when they’re backed up by centuries old production methods and a sterling reputation with the best and boldest bars.

Austria: Tasting truths

Published: 16 February, 2026

When consumers taste Austrian wines, they often don’t look back – but how should the trade be enticing them to take that first step? David Kermode reports.

Is it time for Australia to shift its focus?

Published: 26 January, 2026

David Kermode takes the temperature of the Australian wine market to determine whether its mass-market appeal still holds true or if it’s time to prioritise premiumisation.

Chile’s premium promise

Published: 19 September, 2025

Chile needs to eschew its label as a region known for ‘cheap and cheerful’, or strictly ‘value-for-money’ wines.” So ponders Steve Daniel, head of buying at Hallgarten & Novum Wines. The widescale production of table wine in the continent-straddling nation has at times muddied the perception of Chile’s top-end offerings.

IWSR data: Luxury spirits rise bucks market trends

Published: 18 April, 2025

Growth spots in the global spirits industry are offering an encouraging counter-picture to the moribund health of wine sales – although the category is having to come to grips with challenges impacting long-term premiumisation trends and the instability of major markets such as China.

IWSR: Growth spots shine amid another tough year in 2024

Published: 04 April, 2025

Total volumes for alcohol declined by 1% in 2024 according to data from the IWSR data, as markets including the US, China, India and Europe failed to live up to forecast expectations. However, pockets of growth persist, including agave, Indian whisky and Prosecco.

Rum's reportcard: its place in the spirits trade today

Published: 26 March, 2025

Rum officially broke the £1bn sales barrier in the UK in 2018, just one year after gin, while riding high on a reputation for being a bartending favourite and the high-energy drink that takes partying to the next level.

New study shines light on future trends in spirits

Published: 11 November, 2024

Research undertaken by GlobalData suggests that premiumisation, convenience, generational shifts and AI will be the key drivers of innovation and development in the spirits industry over the next five years.

Champagne: Gold blends

Published: 15 October, 2024

The art of assemblage is being mined for new opportunities by Champagne houses looking to premiumise in a tough trading environment. Jo Gilbert reports.

Premium drinks stand tall amid against cost-of-living crisis

Published: 31 August, 2023

Premium alcohol brands are continuing to gather pace in the face of a mounting global cost of living crisis, new analysis suggests, with aspirational drinking still very much on top form.

Insights: Moderation movement

Published: 16 December, 2022

Premiumisation continues as consumers lean into little luxuries. However, the economic doldrums and rising inflation are also fanning the flames of moderation trends, writes Jo Gilbert.

Millennial fallout threatens premiumisation

Published: 13 December, 2022

A major shift in premiumisation trends is about to occur, new analysis from the IWSR has concluded, as millennials and those who enjoyed greater discretionary spend during the pandemic feel the strain of a new period of economic instability and stagnation.

Cocktails: Cans win for on-the-move

Published: 02 September, 2021

Ready-to-drink cocktails continue to grow in popularity despite the reopening of the on-trade. Lisa Riley reports.

On-trade digitisation, premiumisation and personalisation are major trends

Published: 29 June, 2020

A digitised on-trade, premium in home drinking experiences and ‘liquid personalisation’ have been identified as the key trends for the year ahead by research and analyst company Rewrite Digital.

Polarisation in the drinks market

Published: 02 April, 2020

A new report revealed both mainstream and super-premium categories were growing pre-pandemic, while highlighting the opportunities for retailers. Lisa Riley looks at some of the trends that may re-emerge down the line.