Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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

Round Z

Published: 15 March, 2019

The younger generation is drinking less and spending less time in bars, but demanding more. Jo Gilbert finds out how bars can box clever.

Prowein turns 25

Published: 13 March, 2019

An anchor point in the calendar of the wine industry, the industry is busy gearing up for this year’s Prowein, a special 25th anniversary edition of the wine and spirits trade fair.

Harpers on Tour: Indies Down Under

Published: 13 March, 2019

There is a point on every trip, once travel fatigue has passed and the daily rhythm of tasting, talking and tucker becomes the norm, when a borrowed moment of freedom over a bottle of wine captures the spirit of the tour. During a recent indie merchant buyers trip to Australia this came in the refreshingly left-field shape of a magnum of Brash Higgins Zibibbo, providing a rather early sundowner in the leafy garden of the McLaren Vale Motel, as the group relaxed ahead of a big tasting and dinner.

Japan: ready to launch

Published: 13 March, 2019

Thanks to two key trade deals, Japan has increased its reach to a billion people so far in 2019. Jo Gilbert looks at the knock-on effect for the country’s drinkable exports

Taking rum to the next level

Published: 11 March, 2019

With rum in ascendancy, Harpers’ Think Rum panel debated how best to educate both trade and consumer as to the diversity and versatility of the category

Facing a Brexit hangover

Published: 08 March, 2019

A no-deal Brexit will deliver import chaos and a significant added cost burden to the UK trade. Andrew Catchpole reports

Liberty on-trade report shows premium wine in value growth

Published: 04 March, 2019

In what can only be described as turbulent times for the industry – marred by everything from a looming Brexit to duty hikes, staff shortages alongside wage increases and a significant drop in Britain’s core wine drinkers – the trade is facing an uphill struggle with good news stories few and far between.

France versus Italy: why the French are winning the aperitif game

Published: 01 March, 2019

This year marks 100 years since the birth of the new king of the cocktail world. Named after a thirsty Count who requested gin rather than soda water to be added to his favourite tipple, the negroni has played the long game, delighting drinkers with simple balance of Campari, sweet Italian vermouth, and of course, the juniper-based spirit. Today, it is number one cocktail served with gin – even more popular than the martini.

UK still ‘litmus test’ as global benchmark for wine brands

Published: 27 February, 2019

The UK market continues to be the shop window for the world of wine, with the on-trade driving premium sales.

Tapping into green gains

Published: 27 February, 2019

Sceptics have long argued that sustainable business practices are a drag on competitiveness. But, as Andrew Catchpole reports, one UK wine company is proving them wrong

Where do we go from Grüner?

Published: 25 February, 2019

Food compatibility and top-quality wines have made Austria a secret weapon for sommeliers wanting to impress their guests. Jo Gilbert looks at which varieties, regions and styles head their lists.

Bulk selling in a digital world

Published: 19 February, 2019

The launch of a new trading platform for the drinks trade promises to disrupt existing business models. Jo Gilbert investigates

Towards a Turkish revival

Published: 18 February, 2019

Turkey’s indigenous varieties offer a wealth of options to explore. Peter McCombie MW takes the country’s temperature

Moving beyond the Douro

Published: 14 February, 2019

Value for money and a wealth of styles is making up for the lack of a stand-out varietal star in Portugal. Charles Metcalfe reports

Surveying France

Published: 12 February, 2019

Harpers partnered with Wines Direct to bring you this original survey, comparing UK consumer attitudes and purchasing habits with regard to French wines between 2014 and 2019.

Opening minds on closures

Published: 08 February, 2019

Innovations in wine closures are coming thick and fast, driven by sustainability, convenience and quality control. Lisa Riley investigates their impact

Deflecting the Brexit bomb

Published: 06 February, 2019

Counting Daphne’s, Scott’s, Sexy Fish, Caprice, the fast-growing Ivy Collection, J. Sheeky and Harry’s Bar among its swish restaurants and watering holes, Caprice Holdings can be seen as something of a barometer for trends sweeping through the premium on-trade. And the same can be said of the drinks offer, which morphs from cool cocktails to fine wines – and everything in between – across the various brands and estates.

Awaking Armagnac's potential

Published: 04 February, 2019

An old timbered barn in the heart of the rustic, misty Bas Armagnac region is perhaps the last place you’d expect to find a pop-up cocktail bar, let alone one that could pass muster in the hipper quarters of New York or London. But shakers are shaking, drinks being dispensed, with the artfully tattooed bar guru Luis Inchaurraga of Madrid Mixology mixing up a host of fabulous Armagnac-based drinks.

Aussie talk and taste: Barossa Beauties

Published: 31 January, 2019

Harpers invited a panel of independent merchants and sommeliers to join Grant Burge chief winemaker Craig Stansborough to talk, taste and pair his Barossa styles with some demanding dishes. Andrew Catchpole was on hand to assess the feedback on these modern Australian wines and their place in the premium drinking repertoire.