Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Women in Wine

Published: 04 June, 2018

Lisa Riley reports on how both genders are galvanising efforts to ensure better representation for women in the industry

The resurgence of the port industry

Published: 01 June, 2018

At first glance, it appears to be a case of “same old story” when analysing port’s prospects in the UK. According to CGA Strategy, in the 12 months to February 24, 2018, port sales (by volume, 9-litre cases) decreased by more than 11%, falling 9.8% in value. Nielsen data concurs: retail sales declined by more than 2%, remaining static in MAT TY 142,687 % CHG VS value at £77 million (MAT to March 3, 2018).

List with a twist

Published: 31 May, 2018

With Jones Family Kitchen bringing a flavour of Shoreditch to Belgravia, Andrew Catchpole gets a taste of the ethos of the drinks team

The indies tapping into craft beer

Published: 29 May, 2018

Talk into an indie merchant in 2018 and while you may be faced with wall upon wall of wine from here, there and everywhere, you’re just as likely to encounter a kaleidoscopic display of beers and ciders in bottles, cans, growlers and kegs.

Rioja welcomes a new breed

Published: 25 May, 2018

With Rioja much changed in recent years, Spanish expert Sarah Jane Evans MW meets the newcomers offering a different take on winemaking.

Onwards and upwards

Published: 16 May, 2018

Brexit and political tussling over the UK’s place in the world is taking place alongside the growing global conversation around quality UK wines and spirits. Here we map the points where the two meet

Continuing the gin momentum

Published: 14 May, 2018

Our Think Gin 2018 event was the biggest, busiest, best attended and most buzzing yet, with a fantastic array of educational workshops, gins to taste and features such as the highly popular Mixology Pods, showcasing classic gin cocktails on the day. And, with gin increasingly the drink of choice for the ABC1 demographic, with consumers becoming ever more educated and curious as to the myriad styles on offer, the opening panel debate at Think Gin delved deep into this topic, asking how the trade can continue momentum in the category

LWF: Getting in the zone

Published: 09 May, 2018

With pre-registered visitor numbers through the roof, Lisa Riley takes a look at the new and refreshed zones at this year’s London Wine Fair

Bordeaux 2017 and the primeur tastings

Published: 08 May, 2018

Our resident Bordeaux correspondent and producer Gavin Quinney gives the low-down on a complicated year

Fairtrade on the rise

Published: 08 May, 2018

The Co-op’s new conversion of its major own-label range will boost the UK’s Fairtrade wine volumes by 20%. Jo Gilbert explores a category on the rise.

Sherry taking the flor

Published: 04 May, 2018

A new approach is needed in the battle to revitalise sherry’s image, argues James Lawrence

Power to the Punter

Published: 02 May, 2018

Technology is fast empowering the consumer when it comes to engagement, purchasing decisions, driving innovation and shaping the market, with accessible gadgets, widgets, apps and other advances changing the way wine is shipped, sold, delivered and even drunk.

Talking about the future: The Alexa effect

Published: 30 April, 2018

With intelligent personal assistants helping consumer engagement to become increasingly human and conversational, Jo Gilbert asks what’s in store for wines and spirits

You can’t get the staff…

Published: 27 April, 2018

The shortage of good front-of-house staff is undermining a burgeoning industry. Andrew Catchpole considers what needs to be done

Cannabis: Bigger than craft

Published: 27 April, 2018

Experts are predicting that cannabis is going to be the next major challenge to wine and spirits, and is already appropriating the alcohol industry’s vernacular. Jo Gilbert reports

Washington post

Published: 25 April, 2018

If individuality, diversity and an artisanal approach are your thing, look no further than Washington’s medley of engaging wines, which today offer the modern list excitign points of difference. First, though, it's worth a glance at the winegrowing heritage in the state.

From Beirut to the Bosphorus

Published: 23 April, 2018

Turkey and Lebanon are perfectly placed to meet the growing thirst for individually minded lists, as Justin Keay reports

Combinations target ‘promiscuous’ drinkers

Published: 19 April, 2018

The mixed drink is opening up all manner of avenues for producers and consumers alike, but how compatible are some of these hybrids? By Lisa Riley

Liberty Wines' premium on-trade report has its eye on the high ground

Published: 16 April, 2018

In an exclusive Harpers preview, Liberty Wines has shared its upcoming Premium On-trade Wine Report, identifying where growth opportunities still lie. Andrew Catchpole picks out the highlights