Independents - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Indies: Weighing up the options

Published: 24 February, 2023

With merchants facing unprecedented upward price pressures, Andrew Catchpole assesses what can be done.

SITT announces strongest lineup of exhibitors yet

Published: 02 February, 2023

The Specialist Importers’ Trade Tasting (SITT) returns this spring, with a dedicated focus on the independent sector.

50 Best Indies 2023: The full rundown

Published: 13 January, 2023

Having moved on from the pandemic but now with economic upheaval to contend with, the UK’s independent merchant sector is nonetheless in vibrant health, if this year’s crop of worthy winners are anything to go by. Innovation, backed by enthusiasm, knowledge and great communication, with ever greater emphasis on sustainability, were much in evidence across the readership-nominated long list this year.

New Golden Vines scholarship aims for wider BAME representation

Published: 09 January, 2023

The Gérard Basset Foundation, in collaboration with Wine Owners, Lay & Wheeler and IG Wines, has unveiled a new Golden Vines Scholarship for members of the BAME/BIPOC community who wish to break into the wine trade.

50 Best Indies 2023: Tune in for the results

Published: 06 January, 2023

Once again the results of our popular 50 Best Indies list are ready to be announced, with tranches of 10 being revealed each day next week (9-13 January) at 11am.

OWC hails biggest ever Christmas

Published: 04 January, 2023

The year 2022 certainly had its challenges, with businesses struggling to make ends meet amid a soaring cost-of-living – and trading – crisis. However, one business is celebrating a bumper festive period, with last month offering up the best December in the company’s 30-year history.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Phil Innes, Loki Wines

Published: 12 December, 2022

Following another turbulent year for the drinks trade, Phil Innes, founder and MD of Loki Wines, reflects on the highs and lows of 2022, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

Indies: Is it grim up North?

Published: 07 December, 2022

Christine Austin gives us the Yorkshire view, looking at how businesses have fared during Covid and beyond.

Q&A: Hal Wilson MD, Cambridge Wine Merchants

Published: 09 November, 2022

With the cost-of-living crisis and import challenges ratcheting up, Andrew Catchpole catches up with our 50 Best Indies list topper Hal Wilson to discuss the path ahead.

Berry Bros. & Rudd strengthens its hand in FY22

Published: 07 November, 2022

Fine wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd has uncorked its financial results for FY22, reporting 3.7% sales growth and a 107% rise in EBITDA – growth the business attributes to an ever-growing consumer appetite for fine wine collecting.

50 Best Indies gears up for 2023 list

Published: 03 November, 2022

Harpers popular 50 Best Indies listing is delighted to confirm that Walker & Wodehouse will be joining Cambridge Distillery as a sponsor for its forthcoming 2023 edition.

Louis Jadot offers training and support package for indie merchants

Published: 25 October, 2022

As part of a Drinks Trust initiative, Louis Jadot will sponsor 20 places for independent merchants on WSET Level 1 courses, it has been revealed.

Bristol indie bucks belt tightening trend

Published: 17 October, 2022

Despite the cost-of-living crisis affecting consumer up and down the country, at least one independent has reported booming sales of its fine wines.

Theatre of Wine celebrates hitting 20

Published: 28 September, 2022

London’s Theatre of Wine has turned 20, marking two decades since founder Daniel Illsley founded the merchant in Greenwich following the new wave of wine interest created by Oddbins and Majestic.

The Wine Yard, Surrey’s newest drink-in/take-home bolthole

Published: 30 August, 2022

Just over 40 miles from London, Farnham’s new watering hole, The Wine Yard, has become part of the regeneration that is taking place in the UK’s satellite towns. During Covid, many places felt the wrath of the virus and its various mitigation measures, with lockdowns leaving shop and restaurant fronts empty along what were once the more bustling parts of the nation’s high streets.

Wines for the Times independent merchant survey

Published: 22 June, 2022

Despite inflation galloping away and the cost-of-living crisis biting – not to mention shipping issues and related costs – recent pandemic-boosted trends suggest that consumers have become more adventurous and premium in their wine-buying habits.

Ukrainian wines seek independents

Published: 06 June, 2022

Against many odds, a first shipment of 8,232 bottles has left Ukraine as part of a new initiative by Propeller designed to support its producers by bringing its wines to the UK.

Nominations now open for 50 Best Indies 2022

Published: 31 May, 2022

To begin the process of shaping our annual Harpers 50 Best Indies Awards 2022, we are once again inviting the UK trade to nominate the UK Independent retailers that you believe are at the top of their game.

Indies: Fighting back against the obstacles to trade

Published: 05 May, 2022

Jason Millar looks at how the long tail of Brexit and Covid have impacted merchants looking to buy direct.

Full steam ahead for Harpers Loire Valley competition

Published: 04 April, 2022

Merchants across the UK continue to sign up to the Loire Valley Wines competition, organised in collaboration with Harpers and the region’s promotional body.