Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Hail the mighty Maipo

Published: 11 May, 2020

Andrew Catchpole shines the spotlight on Chile’s most famous region for quality reds

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.

The B2C shift: Driving it home

Published: 24 April, 2020

The coronavirus (Covid-19) has opened up a new world of B2C engagement for businesses offering a lifeline to consumers stuck inside their homes, as Jo Gilbert reports.

Champagne: Weathering the storm

Published: 20 April, 2020

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.

Delivering a new approach

Published: 17 April, 2020

As lockdown happened, Lisa Riley looked at how the on-trade adapted to create opportunities in an alien situation.

Into the beyond

Published: 14 April, 2020

When finished wreaking havoc on the trade, the pandemic will accelerate change in its wake. Andrew Catchpole reports.

View from China: Offer of hope is on horizon

Published: 09 April, 2020

Shanghai-based Emilie Steckenborn gives a glimpse of life on the ground as China rises from lockdown

California: Planning a better planet

Published: 09 April, 2020

With California standing tall as a global leader in sustainability, Andrew Catchpole joined a forum in Napa to discuss the complexities of communicating this multi-faceted concept

Coronavirus: Cash crisis relief too slow

Published: 08 April, 2020

A delay in (and confusion around) relief payments is putting significant pressure on sector notoriously dependent on cash flow. Jo Gilbert reports

Drinks trade looks to ‘new normal'

Published: 06 April, 2020

“Business as usual” may never look the same again following the coronavirus pandemic, as restaurants and bars close, removing the link to premiumisation trends and paving the way for new ones. Jo Gilbert gets the long-term view

Independents: Open to trade

Published: 03 April, 2020

With merchants fast adapting to survive, Andrew Catchpole surveyed the indie scene to discover how companies are adapting.

Polarisation in the drinks market

Published: 02 April, 2020

A new report revealed both mainstream and super-premium categories were growing pre-pandemic, while highlighting the opportunities for retailers. Lisa Riley looks at some of the trends that may re-emerge down the line.

Climate crunch

Published: 01 April, 2020

New mathematical forecasting is helping scientists plot vine suitability against an ever-changing climate map. Jo Gilbert looks at the challenges to 2050 and beyond.

France: Shaking up the south

Published: 31 March, 2020

Off-piste wines from southern climes are increasingly drawing the spotlight, as Jo Gilbert reports.

Profile: Lift off for Buckingham Schenk

Published: 30 March, 2020

With help from the Schenk Group mothership, Buckingham Schenk is evolving from a predominantly retail-led own-label proposition to becoming a multichannel player with a stall of agency and exclusive brands. Last month, Jo Gilbert spoke to MD Craig Durham about the company's latest reinvention

The revival of the monthly wine club

Published: 30 March, 2020

With subscription services fuelling the lives of many, it makes sense to add wine into the mix. Pre-lockdown, Chris Wilson looks at the new players pushing past the wine clubs of the 1980s.

New Zealand report: Blanc page

Published: 27 March, 2020

Enduringly popular and commanding a premium, NZ Sauvignon Blanc is nonetheless evolving with an eye on the future. Andrew Catchpole reports

Argentina report: The beauty of buying in bulk

Published: 26 March, 2020

Argentina is upping its game to become a major player in boutique bulk, as Chris Wilson reports.

Argentina report: The many faces of Malbec

Published: 24 March, 2020

A growing appreciation for Argentina’s GI system is helping Malbec slide towards the premium end of lists here in the UK. Chris Wilson asks where to next?