Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Profile: Friarwood's new groove

Published: 05 March, 2018

Now in its 51st year, boutique London merchant Friarwood is being given a new lease of life under its young leadership team. Jo Gilbert reports

Gallic Groove

Published: 02 March, 2018

French wines rank third in the UK off-trade in terms of value sales by country of origin (Nielsen, off-trade MAT to December 12, 2017), and fourth in terms of volume, with only New Zealand commanding a higher average price per bottle sold, at £8.80 versus £9.50 respectively.

Corks and closures: Spoilt for choice

Published: 28 February, 2018

Wineries now not only have the luxury of choice but also quality when it comes to choosing the right closure for their wine, with NPDs at every turn in the cork and screwcap spectrum. Jo Gilbert reports

Gin holds on to its crown

Published: 26 February, 2018

As the thirst for craft products continues apace, Lisa Riley assesses the ongoing stellar performance of gin

Are you being served by AI?

Published: 23 February, 2018

Jo Gilbert tracks how artificial intelligence is emerging from the shadows, along with augmented reality, to become the ultimate interactive collaborator

Bulk wine experiences huge growth, but vintage shortfall looms

Published: 21 February, 2018

It was once the preserve of the cheap and cheerful end of supermarket wine ranges, but the bulk wine market has seen considerable growth in the past decade, buoyed by improvements in shipping and bottling, competitive pressure on costs and margins, and increased concerns about the environmental impact of lugging heavy bottles of wine around on the back of trucks.

Highs and lows for Oz

Published: 19 February, 2018

Depreciation at the commercial end of the market and an upswing in sales of wine priced £10 and over are presenting an opportunity for Australia in the UK as premium price points grow, while the country’s bulk growth marches steadily towards China. Jo Gilbert reports

All dry on the Western Cape

Published: 16 February, 2018

As Cape Town’s water crisis approaches Day Zero rationing, James Lawrence assesses the impact of the drought on the wine industry

Think Rum, Talk Rum

Published: 14 February, 2018

The opening panel at Harpers’ annual Think Rum event delved deep into the premium possibilities to grow the category. Andrew Catchpole reports

Smarter moves: Spotlight on Vivino

Published: 07 February, 2018

Jo Gilbert caught up with Heini Zachariassen, founder of the world’s most downloaded wine app Vivino, on how it has made the leap from information-sharing platform to marketplace

Mixing margins

Published: 06 February, 2018

Done well, a simple cocktail offer can boost sales and impress your customers, says Darren Smith

The indie retailer where the customer is king

Published: 05 February, 2018

With a no-nonsense attitude to wine retailing and a true focus on the customers’ needs, The Vineking in Surrey is approaching 2018 with a renewed focus. Lisa Riley reports

New Zealand’s southern stars

Published: 01 February, 2018

New Zealand’s unsullied image and premium focus is widening its quality appeal, finds Anne Krebiehl MW

Singling out malt

Published: 29 January, 2018

Despite the premium gin and Japanese whisky assault, single malt Scotch is riding high in a market driven by exploration. Tom Bruce-Gardyne reports

A changing winescape

Published: 26 January, 2018

New Kingsland WinePro research shared exclusively with Harpers identifies a need for innovation

Moreno Wines: celebrating half a century

Published: 24 January, 2018

As pioneer Spanish champion Moreno Wines clocks up 50 years in the business, Andrew Catchpole caught up with Abbi and Marcel Moreno at this stalwart of the trade.

How low can you go?

Published: 22 January, 2018

Low- or no-alcohol products are no longer resigned to Dry January. Jo Gilbert reports on how waistband- and hangover-friendly alternatives are fast becoming one of 2018’s top trends

Why brands are the key to cracking China

Published: 19 January, 2018

China is without doubt the next frontier for the UK wine industry, but while the potential market is huge it is a notoriously fiddly country for western brands to penetrate. Christopher Haywood reports

Cashing in on the experience economy

Published: 17 January, 2018

New research has revealed the huge opportunities for operators willing to embrace fluid eating and drinking trends. Jo Gilbert reports

UK Agents: are you being served?

Published: 04 January, 2018

I wish to be cremated… one tenth of my ashes shall be given to my agent, as written in my contract,” quipped Groucho Marx of the breed that acts for the stars. Finding humorous quotes at the expense of agents is easy work, whether levelled at the acting or commercial world, with these designated business representatives – popularly the “10 percenters” – coming in for flack for apparently sitting back while counting their cut for little in return.