Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Life Beyond Malbec

Published: 14 December, 2017

With Malbec the red darling of the wine world, Angela Mount brings together a panel of key buyers to explore whether there is life beyond the grape for Argentina

Independent outlook

Published: 14 December, 2017

Looking ahead to 2018, James Lawrence finds the indie sector in a buoyant mood, with flexibility key to meeting the challenges ahead

With punters going out less but spending more when they do, the key to unlocking and maximising sales lies in activating the potential of the drinks portfolio. Here Enotria & Coe shares exclusive new insights into wine and spirits in the on-trade, helping operators identify the key trends

Rum revolution

Published: 11 December, 2017

With rum attracting younger consumers than other spirits, Nigel Huddleston considers its growing appeal

Bricks versus clicks

Published: 11 December, 2017

The same dopamine hit experienced alongside multiple likes on Facebook is shaping shopping habits online as well as in bricks-and-mortar retail stores. Jo Gilbert reports

Harpers’ poll on MUP reveals a trade divided

Published: 11 December, 2017

Following the recent Supreme Court ruling on minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland, giving the go ahead for its introduction on May 1 after a five-year battle with the Scotch Whisky Association, there can be no doubt that proponents in Northern Ireland, Wales and England will redouble calls for its introduction throughout the UK.

Discovering Spain’s private members’ club

Published: 08 December, 2017

Grandes Pagos de España is the association of top Spanish wineries whose members have been tearing up notions of old-school Spain. Jo Gilbert reports

Crunching currency

Published: 07 December, 2017

The impact of Brexit on sterling has been a major factor in 2017 trade. Industry insider Hamish Gillespie, finance director at North South Wines, explores how best to mitigate the downside

Finding the place of Cava de Paraje

Published: 05 December, 2017

Without the quality ladders of tiered local classifications, Cava de Paraje amounts to little more than a series of “remote Grand Cru islands”, argues Miquel Hudin.

The pros and cons of importing direct

Published: 29 November, 2017

Bypassing the traditional middleman can be tempting for indie merchants says Chris Wilson, who looks at the highs and lows of importing direct.

The Pack Outsider

Published: 27 November, 2017

Wine is thinking inside the box again when it comes to new formats, recognising that consumers want both smaller and more sharing possibilities. By Lisa Riley

Upmarket Champagne bucks downward sales trend

Published: 27 November, 2017

The Great British love affair with Champagne has been waning – except at the premium end. James Lawrence reports

Connecting with Generation Z

Published: 24 November, 2017

A new generation coming up behind the Millennials is presenting new challenges to the drinks trade. Andrew Catchpole reports from the Global Drinks Forum in Berlin

Learning from China

Published: 23 November, 2017

Jo Gilbert looks at the opportunity for wine among the world’s biggest online consumer group and its growing appetite for western provenance

Team Tesco talks shop

Published: 20 November, 2017

After two years of regrouping and a recent restructure, Tesco gives Angela Mount a taste of what’s to come

Crémant upping the pressure

Published: 14 November, 2017

The love of sparkling has led to a spike in production in the Crémant de Bordeaux AOC and others around France. Jo Gilbert reports

South Africa chases premium ground

Published: 13 November, 2017

As South Africa strives to push innovation and quality, natural factors may just provide the tipping point for the country.

Global Drinks Forum: a taste of future on-trade trends

Published: 13 November, 2017

Immersive experiences, category blur and premium drinks were hot topics at the recent Global Drinks Forum in Berlin, where the trends shaping the on-trade were put under the spotlight.

Italian sparkler sets out its stall for more UK market share

Published: 08 November, 2017

Lombardy sparkler Franciacorta is embarking on a major push into the UK market following its 50th anniversary. Jo Gilbert reports

Climate change: The greatest threat to humanity

Published: 06 November, 2017

Extreme weather has wreaked havoc on the winemaking world this year. Jo Gilbert traces these events back to the effects of climate change and the global impact of an increasingly CO2-laden planet