Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The battle against frost

Published: 02 November, 2017

Frost is one of the greatest threats to wine producers. Jo Gilbert looks at the technology being developed to keep this unwanted vine visitor at bay

Trade prepares for premium push on Christmas wines

Published: 30 October, 2017

For most in the drinks world Christmas trade – the eight weeks or so leading up to the nation’s fuzzy wake-up call on January 1 – is a crucial period in the annual sales calendar.

Cracking fortified

Published: 25 October, 2017

As wine’s post-prandial frontrunners seek to reposition and re-engage, James Lawrence looks at how it’s being done

Ruling the high street

Published: 24 October, 2017

With its diverse own-label portfolio, Marks & Spencer is tearing ahead of its competitors.

Serendipitous Success

Published: 24 October, 2017

Swartland’s star has fast risen to prominence. Natasha Hughes MW sizes up how far it has come and where South Africa’s most exciting region is heading next

The millennial mindset

Published: 18 October, 2017

Honesty, authenticity, quality and a two-way conversation are key to bringing a younger generation into wine. Andrew Catchpole reports

SITTing pretty

Published: 17 October, 2017

At London SITT Andrew Catchpole brought together a panel to debate how best to carve out a commercial niche and sell on specialist credentials

Drinking trends: The stay-at-home generation

Published: 16 October, 2017

Exclusive data shows the rapid rate of change having an acute effect on the UK’s drinking landscape. Jo Gilbert reports

Martini ups premium Prosecco bid

Published: 12 October, 2017

Brand heavyweight Martini has outlined plans to put its stamp on premium Prosecco. Jo Gilbert reports

Brexit: Clarity versus chaos

Published: 11 October, 2017

At the recent WSTA Conference the trade called for greater clarity over a potential Brexit deal. Andrew Catchpole reports

The battle for closure

Published: 09 October, 2017

The industry has been split on the issue of cork versus screwcap for years, but now consumers are calling the shots, as Lisa Riley reports

Drinking Clever

Published: 03 October, 2017

As the on-trade struggles with inflationary pressures, Darren Smith examines how suppliers and restaurants are adapting to meet the challenge

Prosecco: Blue skye drinking

Published: 03 October, 2017

As more and more countries encroach on Prosecco’s patch with their sparkling offerings, Lisa Riley asks how the Italian bubbly is innovating to stay ahead of the pack

Gin: A larger slice of the pie

Published: 02 October, 2017

The boom in gin start-ups and thirst for premium brands is driving growth at all levels of production. But is there room for everyone? Jo Gilbert reports

Global supply and brand building

Published: 27 September, 2017

With Europe poised to deliver a vintage shortfall, Andrew Catchpole talks to Rabobank strategist Stephen Rannekleiv about the positive effect for brand builders of a general tightening of global supply

The rise of the virtual sommelier

Published: 19 September, 2017

Last month we talked about virtual reality. This month we look at augmented reality and artificial intelligence and how the big tech companies are poised to bring the sommelier into the home. Jo Gilbert reports

Premium on-trade sales growth slows

Published: 19 September, 2017

The much-touted “less but better” trend towards higher-value, lower-volume drinking is slowing in pubs and bars as punters feel the pinch, as Andrew Catchpole reports

Pushing the premium: The proof is in the training

Published: 18 September, 2017

A WSET study has highlighted the importance of accredited training when it comes to upselling and boosting sales of premium products. Lisa Riley reports

Resurrecting premium Rioja

Published: 15 September, 2017

With debate rumbling on about Rioja’s new single vineyard and village classification, Andrew Catchpole caught up with Araex’s Javier Galarreta, one of the key architects behind the changes