Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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

Europe's harvest woes

Published: 13 September, 2017

With 2017 vintage shortfalls a given across much of Europe, Sophie McLean sizes up the potential deficit

The Australian Alternative

Published: 07 September, 2017

As exciting new wines continue to emerge from Down Under, Andrew Catchpole finds that for the UK it’s more about style than variety when it comes to looking afresh at Oz

Championing emerging regions

Published: 05 September, 2017

What will be the wine regions to look out for in 2018? Justin Keay takes a look at the main contenders

Channel crossing: A look at omnichannel retailing

Published: 05 September, 2017

Simon Jack looks at how retailers are keeping up with the demands of omnichannel fulfilment both in store and online

Wine list innovation

Published: 04 September, 2017

Being presented with a lengthy country-ranged wine tome can be intimidating for any punter which is why the best and most engaging drinks offers have moved far beyond a static listing.

Millennials and the power of online reviews

Published: 29 August, 2017

Online reviews can increasingly make or break a business and nowhere is this more true than with millennials and the restaurant world.

Virtually vertical

Published: 23 August, 2017

Jo Gilbert looks at the marketing tool the big wine and Champagne houses are all latching on to

Delivering a pipe dream

Published: 21 August, 2017

If brand-building is rooted in USPs, then the Fair Spirits label has impressive credentials. But converting these into sustainable momentum in a crowded spirits world can be quite a challenge, as Andrew Catchpole discovers.

Design Wars

Published: 17 August, 2017

As the battle for shelf standout continues apace, Lisa Riley quizzes the experts on what matters most

Cork Fights Back

Published: 15 August, 2017

Once the only choice when it came to stoppers for wine bottles, cork has suffered at the hands of synthetic rivals for years. But now there are signs of a comeback, says Lisa Riley

Digital packaging: how smart is your bottle?

Published: 15 August, 2017

The impact of digitisation is so powerful that most marketers and brand designers are only just grasping the need for a more holistic approach, writes James Harmer of Touch design and innovation agency

Co-operating with consumers

Published: 14 August, 2017

Hot on the heels of its membership scheme launch, the Co-op’s Simon Cairns talks to Angela Mount about an initiative involving customers in new product development