Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The cava conundrum

Published: 27 July, 2017

Spain’s famous fizz needs some imaginative thinking to return its sparkle, argues James Lawrence

Deliveroo-tionary: The partnerships changing the delivery game

Published: 26 July, 2017

Jo Gilbert argues that local link-ups such as Deliveroo’s new alcohol partnerships could change the delivery game

Harpers on tour: Champagne buyers trip 2017

Published: 25 July, 2017

Four wine buyers descended on Champagne last month and with their expertise ranging from a Michelin-starred restaurant to independent merchants to drinks distributors, the insight and expectations of Champagne were unique to each buyer. Starting with a trip to Épernay via Montagne de Reims and then south to the Aube, the visits were just as varied as the buyers. Jane Parkinson reports

Is recruitment breaking the camel's back?

Published: 24 July, 2017

With EU workers’ rights hanging by a thread, Jo Gilbert asks could a “Brexodus” break the UK’s hospitality sector?

On the tourist trail

Published: 17 July, 2017

Inviting consumers into the vineyard has proven a great marketing tactic for many wineries. Lisa Riley finds many pros and few cons in making an investment in wine tourism

Getting online: Keeping up with the Amazons

Published: 17 July, 2017

Pick what you want to get from being online and do it well, said our Think Indie, Drink Indie tech experts. Jo Gilbert reports

Buying direct: Pros & cons

Published: 13 July, 2017

It can be a positive move, but there are issues to be weighed up before buying direct. Lisa Riley reports

Majestic’s buying evolution sees rise in own-label efforts

Published: 13 July, 2017

Just under 5% of the group’s sales are now in own-label ranges and a pioneering spirit in this area means there’s more to come, says Nigel Huddleston

The psychology of selling

Published: 12 July, 2017

Think Indie, Drink Indie’s opening discussion explored ways in which merchants can best use merchandising, marketing and experiential events to maximise sales potential.

Vindependents flying high

Published: 05 July, 2017

Two years after its inception, indie merchants buying group Vindependents is thriving. Lisa Riley catches up with managing director Jessica Hutchinson

The training game

Published: 29 June, 2017

Good staff training on drinks service can be affordable, flexible, motivate staff and pay dividends within months for any business. Andrew Catchpole reports

Beyond Non-Vintage

Published: 23 June, 2017

Do consumers understand the full extent of Champagne’s diversity? Jo Gilbert investigates

Gallic Appeal

Published: 22 June, 2017

France is edging its way back into the limelight as a source of adventurous, engaging and innovative wines. Andrew Catchpole reports

Golden opportunities at California Wines Summit

Published: 21 June, 2017

Tim Atkin MW reports from last month’s California Wines Summit, where all news was good news for the Golden state

Harpers Debate: Chasing the premium position

Published: 19 June, 2017

Harpers’ industry briefing at the London Wine Fair on Chasing the Premium sparked a healthy debate involving both panel and audience, as all involved explored ways in which the trade could collectively build more margin and value back into the supply chain.

Generation Sake

Published: 14 June, 2017

A wave of young brewers are shaking things up in sake, increasing its popularity with a new generation  in Japan and internationally.  Anna Greenhous reports

Breaking down the Brexit unknowns

Published: 14 June, 2017

With change the only certainty of Brexit, the trade needs to prepare for likely eventualities and present a united front.

Getting ahead in the digital shelf war

Published: 08 June, 2017

With the mind-bogglingly fast growth of online channels, which in the context of many thousands of years of bartering and selling, is still a very new phenomenon, we scope out the e-specialists claiming to help your products fly online.

Bursting the Brexit bubble

Published: 07 June, 2017

Following on from the London Wine Fair’s Brexit debate,  Jo Gilbert caught up with the WSTA’s Simon Stannard in a bid  to get to the bottom of what the UK’s EU exit means for the trade