Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Multiples: Keeping wine accessible

Published: 27 January, 2023

Co-op and Asda BWS buyers tell James Bayley how they are attempting to ensure their consumers can continue to enjoy value-for-money wines in the bleak economic landscape.

Tech and Innovation: Looking to the future

Published: 25 January, 2023

Following a strong year in 2022 in terms of technological advances and innovation, Jo Gilbert asked the trade’s key crystal ball-gazers to share their predictions for 2023.

Chianti Classico: A landscape of change

Published: 23 January, 2023

Chianti Classico is ramping up focus on its diversity as its new UGA Gran Selezione wines reach the market. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Ups and downs of Christmas trading

Published: 20 January, 2023

Celebrating the return of a ‘normal Christmas’ offered up much-needed sales for indies towards the back end of 2022, though overall performance was impacted by the spread of late sales and location. Jo Gilbert reports.

Lebanon: Rebirth and renewal

Published: 16 January, 2023

In a Harpers exclusive, Lebanese expert Michael Karam shares his new, in-depth report on his native Lebanon’s wine industry, with a scene-setting introduction here and the full content published online at Harpers.co.uk

Chris Losh: Hospitality sector reels from strikes

Published: 16 January, 2023

In the middle of December an interview between Richard Madeley of Good Morning Britain and Mick Lynch, head of the RMT union, went viral. Stick with it –

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.

The business of bartending

Published: 11 January, 2023

The evolution of the bartender during Covid and beyond continues to define a role that calls not only for impeccable drinks and cocktail-making skills, but commercial savvy, too. Clinton Cawood reports

The tipping point for sustainable packaging

Published: 09 January, 2023

James Lawrence charts the onward creep of sustainable packaging solutions into the mainstream.

Nigel Huddleston: Whisky business

Published: 04 January, 2023

Nigel Huddleston looks at how the spirit’s global evolution is ‘loosening the chains of tradition’.

Chianti Classico: Respect for tradition, terroir and the planet

Published: 23 December, 2022

James Lawrence looks at how Chianti Classico has evolved to build sustainable winemaking practices and rigorous tasting processes into its traditions to premiumise its wines.

Tech: Year in review

Published: 21 December, 2022

This year had its struggles, but the overwhelming response from businesses looking to meet those struggles head-on proves there has never been a more exciting time to work in the wine and spirits trade. Jo Gilbert looks back at 2022’s top technological and digital innovations.

Prosecco’s quality battles

Published: 19 December, 2022

While there is a superior classification for Prosecco, James Bayley finds that it sometimes misses the finest players.

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.

Rise of discounters not a threat to established brands

Published: 14 December, 2022

James Bayley finds that despite more consumers opting for own-brand grocery products, for some multiples sales of premium drinks brands have never been stronger.

Building on bulk

Published: 12 December, 2022

With economic and environmental credentials to the fore, bulk wine is taking an increasingly premium turn, as Andrew Catchpole discovers at WBWE.

Harpers Design Awards 2022: The results

Published: 08 December, 2022

Judging the package, rather than the liquid within, is always an eye-opening and interesting exercise, and this year’s Harpers Design Awards once again delivered some sublime entries worthy of celebration. Andrew Catchpole dips in.

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.

Multiple messages: How retailers are communicating sustainability initiatives

Published: 07 December, 2022

With sustainability such a broad concept, how do retailers communicate the message? Angela Mount asks those at the sharp end.

Harpers Sustainability Charter: Reaching a higher standard

Published: 05 December, 2022

Almost one year on from the launch of the Harpers Sustainability Charter, Jo Gilbert surveyed its signatories to find out how much progress has been made on lowering carbon footprints.