Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Indies: Food for thought

Published: 04 March, 2020

Thinking of offering a hybrid experience? Andrew Catchpole asks two quite different operators how they balance being both a wine merchant and a bar

Shipping direct: One foot in the vineyard

Published: 03 February, 2020

There are pros and cons to buying direct, but there are certainly reasons indies should consider the option, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Looking back on a decade - Part one

Published: 23 January, 2020

2010-2020 delivered incredible change on both a domestic and an international level. The Harpers team peers back at some of the key stories that continue to shape today’s trade

Indies’ focus on esoteric Italy leaves supermarkets in the shade

Published: 12 December, 2019

Italy in the off-trade seems to be a game of two halves at the moment with supermarkets sticking to classics and bankers while independent merchants push the envelope with more esoteric wines and attempt to shape consumer habits.

My Favourite Customer: Matt Thomas, Vinoramica

Published: 12 December, 2019

East London-based independent merchant Vinoramica has been trading since 2017. Harpers caught up with Matt Thomas from the family-run business to discover what makes his customers tick and how free themed tasting evenings have put this indie start-up on the map.

Selling Italy in the off-trade

Published: 09 December, 2019

Justin Keay digs deep into Italy in the off-trade, taking his microscope to the supermarkets’ Italian ranges and discovering what indie customers are demanding from their local merchants.

Independents: Collaborate to innovate

Published: 05 December, 2019

Teaming up to bring in ad hoc shipments is ushering in a new wave of collaboration between like-minded independents. Chris Wilson weighs the practicalities and benefits

Macknade opens shop championing Kentish wine

Published: 22 October, 2019

Kent-based foodhall Macknade has taken on a wine retail outlet offering 400+ wines,

Armit appoints new MD

Published: 11 October, 2019

Armit Wines has appointed Brett Fleming as its new MD.

Social media gives indies plenty of likes

Published: 18 September, 2019

The rapid pace of tech evolution means merchants have even more to gain from platforms in the future says Lisa Riley

Christmas indie predictions: trends and top tips for the festive season

Published: 17 September, 2019

Speaking to independent merchants on the September tasting circuit it’s clear that their minds have already turned to Christmas and what is for them the busiest time of the year.

SITT hits stride in London and Manchester

Published: 10 September, 2019

This autumn’s Specialist Importers Trade Tasting (SITT) in London and Manchester were among the busiest and most focused events yet, with both off- and on-trade buyers feasting their senses at 45 supplier tables, plus a busy schedule of masterclasses.

UK’s 50 Best Indies 2019

Published: 09 September, 2019

Welcome to the UK’s 50 Best Indies 2019, celebrating and elevating those at the top of their game

SITT Autumn countdown is on

Published: 03 September, 2019

Independent buyers across the on- and off-trade have less than a week to wait for the Specialist Importers Trade Tastings (SITT) Autumn show.

Jeroboams poaches buyer from Enotria & Coe

Published: 30 August, 2019

Jeroboams has appointed Maggie Macpherson to the role of buyer.

Serving up sustainability

Published: 21 August, 2019

Sustainability encompasses myriad aspects of business and production. These range from the big-ticket environmental and carbon-emission concerns – seeking to mitigate and adapt in the face of now-rapid climate change – to the socio-economic, whereby workers and employees are offered a fairer deal, including aspects of pay, work conditions, education and advancement.

Independents bear brunt of restaurant closures

Published: 21 August, 2019

Britain’s restaurant numbers have fallen for the sixth quarter in a row with independent operators having borne the brunt of the closures as group-owned restaurants prove more resilient despite some major brand failures.