Liberty Wines' premium on-trade report has its eye on the high ground

In an exclusive Harpers preview, Liberty Wines has shared its upcoming Premium On-trade Wine Report, identifying where growth opportunities still lie. Andrew Catchpole picks out the highlights

Looking ahead after Conviviality's fall

Trade reactions to Conviviality collapse

In light of Conviviality’s fall from grace, following a tumultuous month which saw three profit warnings, its market value tumble, shares suspended and the departure of CEO Diana Hunter, Harpers has gathered opinions from across the drinks industry as the business prepares to file for administration

Spain raises the stakes

Spain has long been known as the commercial hub of Europe’s classic winemaking regions – a category that has traditionally seen off-trade sales veer towards its £5-£10 “sweet spot” or lower, to the sub-£5, rather than its top tier of lauded pagos.

Sparkling drives growth as inflation bites down on average prices

Volume sales of alcohol continued to decline in the UK off-trade in 2017, but value sales increased in both yearly and quarterly sales, particularly in sparkling wine, which remains the main driver of growth for the overall wine category.

New Zealand premium exports hit a high note in the US and UK

New Zealand’s reputition as a top producer of quality wines continue to rise in the UK and across the world, as it is named the third biggest wine importer in value to the US.

Star wines and evolution trails at Wines from Spain's annual trade tasting

This year’s Wines from Spain annual trade tasting will highlight the opportunities from Spain’s myriad DOs, styles, grape varieties and terroirs, with importers also selecting their ‘star wines’ from across the on and off-trades.

Conviviality sales surge 9.2% as market share grows

Sales at independent drinks distributor Conviviality surged by 9.2% to £836.3m in the 26 weeks to October 29 2017, the group announced today.

Hampshire producers prepare for annual tasting

A group of seven leading Hampshire producers are on their to way to London once again in February for their annual tasting.

Liberty buoyant but cautions market will remain tough in 2018

A slowing economy, with falling on-trade sales, smaller lists and people drinking less is the predicted outlook for 2018, according to Liberty Wines managing director David Gleave MW.

Saunders spreads his wings

Ex-Bibendum MD and Conviviality business development director Michael Saunders has stepped back from a full time roll at the UK drinks giant with plans to explore other avenues including consultancy to the industry.

Liberty Wines bolsters NZ with Marlborough addition

Liberty Wines is bolstering its already strong New Zealand collection in order to keep in step with the continued popularity of Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

Brexit and bad harvests could dampen supply of fizz

2018 could be the year that Brits’ love of sparkling catches up with them as experts predict a fizz shortage could be about to descend on the UK.

Looking ahead: Jason Haynes, co-founder, Flint Wines

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Looking ahead: Ruth Yates, founder and MD, Cork’s Out

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Australia Day Tasting returns with special guest

The annual Australia Day Tasting (ADT) returns to the UK in January in its usual slot – but this year will feature a special guest.

Looking ahead: Troy Christensen, CEO, Enotria and Coe

With the all-important Christmas trading period underway - and hopefully turning passion into profit for the UK’s wine and spirits operators - we at Harpers are looking ahead past New Year to see what’s in store for the trade in 2018.

Leaked documents show UK will stay in single market

The UK will remain a member of the EU's customs union and single market between 2019 and 2021 according to a leaked copy of European Council guidelines for upcoming trade talks.

ProWein branches out with new Japanese partnership

ProWein is stepping up its presence in Japan by partnering with Foodex – the country’s biggest food and beverage trade fair.

“Mutual recognition” at borders could help facilitate post-Brexit trade

Brexit talks floundered once again yesterday as PM Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels following a row with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over the status of the Irish border.