Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Buying into South America

Published: 09 March, 2021

Buyers are finding wine drinkers more than willing to take a chance on non-Malbec reds from Chile
and Argentina, as Lisa Riley reports

Jeroboams profile: Taking action through adversity

Published: 08 March, 2021

Jeroboams CEO Matt Tipping talks us through its pandemic strategy and how survival relies on clear and concise action, as Lisa Riley reports.

Tech & Innovation: Lightbulb moments from the US

Published: 03 March, 2021

As famous for its wines as it is for entrepreneurial spirit and world-beating technology, it’s no surprise that innovation continues to come thick and fast from across the pond. From everyman investment platforms to robotic wine management systems and AI wine matching services, Jo Gilbert rounds up what’s new out of the US.

Grüner goes global

Published: 01 March, 2021

Austria’s star player continues to advance its international appeal, as David Kermode discovers.

Cork’s march to ascendancy

Published: 25 February, 2021

Having removed much of the taint of TCA to cork’s reputation, the classic stopper continues to establish itself as a benchmark of quality, as James Lawrence reports.

New Zealand: Growth in the face of adversity

Published: 24 February, 2021

Against all the odds, New Zealand wines have continued to thrive and gain recognition in markets around the world. Andrew Catchpole reports on a remarkable achievement

Indies: Staying ahead

Published: 22 February, 2021

A new year is likely to bring new challenges for indies looking to hold on to new custom, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Helping hospitality survive

Published: 18 February, 2021

If reopening doesn’t come soon, many on-trade operators face ruin unless new support measures come into play. Andrew Catchpole reports.

2021 vision

Published: 17 February, 2021

Data from Proof Insight, data and insight partner to the C&C-owned Matthew Clark and MC Bibendum Wine, puts the challenges of 2020 into crystal clear vision, while helping to map the road ahead. Jo Gilbert looks at the figures

A duty to industry

Published: 15 February, 2021

Will the chancellor address the continuing controversy over punishing duty rates in the wine and spirits sectors in the 3 March Budget? Lisa Riley reports.

South Africa: The long road ahead

Published: 10 February, 2021

South Africa is by no means out of the woods, say allies following this week’s easing of a complete domestic alcohol ban, with ongoing ramifications for the agricultural sector and its workers. Jo Gilbert reports

Advertorial: Premium cork producer at cutting edge of technological achievements

Published: 09 February, 2021

Over the past 49 years Masilva has established itself as a premium cork producer and an industry technology leader in cork-cleaning processes, especially focused on eliminating TCA. With several awards obtained, Masilva is recognised on a global scale, with its proprietary technologies offering a successful state-of-the-art approach.

Brexit: Reality bites

Published: 08 February, 2021

The actualities of shipping goods from the EU are beginning to sink in as wine incurs an estimated €200 per shipment, making groupage cost-prohibitive for many. Jo Gilbert calculates the knock-on costs to the trade

Tech vs critics: developing satellite scores

Published: 03 February, 2021

Saturnalia aims to overcome the ‘mystery and magic’ surrounding fine wine pricing and scores with space-based technology. Felicity Carter eyes up its heavenly ambitions

Tech & Innovation: The rule of change

Published: 01 February, 2021

A surge of smaller, indie-focused delivery platforms and third-party apps are helping to bridge the gap between neighbourhood restaurants, bars and consumers, accelerating pre-lockdown trends, as Jo Gilbert discovers

The dark and light of rum

Published: 28 January, 2021

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.

Opportunities abound

Published: 27 January, 2021

The likelihood of a free trade agreement between the UK and Australia has led to optimism among many wine producers that new possibilities lie ahead. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Wine trends to watch in 2021

Published: 25 January, 2021

Predicting wine trends for the unpredictable year ahead is certainly a challenge as the trade attempts to plan and prepare for ever-changing times.

Indies survey: Health check 2020

Published: 21 January, 2021

The loss of the on-trade was obviously a huge blow to the UK drinks sector in 2020. In all parts of the UK, the forced shuttering of hospitality has wreaked havoc on both economic and mental wellbeing. For independent businesses, this has often meant the loss of a major chunk of sales in terms of wholesale trade, with an entire source of revenue lost overnight.