Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Reimagining the high street shop for drinks retailing

Published: 13 November, 2020

A renewed focused on shop-front retail has led to a rash of new openings, from Manchester to Birmingham and Surrey, writes Jo Gilbert.

What does Christmas look like for the on-trade?

Published: 11 November, 2020

Coronavirus has a nasty habit of moving the goalposts – particularly for the on-trade. Or, perhaps more accurately, moving the goalposts, detonating the playing field, dancing on the smouldering remains and making you yearn for the days when a 5-0 defeat was all you had to worry about.

A covid Christmas can still deliver

Published: 06 November, 2020

With a second lockdown now underway, the major players are all doubling down on off-trade strategies for a stay-at-home Christmas. Jo Gilbert looks at how they aim to maximise profits during this challenging final chapter of the year

Streamlining supply chains with blockchain

Published: 04 November, 2020

The WSTA’s annual summit was a battle cry for government to embrace new technology along our increasingly complicated and antiquated borders, as Jo Gilbert reports

Tuning into the Constants & Changes of the New Drinks Landscape

Published: 30 October, 2020

Andrew Catchpole reports on the discussions and findings of the recent virtual Think Spirits webinar focusing on how the industry is adapting to new demands

Taking the flor

Published: 28 October, 2020

Lockdown has been kind to sherry, with the category building on its momentum within cocktail culture. Aleesha Hansel reports

Counting the cost of exclusion

Published: 26 October, 2020

Andrew Catchpole looks at the importance and benefits of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the drinks trade

Growing Organically part one: Viticulture and winemaking

Published: 23 October, 2020

The first in our two-part webinar considered the evolution of organic winemaking and the challenges and opportunities that this path delivers. Andrew Catchpole prompted the debate.

South Africa looks to higher ground

Published: 22 October, 2020

Hard hit by the pandemic, South Africa’s winemakers are proving their resilience and fighting back with an eye on higher quality and pricing. By Andrew Catchpole

Covid and Brexit: A perfect storm?

Published: 21 October, 2020

With Covid and Brexit uncertainty pressing down ahead of Christmas, Andrew Catchpole asked some of our top 50 Best Indies what lies ahead.

Christmas campaigns: Failure to launch

Published: 19 October, 2020

Lockdowns, curfews and restrictions are putting major obstacles in the way of Christmas campaigns as Covid-19 continues to move the goalposts for businesses.

Wine drinking occasions up in lockdowns

Published: 16 October, 2020

Wine drinkers across key consumption markets have been turning more often to the beverage during the pandemic. This is spurred by new lockdown occasions and more drinking outside of mealtimes, according to a new Wine Consumer Trends in the Covid-19 Era report released by Wine Intelligence.

Bars and restaurants are footing the Covid bill

Published: 15 October, 2020

The government has made a meal out of eating out, with serious repercussions for the trade. Chris Losh reports

Alcohol Duty Review

Published: 13 October, 2020

The alcohol tax review aims to rework the current ‘complex and inconsistent’ excise duty system. Let’s hope it’s not another missed opportunity, says Jo Gilbert.

Headline Heroes: Languedoc

Published: 09 October, 2020

As the world’s biggest wine-producing region, the Languedoc offers the diversity typical of a whole country, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Champagne: Bubbling up again

Published: 07 October, 2020

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.

Harmonious working for green goals

Published: 07 October, 2020

Wine producers are reaping the benefits of learning from each other when it comes to implementing sustainable production measures. Lisa Riley reports

Cognac raises its game

Published: 06 October, 2020

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.

A climate of change

Published: 05 October, 2020

Sustainable business practices are increasingly locked into a virtuous circle, with drinks companies reinforcing each other’s progress. Andrew Catchpole reports

Pushing drinks tech boundaries

Published: 30 September, 2020

Despite the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, technology continues to lead the push for environmental and sustainable change in the drinks industry. Jo Gilbert reports