Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Analysis: Making history with old vines

Published: 06 November, 2024

Jo Gilbert reports from the latest gathering of old vine aficionados in Italy.

Five minutes with Alex Hurley, London Cru

Published: 05 April, 2022

Jo Gilbert talks to the English wine innovator about how the past two years have helped to super-charge the category via London Cru, the Roberson Wines-owned urban winery.

Bibendum then and now

Published: 17 March, 2022

Bibendum’s 40th anniversary celebrations taking place this month prompted Jo Gilbert to catch up with Michael Saunders, head of partnerships at C&C Group, on the evolution from Primrose Hill retail store to trade institution

Koshu: A distinctly Japanese elixir with a growing stable of styles

Published: 07 February, 2022

It’s difficult to gauge how much is known in the UK about the white wine grape Koshu. Hailing almost exclusively from Yamanashi prefecture’s Katsunuma region – the ‘birthplace’ of Japanese viticulture – the wine remains largely shrouded in mystery to the UK trade, despite Koshu of Japan’s faithful annual tastings.

Tequila raises the bar

Published: 31 January, 2022

Once known by its ‘slammer’ reputation, tequila is carving out a new niche in UK spirits with optimistic sales as a premium sipping drink, writes Jo Gilbert.

Wine gets smarter

Published: 27 January, 2022

The OIV’s inaugural digital symposium unveiled the discoveries of a year-long, wide-ranging look into the future of connected technology and how key areas of development will transform sustainability, profitability and efficiency in vineyards. Jo Gilbert reports.

Port’s new groove

Published: 03 December, 2021

An explosion of on-trend Port products with instant drinkability is providing a fillip to a previously flatlining category, finds Jo Gilbert.

English wine pushing for success

Published: 20 September, 2021

The pandemic has been a catalyst for sales of English and Welsh wine at home and abroad, accelerating a sector that was already on its way to great things. How to keep up momentum is the question, writes Jo Gilbert.

Staycations: mixed reactions to summer boom

Published: 11 August, 2021

The UK’s regions are enjoying a burst of attention with staycationers going in search of the British sun. It’s a shame venues can’t get the staff, says Jo Gilbert.

Roundtable: Pinotage catches up

Published: 05 September, 2019

South Africa has undergone Darwinian-levels of evolution over the past decade. Where the country – and its flagship varietal – goes from here formed the crux of Harpers’ recent roundtable in association with Kumala Wines. Jo Gilbert hosted the debate.

Mixers see highest growth of soft drinks driven by health trend and premiumisation

Published: 29 March, 2017

The Fever Tree effect is responsible for the rapid growth of mixers over the past 12 months.

Real Wine Fair back for another year

Published: 29 March, 2017

This May will see the reutrn of The Real Wine Fair - the trade and consumer event which champions natural, organic and biodynamic wines.

Jascots unveils new plans for expansion

Published: 29 March, 2017

Jascots Wine Merchants have officially opened a new extension at their London head office which will house the growing needs of the supplier.

"New chapter" for the trade as May triggers Article 50

Published: 29 March, 2017

A historic moment in British politics and the beginning of a new chapter for the UK alcohol industry took placed this morning when Theresa May signed the letter that will formally begin the UK's departure from the EU.

Through the telescope: A look at future tech likely to affect the wine trade

Published: 28 March, 2017

When Uber recently announced it was looking into the possibility of making daily air travel as cheap as a normal taxi fare, the world - and especially the media - gasped with anticipation.

Tesco fined £129m for overstating profits

Published: 28 March, 2017

Tesco has finally reached an agreement with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and will pay £129m fine following 2014's damaging accounting scandal.

Wine buying hits shoppers' sweet spots at the multiples

Published: 28 March, 2017

High levels of shopper-satisfaction and the willingness of consumers to linger in the wine aisle, are presenting opportunities to engage the customer and drive trade-up sales, a new supermarket study has suggested.

Blurring lines between on-trade beer, wine and spirits

Published: 21 March, 2017

Matthew Clark's new Emporium tasting concept delivered on its promise of providing a circus-themed extravaganza at London's Tobacco Dock on Tuesday.

BREAKING: Article 50 to be triggered next week

Published: 20 March, 2017

The prime minister's spokesman has confirmed that Theresa May will trigger article 50 on Wednesday, March 29, initiating the formal process for the UK to leave the EU.

E&J Gallo winery Dark Horse makes a premium gambit with experimental styles

Published: 20 March, 2017

Better known for it's affordable, everyday wine brand, Gallo, parent company E&J Gallo wineries has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from entry level through to the premium, cementing its position as the leading producer and distributor of Californian wines worldwide.