Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Bibendum and Bidvest Foodservice team up for "less-is-more" wine menu

Published: 13 April, 2016

A new range from Bidvest Foodservice is being positioned to target those looking for a recognisable, easy-to-drink wine list.

Tesco's turnaround: Retailer post quarterly growth

Published: 13 April, 2016

Multiple retailer Tesco posted its first quarterly sales growth in nearly three years signalling that the supermarket giant's turnaround is gathering momentum.

Insights: Indies find creative ways of attracting and retaining customers

Published: 08 April, 2016

From eye-catching shop window displays to well-honed social media campaigns, there are many ways for indies to reach new customers and retain their loyalty.

Vinho Verde wines gaining traction in the UK market

Published: 07 April, 2016

Vinho Verde wines are gaining traction in the UK and at yesterday's annual Vinho Verde tasting where 27 producers were showcasing over 130 wines from one of Portugal's more recognised regions, they are looking to grow their UK market share.

Soho House's credit rating downgraded

Published: 06 April, 2016

On Monday Moody's Investor Service credit rating agency downgraded the Soho House & Co and the Soho House Bond from Caa1 to Caa2, which is considered speculative grade is rated as poor quality and a very high credit risk.

The UK market continues to undergo 'seismic changes', says Félix Solís's Richard Cochrane

Published: 06 April, 2016

Speaking to Harpers ProWein, Félix Solís UK managing director Richard Cochrane highlighted the shifting topography of the UK wine market, describing "seismic changes" that continue to alter the retail landscape in ways that he suggests are of an unprecedented significance and scale, with major implications for those supplying the UK trade.

Insights: The importance of design when wine customers buy with their eyes

Published: 06 April, 2016

Customers across all retail sectors are buying with their eyes and the message behind the label has never been so important.

Robin Davis: The growing appeal of niche agencies to the on-trade

Published: 06 April, 2016

Swig's Robin Davis talks about the growing appeal of niche agencies for a vibrant on-trade.

Kantar Worldpanel: Premium sales rise and Easter sales doubles market growth

Published: 05 April, 2016

Kantar Worldpanel figures show that premium sales have increased and market growth doubled posting the fastest growth since March of 2015, which may be good news for the wine category.

Anti-fraud squad raids Burgundy producer Bejot Vins et Terroirs

Published: 04 April, 2016

A judicial investigation into suspected fraudulent wine production in France is underway following a major customs police swoop in the heart of Burgundy.

Boutinot's parent-company In Vino buys Moreno Wines

Published: 04 April, 2016

In Vino, which is an investment company that owns Boutinot, has bought Spanish specialist Moreno Wines.

Insight: The psychology of drinks selection in the on-trade

Published: 01 April, 2016

New research into the psychology of drink selection in the on-trade puts the focus firmly on customer needs

ProWein 2016: 'Wine needs to be more daring,' says Origin Wines founder

Published: 14 March, 2016

Origin Wines founder Bernard Fontannaz at the first day of ProWein called on the UK wine trade to be more daring and try new packaging and product ideas for the off-trade in a effort to engage more with consumers.

Openings: The Fizzy Tart

Published: 11 March, 2016

Stephen Hargreaveas, the chief executive officer of The Cranleigh Boutique, a company focused on high-end luxury sites is opening the first of two luxury bars located in the Lake District called the Fizzy Tart.

Co-op look to UK bottling to safeguard consumer availability

Published: 11 March, 2016

"We want to be the best at Convenience," is the stated aim of the Co-operative BWS team. With the convenience sector showing market growth, the Co-operative is launching a new initiative to implement clustered ranging plans across its portfolio of over 4000 stores, and aims for "excellence in execution" on product availability.

Openings: Barrio South

Published: 10 March, 2016

Barrio Bars, the quirky South-American cocktail bar chain, is continuing to expand across London and is adding a fourth location in Brixton, is set to open this month.

Matthew Clark's annual tasting draws a record number of attendees

Published: 10 March, 2016

Matthew Clark's annual portfolio tasting held this week at London's Tobacco Dock drew a crowd and saw visitors numbers soar 40% over last year's attendance numbers.

Why indies need to use the web wisely

Published: 09 March, 2016

With online wine sales booming, independents stand to lose out to bigger players unless they use the web wisely to promote their USPs

What the Living Wage means for the trade

Published: 08 March, 2016

We all need to earn enough to survive. But the Chancellor's introduction of a Living Wage, announced last year and to be introduced this April, has proved controversial

The Smith Report: Has China fully recovered?

Published: 08 March, 2016

China, which once was the promised land for iconic wines, hit a tough patch, but with a growing middle class and an ever-growing appreciation for wine, could now be the time to start importing there?