Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Buying direct: Pros & cons

Published: 13 July, 2017

It can be a positive move, but there are issues to be weighed up before buying direct. Lisa Riley reports

Majestic’s buying evolution sees rise in own-label efforts

Published: 13 July, 2017

Just under 5% of the group’s sales are now in own-label ranges and a pioneering spirit in this area means there’s more to come, says Nigel Huddleston

The psychology of selling

Published: 12 July, 2017

Think Indie, Drink Indie’s opening discussion explored ways in which merchants can best use merchandising, marketing and experiential events to maximise sales potential.

Vindependents flying high

Published: 05 July, 2017

Two years after its inception, indie merchants buying group Vindependents is thriving. Lisa Riley catches up with managing director Jessica Hutchinson

The training game

Published: 29 June, 2017

Good staff training on drinks service can be affordable, flexible, motivate staff and pay dividends within months for any business. Andrew Catchpole reports

Beyond Non-Vintage

Published: 23 June, 2017

Do consumers understand the full extent of Champagne’s diversity? Jo Gilbert investigates

Gallic Appeal

Published: 22 June, 2017

France is edging its way back into the limelight as a source of adventurous, engaging and innovative wines. Andrew Catchpole reports

Golden opportunities at California Wines Summit

Published: 21 June, 2017

Tim Atkin MW reports from last month’s California Wines Summit, where all news was good news for the Golden state

Harpers Debate: Chasing the premium position

Published: 19 June, 2017

Harpers’ industry briefing at the London Wine Fair on Chasing the Premium sparked a healthy debate involving both panel and audience, as all involved explored ways in which the trade could collectively build more margin and value back into the supply chain.

Generation Sake

Published: 14 June, 2017

A wave of young brewers are shaking things up in sake, increasing its popularity with a new generation  in Japan and internationally.  Anna Greenhous reports

Breaking down the Brexit unknowns

Published: 14 June, 2017

With change the only certainty of Brexit, the trade needs to prepare for likely eventualities and present a united front.

Getting ahead in the digital shelf war

Published: 08 June, 2017

With the mind-bogglingly fast growth of online channels, which in the context of many thousands of years of bartering and selling, is still a very new phenomenon, we scope out the e-specialists claiming to help your products fly online.

Bursting the Brexit bubble

Published: 07 June, 2017

Following on from the London Wine Fair’s Brexit debate,  Jo Gilbert caught up with the WSTA’s Simon Stannard in a bid  to get to the bottom of what the UK’s EU exit means for the trade

Bordeaux 2016 en primeur

Published: 31 May, 2017

Insights_bordeaux.pdfOur resident Bordeaux correspondent and producer Gavin Quinney gives the low-down on the highs of a fine year

WSET: The business of wine

Published: 31 May, 2017

With the trade often berated for lack of commercial acumen, Angela Mount gives the lowdown on a WSET course that delivers

Vinho Verde quality focus delivering Portuguese success story

Published: 25 May, 2017

Vinho Verde is far and away Portugal's leading white wine region, this northernmost province of Portugal one of Europe's largest demarcated wine regions with 21,000 hectares of planted vineyard, nine sub-regions and more than 2000 wine brands. And something is definitely stirring.

LWF Day One: The big Brexit debate

Published: 22 May, 2017

Breaking down the cloud of uncertainty brought about by Brexit into manageable bite-sized pieces was the objective of panelists at this afternoon’s London Wine Fair industry briefing.

English Sparkling: Spotlight on potential

Published: 19 May, 2017

Jo Gilbert looks at what the future may hold for English sparkling wines at home and abroad

The LWF: A UK-focused event

Published: 18 May, 2017

Jo Gilbert looks ahead to the most important event in the trade calendar, now in its fourth year of consolidation since becoming a UK-focused fair

Vertical ambition

Published: 15 May, 2017

Effective range hierarchy is crucial in a world where shelf space is in short supply, meaning the justification of premium listings is paramount for suppliers. Angela Mount reports