Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Events guide 2020: What not to miss

Published: 13 January, 2020

James Lawrence looks ahead to some of the essential trade dates across another busy year

Everything we know about the DRS so far – and what you should too

Published: 09 January, 2020

A major new scheme aimed specifically at boosting recycling rates and combating littering for bottled drinks is due to arrive in Scotland in 2021 and the rest of the UK soon after. So what do we know so far?

Duty increase backfires

Published: 09 January, 2020

The last hike in wine duty delivered an own goal, denting government revenues. Andrew Catchpole asks if a limit has been reached

Thinking outside the bottle

Published: 08 January, 2020

Modern consumers are increasingly demanding that companies make meaningful change in the way they package products. Jo Gilbert looks to the future

Wine’s darker materials: glass vs the alternatives

Published: 06 January, 2020

A rising clamour over packaging and sustainability is leading many parts of the industry to go back to the drawing board on glass and look at alternative materials. Does plastic deserve its bad reputation?

That was the year that was

Published: 06 January, 2020

From English fizz and Rioja rosé to Seedlip challengers and CBD bitters, Jaq Bayles rounds up the launches that made an impact in 2019

Indie gateway: the wholesaling survey

Published: 02 January, 2020

Independent merchants play an increasingly important role in local and regional wholesale, as our exclusive survey results reveal (link below).

A taste of the Occitanie

Published: 18 December, 2019

Harpers hosted a round table in association with La Région Occitanie to assess the scope for encouraging UK consumers to trade up in this diverse corner of France

What we can learn from the Majestic/Naked 'experiment'

Published: 16 December, 2019

The matchmakers behind the Majestic and Naked Wines merger speak to Jo Gilbert about why the ‘experiment’ didn’t work, and why the demand for niche products is driving wine businesses to double down on their specialisms

Greece is the word

Published: 11 December, 2019

From Santorini to Naoussa and Nemea, and the thriving shop window that is Athens’ bar scene, Greece’s standout regions are ripe for exploration. Norman Miller delves deep into this fast-rising country of interest

Selling Italy in the off-trade

Published: 09 December, 2019

Justin Keay digs deep into Italy in the off-trade, taking his microscope to the supermarkets’ Italian ranges and discovering what indie customers are demanding from their local merchants.

Avoiding the low/no Frankenwine monster

Published: 09 December, 2019

In the battle for low/no customers, Frankenstein wine may not be the answer, writes Chris Losh

Independents: Collaborate to innovate

Published: 05 December, 2019

Teaming up to bring in ad hoc shipments is ushering in a new wave of collaboration between like-minded independents. Chris Wilson weighs the practicalities and benefits

Sustainability: Time to embrace 'boutique bulk'?

Published: 03 December, 2019

With sustanability high on the gliobal agenda, it could be time to embrace a new approach to shipping premium wine. Andrew Catchpole reports back from a round table partnered by Lanchester Wines.

Making IT work for your warehouse

Published: 27 November, 2019

Should companies run their own warehousing IT systems rather than use a provider and how easily
can systems be integrated with other parts of the business? Simon Jack breaks down the fundamentals.

The pros and pros of pop-up culture

Published: 26 November, 2019

Pop-up spaces offer the chance to road test a concept while also appealing to experience-hungry demographics. Jo Gilbert looks at the commercial benefits

All quiet on the Australian front

Published: 21 November, 2019

ABS Wine Agencies continues to demonstrate its command of the supply chain with the ongoing success of its parcel-based shipping scheme. Jo Gilbert reports

The spirits of Christmas

Published: 19 November, 2019

Christmas is no longer a single trading period, but a series of escalating moments brimming with opportunities to upsell and drive profit. Jo Gilbert looks at where spirits slide into the mix.

Coming into port

Published: 15 November, 2019

Despite its best efforts, the famous fortified is failing to make any real headway. But producers are putting their faith in premium and innovation, reports Lisa Riley

Gin: Ascending the throne

Published: 14 November, 2019

It’s been on the cards for some time. Back in 2014, there were rumblings that gin was poised to overtake vodka as the UK’s spirit of choice in time for the new decade.