Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

OIV insights: Soaring costs

Published: 17 May, 2023

Jo Gilbert analyses recent OIV data, which shows the impact of galloping inflation on global wine exports.

Despite ‘greedflation’ concerns, alcohol brand loyalty remains high

Published: 25 April, 2023

A majority of Britons believe companies are using inflation to mask price gouging. But despite price rises, loyalty to alcohol brands remains high, according to new findings by consumer research platform Attest.

Value of global wine exports breaks records as inflation soars

Published: 24 April, 2023

The global value of wine exports reached a record high in 2022, pushed ever upwards by runaway inflation and global supply chain issues.

Pressure on energy and foodservice providers to tackle ‘greedflation’

Published: 14 April, 2023

Industry leaders are calling on Ofgem to force energy suppliers to renegotiate contracts signed with hospitality businesses at the height of the supply crisis, as price inflation continues to rise – and attract criticism – at the biggest FMCG firms, including Tesco.

Rise and rise of inflation leaves business with difficult choices

Published: 24 March, 2023

UK industry has been left reeling once again following another inflation spike and subsequent interest rates hike, as the ever-increasing price of food and drink continues to stretch the nation’s purse strings as well as the cost of its collective shopping basket.

‘Super stealth tax’ looms via Spring Budget

Published: 14 March, 2023

Industry heads are warning that wine drinkers could face rocketing prices if the chancellor goes ahead with a double-pronged tax hike, likely to be announced at tomorrow’s Spring Budget.

Inflation survey: squeezed in the middle

Published: 13 January, 2023

With inflationary pressures bearing down and the cost of living crisis biting, Harpers invited indies to respond to our Dealing with Price Inflation survey, to build a picture of how merchants are coping and what increases are being introduced. Andrew Catchpole rounds up the feedback.

Insights: Moderation movement

Published: 16 December, 2022

Premiumisation continues as consumers lean into little luxuries. However, the economic doldrums and rising inflation are also fanning the flames of moderation trends, writes Jo Gilbert.

Inflation puts the boot in World Cup boost

Published: 15 December, 2022

The UK hospitality trade rode a wave of World Cup fever in November, when sales were above a still somewhat Covid-dampened environment at the end of 2021. However, with inflation biting hard and more disruption on the way over Christmas 2023, operators could be set for a challenging end-of-year run.

How the Drinks trade reacted to The Budget

Published: 17 November, 2022

In today’s Autumn Statement (17 November 2022), Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made a few announcements regarding business taxes, but there was no mention of alcohol duty, much to the frustration of the drinks trade.

Friday read: The big spending squeeze – are your brands ready?

Published: 28 October, 2022

Yvette Flower, strategic planner at ZEAL Creative, looks at the future of premium beer, wine and spirits sales, and how brands can insulate against the rising tide of inflation.

A cheap and cheerful Christmas

Published: 17 October, 2022

It seems no matter where the cost increase comes from – whether it be energy bills, business rates or fuel increases – the consumer will always pay the ultimate price.

WineCap reveals USD purchasing power against the pound

Published: 13 October, 2022

WineCap has released its Q3 report, which examines the trends that have shaped the fine wine market over the past three months.

UK pub closures have doubled in last three months

Published: 10 October, 2022

The number of pubs closing across the country, having called last orders for the final time, has rocketed by 50% in the last three months.

Hospitality industry urges new Prime Minister Liz Truss to ‘act quickly and decisively’ to save the sector

Published: 06 September, 2022

On Monday (5 September), Conservative Party members chose a new leader and, therefore, a new Prime Minister. Liz Truss secured 57% of the vote, defeating Rishi Sunak in the race to Number 10.

What next for UK wine labelling scheme?

Published: 05 September, 2022

By the time this feature is published, a new UK wine labelling scheme should be effective. However, according to the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), the government has signalled its intention to defer the introduction of the forthcoming labelling rules until 1 January, 2024.

UKH urges government to issue on-trade rescue package

Published: 31 August, 2022

UKHospitality (UKH)chief executive Kate Nicholls has written an urgent letter to the UK government, outlining the potential disaster facing thousands of businesses in light of the energy crisis.

Hospitality business leaders react to staffing crisis

Published: 17 August, 2022

Unemployment levels are at a record low, while the total number of job vacancies in May-June 2022 was 1.3million, this is according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Red alert for hospitality as the cost of living heats up

Published: 08 August, 2022

Hospitality businesses are facing a case of ‘out the frying pan, into the fire’ this autumn as the UK teeters on the verge of a recession and a crippling cost of living crisis, leading members of the trade have said.

1,406 UK restaurants go under in just 12 months

Published: 25 July, 2022

UK restaurant insolvencies have jumped 64% from 856 in 2020/21 to 1,406 in the past year as rising inflation and labour shortages drive restaurants out of business.