Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Local heroes abroad: GB wine exports rise

Published: 08 May, 2019

English and Welsh wines are on a real roll, and not just at home. Exports are expected to rise significantly over the next few years, reports Lisa Riley

What’s hot at this year’s LWF

Published: 07 May, 2019

With exhibitor numbers up significantly, LWF 2019 promises to be a better showcase than ever. Lisa Riley breaks down what visitors have to look forward to

Stuffed on staff?

Published: 03 May, 2019

Brexit is boosting British job uptake in hospitality, but a severe worker shortage continues to undermine the trade, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Ten years of Tio Pepe En Rama

Published: 02 May, 2019

A decade ago, González Byass UK managed to shake up a moribund sherry category with Tio Pepe En Rama. Jo Gilbert dissects its success

Botanical battle

Published: 01 May, 2019

With sales still fast climbing, Andrew Catchpole asks if value can be locked in to future proof the category against peak gin

Has the king of fizz gone flat?

Published: 30 April, 2019

The Champenois are working to adapt and recover Champagne’s position in the UK. But there is division among its ranks about how best to engage with younger consumers. James Lawrence reports

America's frontier wine states

Published: 29 April, 2019

Americans may believe size is important, but there is far more to the nation’s wine than just what comes out of California, as Norman Miller discovers

A brave new world disease resistant vines

Published: 24 April, 2019

As disease-resistant vine quality improves, Darren Smith assesses how environmental pressures may radically alter the viticultural landscape

The end of sex, drugs…and alcohol?

Published: 23 April, 2019

The brains behind synthetic alternative Alcosynth say they’re five years from hitting the market and revolutionising the alcohol industry. Is this really the future, asks Jo Gilbert?

Together we can change the world

Published: 17 April, 2019

The 2019 Climate Change Leadership Conference called for the wine industry to set a global example. Lisa Riley reports

Risky business in Rioja

Published: 15 April, 2019

Rioja’s new single-vineyard classification signals the region’s desire to go after greater premium market share. The big question is, will it succeed?

The Naked Gun

Published: 11 April, 2019

The Majestic brand has taken a bullet and is soon to be haemorrhaging stores, handing an opportunity to independents to fill the gap. Jo Gilbert reports

Think France: Pitching the dragons

Published: 10 April, 2019

A Dragons’ Den-style debate opened Harpers exciting new Think France day of tastings and masterclasses, promising to be both lively and informative, and so it proved on the day, delivering passionate pitches across a host of diverse ideas aimed at benefitting the French wine category.

California rises from the ashes

Published: 08 April, 2019

Northern California’s wine industry continues to recover after the record-breaking wildfires of 2017.

Thinking holistically

Published: 03 April, 2019

Quality juice alone falls short of selling the whole wine experience. Andrew Catchpole tunes into the neuroscience behind good design

Eastern promise: Bulgaria and Hungary

Published: 01 April, 2019

After a few difficult vintages in western wine countries, central and eastern Europe are piquing buyers’ interest for well-made international varieties. Countries in these regions are increasingly seen as exciting for wine drinkers, offering an array of high-quality, authentic, local grapes and good-value wines that can offer a new story for retailers and sommeliers.

Harpers round table: Squaring up to sustainability

Published: 28 March, 2019

For the latest Harpers roundtable - in partnership with Lanchester Wines - industry experts gathered at the Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden to discuss pressing environmental issues and the commercial benefits of a sustainable approach to business.

Turning Heads

Published: 25 March, 2019

With an ageing consumer base, France’s big gun regions have been targeting younger audiences. James Lawrence assesses their success

Wine in the firing line

Published: 21 March, 2019

The modern world changes fast. In the past decade, we have gone from a situation of blithely choking on carbon monoxide from second-hand smoke every time we enter a pub or restaurant to a virtual ghettoisation of cigarettes. Before the ban most people would have thought this inconceivable. But it happened.

Cream of the crop

Published: 20 March, 2019

Champagne’s lesser-known cousin has its work cut out to stand out in the UK, where it is but a drop in an ocean of sparkling wine. It’s up for the challenge though, finds Jo Gilbert