Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Brewers unite to back national beer campaign

Published: 28 June, 2013

For the first time members of the brewing industry have united together to celebrate the very best of brewing through a campaign called Let There Be Beer.

The World According To... Mike Paul, wine industry consultant

Published: 07 June, 2013

Steve Barton, joint UK director of Brand Phoenix, recently predicted that the UK wine market will fall by a further 9 million cases over the next three years...

Spain's rich pickings

Published: 06 June, 2013

Tightening global supply and upward pressure on prices could benefit Spain's diverse offering in 2013, says Andrew Catchpole

It's time to start liking Facebook

Published: 19 April, 2013

A Facebook fan is a more profitable consumer, so it's clearly time to take advantage, says Bernadette John

Barwell & Jones: Keeping things pure and simple

Published: 05 April, 2013

With the traditional agency model under threat, Barwell & Jones is expanding its wine-only portfolio, as Laura Heywood reports

Q&A: Jamie Walker, commercial director, EWG

Published: 05 April, 2013

Laura Heywood meets the distributor's commercial director to hear about the company's plans for the future

Q&A: Jamie Walker, director, EWG

Published: 05 April, 2013

Jamie Walker, EWG's commercial director Laura Heywood meets the distributor's commercial director to hear about the company's plans for the future

Italy breaks out from Pinot Grigio's shadow

Published: 15 March, 2013

As a challenging harvest across Italy 'rocks the Pinot Grigio boat', now is the time to look towards the myriad indigenous alternatives, says Anne Krebiehl

Argentina: how premium sales are pushing sales

Published: 15 March, 2013

Argentina's focus on the high ground has lifted both its sales and consumer appeal, as Andrew Catchpole reports

Round table: Vinho Verde uncovered

Published: 15 March, 2013

Harpers and Vinho Verde hosted a round table to assess the region's potential as a producer of food-friendly wines

Institute of Masters of Wine in emerging markets drive

Published: 14 March, 2013

Newly appointed executive director of the Institute of Masters of Wine, Penny Richards, has announced plans to develop the organisation in emerging markets.

Introducing the new breed at MASH

Published: 01 March, 2013

Douglas Blyde learns how the founders of the Modern American Steak House are training up a new wave of sommeliers

Video and review of Enotria annual tasting

Published: 27 February, 2013

Enotria's annual trade tasting on Tuesday took the theme of 'discovery' and so it was off to the Saatchi Gallery in King's Road, London. Here you can watch our interview featuring chief executive, Alison Levett, about what went on (click here) and our review of the tasting, by Jenny Mackenzie.

Diageo's global ambition

Published: 01 February, 2013

Diageo's UK chief Andrew Cowan tells Gemma McKenna why understanding consumers, customer partnerships and driving innovation are all vital to its success

Diageo encourages bartenders to create their own Tanqueray blend

Published: 30 January, 2013

Diageo is encouraging bartenders to add their own botanicals to its Tanqueray No Ten gin brand in order to create a unique infusion to serve with tonic.

Helen McGinn on listening and talking to consumers

Published: 27 December, 2012

Just over a year ago, I took part in a Harpers seminar on engaging the consumer. I'd spoken at numerous...

Looking back on 2012 for the wine trade: part 3

Published: 20 December, 2012

In the third and final part of our 2012 review, we look at what the main generic bodies have been doing throughout the year - many have implemented changes away from their usual marketing plans; good news in the form of Harpers new awards recognising industry talent and the launch of the London 2013 business show on wine. We also consider a few high-profile departures during the year and look at how wine firms are changing how they operate to cope with declining volumes and squeezed margins.