Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Portugal Uncovered

Published: 26 March, 2018

Following on from last month’s Simplesmente Vinho in Portugal, Sarah Ahmed takes a look at the producers really shaking things up for the country’s wine scene

Spain has long been known as the commercial hub of Europe’s classic winemaking regions – a category that has traditionally seen off-trade sales veer towards its £5-£10 “sweet spot” or lower, to the sub-£5, rather than its top tier of lauded pagos.

Riesling: gateway to Germany

Published: 22 March, 2018

Could Riesling be the answer to opening consumers' minds to lesser-known German Wines? Lisa Riley reports

Shaking up the sparkling wine market

Published: 20 March, 2018

It’s long been the case that Champagne sales are a barometer of the times, with a rise or fall in fortunes reflecting the performance of the broader economy. This has held true in the UK market through various recessions and dips, and the current downturn in Champagne sales is no exception.

Mediterranean momentum

Published: 19 March, 2018

Wine from Mediterranean countries accounts for more than half of the world’s global wine production – and it’s growing, with sparkling leading the charge. Jo Gilbert reports

Shifting consumer mores

Published: 15 March, 2018

The latest Wine Intelligence research delves into the changing patterns of global wine buying and consumption, revealing some unexpected trends.

Buying Clever 2018

Published: 15 March, 2018

Against a backdrop of more concise wine lists, the casual dining trend, increasingly demanding customers, plus rising prices for the classics, Andrew Catchpole assembled an on-trade panel at SITT to ask about their buying approach for the year ahead

Maxxium UK rebrands in a bid to clarify market position

Published: 14 March, 2018

Maxxium UK, the UK’s sales and distribution arm of global companies Beam Suntory and Edrington has undergone an enormous period of change since 2009, when the head office of its global brand owners – then a mix of Edrington, Beam, Rémy Cointreau and former Absolut owner VMS – folded.

The Barrow boys

Published: 09 March, 2018

Corney & Barrow’s wholesale side has been quietly expanding under the thoughtful direction of head of Merchant Business James Franklin, now represnting a major driving force for this City-based company.

Why the wine bar is back with a bang

Published: 07 March, 2018

A rash of exciting new openings are showing how far the wine bar revival has come after falling out of vogue at the turn of the century, but today’s wine-focused hotspots are a far cry from the aloof haunts of old. Jo Gilbert reports

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