Definitive figures from Kantar show just how much shopping habits changed in 2020, with spirits overtaking wine in baskets for the first time and online reaching hitherto unmatched heights, as Jo Gilbert discovers.
Consumer demand for no and low alcohol products and ready-to-drink is on the rise both globally and in the UK. But how long will this growth continue? Jo Gilbert looks ahead.
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David Kermode takes the measure of Champagne, which managed to add some sparkle to its sales in 2020 despite the loss of celebratory drinking occasions.
Harpers’ recent consumer tasting panel revealed a category that is yet to emerge from its mixology-focused reputation. But rapidly growing awareness and availability of quality liquid mean it could soon sit on a par with top-level Cognac and whisky. Jo Gilbert gets the 360° view.
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The low and no category came into its own in 2020, but how can producers communicate
its true riches to consumers? Nigel Huddleston investigates.
The UK remains at the forefront of the premium Port category, with sales of late-bottled vintage (LBV), quality white Port, aged tawnies, single vineyard and classic vintage ports, all remaining resilient through Covid. A nation of consumers stuck at home, looking to indulge, appears to have been largely positive for the quality end of UK Port sales. Built on a long-standing relationship with the UK, sales at Symington Family Estates are up 10% by value and 9% by volume compared with this time last year.
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The rise of hard seltzers in the US and, increasingly, the UK, is ushering in a new age of high functioning, health-focused drinks, which is comparable to the rise of vaping in the smoking sector. Hugh Jones weighs in.
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Champagne houses are embracing ecommerce and direct consumer sales in a bid to beat the downturn. James Lawrence follows the fizz of this hero French region.
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As a younger generation of drinkers becomes increasingly interested in what Cognac has to offer, Lisa Riley looks at the innovation and diversity at work within the category.
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A restructure could be on the cards for the English and Welsh spirits sector, as pressure from an impending recession begins to squeeze brands at either end of the price spectrum. Jo Gilbert reports
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The current health crisis will hit the maturing gin market hard at time when competition is at its peak with buyers rationalising ranges and it may be only the very strongest that will survive, says Jo Gilbert.
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With little to celebrate, it’s unlikely consumers will be reaching for the Champagne any time soon, but the category has weathered storms before, says Chris Losh.
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Andrew Catchpole reports on the inaugural California Export conference, which drew together a host of wine experts from around the world to explore the opportunities for the Golden State.
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The annual Bourgogne Week in London, running from 7-16 January, will see producers and negociants emphasising the value of Régionale AOC wines off the back of the generally acclaimed and big volume 2018 vintage.
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Christmas is no longer a single trading period, but a series of escalating moments brimming with opportunities to upsell and drive profit. Jo Gilbert looks at where spirits slide into the mix.
It’s been on the cards for some time. Back in 2014, there were rumblings that gin was poised to overtake vodka as the UK’s spirit of choice in time for the new decade.
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Ines Salpico reports on a strategic rethink as sales of Italy’s favourite white experiences a dramatic fall.
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Young drinkers have shunned Sherry for years, writes Andrew Catchpole. But premium styles are winning them over.
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Grape spirits really don’t get a fair deal in UK bars, where even Cognac and Armagnac rarely receive the shelf space or cocktail list presence their global reputations deserve. Grapes are grown and distilled in dozens of other places around the world, but those brandies are largely overlooked as well.
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Harpers and California Wine Institute hosted an insightful and far-reaching seminar at London’s Design Museum, delivering the core message that the wine world is well-placed to better engage consumers in supporting the true costs of advancing sustainability. Andrew Catchpole reports
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