Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Why indies need to use the web wisely

Published: 09 March, 2016

With online wine sales booming, independents stand to lose out to bigger players unless they use the web wisely to promote their USPs

Go West 2016 tasting preview

Published: 09 March, 2016

The Go West tasting offers an unrivalled insight into the wines of California, Oregon and Washington

What the Living Wage means for the trade

Published: 08 March, 2016

We all need to earn enough to survive. But the Chancellor's introduction of a Living Wage, announced last year and to be introduced this April, has proved controversial

The Smith Report: Has China fully recovered?

Published: 08 March, 2016

China, which once was the promised land for iconic wines, hit a tough patch, but with a growing middle class and an ever-growing appreciation for wine, could now be the time to start importing there?

Grain versus grape: the rise of craft beer

Published: 07 March, 2016

"Stick a cork in it. Wine is done," declared the New York Daily News back in 2013. "Fancy beers in oversize bottles are the hottest items on drink lists at swank restaurants and bars across the city."

The problem with mark-up madness in the on-trade

Published: 04 March, 2016

I love Riesling. I'll always buy it in the supermarket, I will always look out for it in restaurants and I'll always seek it out wherever I go.

Spain: a winemaking revolution is brewing

Published: 04 March, 2016

In January 2016, respected winemaker Telmo Rodríguez unveiled a controversial document that caused a surge of excitement across Spain's viticultural landscape

Think Gin 2016 hailed a success

Published: 02 March, 2016

Oversubscribed and packed with members of the on-trade, independent merchants, multiple and wholesale buyers, the second annual Think Gin event at London's Hospital Club was a buzzing event.

Enotria&Coe targets premium on trade with merged portfolio

Published: 01 March, 2016

At the inaugural launch of the Enotria&Coe portfolio, CEO Troy Christensen set out his vision for the newly merged business and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Independents turn to experiential approach

Published: 01 March, 2016

Independent drinks retailers are currently facing a double whammy with supermarkets providing consumers with the convenience of picking up drinks with their weekly shop, while discounters are providing the sort of low prices that are hard to ignore.

Expressing a love of lava

Published: 26 February, 2016

There's been an eruption of interest in volcanic wines and to prove it the Institute of Masters of Wine recently held a seminar/tasting specifically devoted to them.

A second helping of Vinisud reflects on the wines to the fore at this year's show

Published: 25 February, 2016

Vinisud 2016 revealed a fresh focus on old vines and varietes

South African harvest 2016

Published: 23 February, 2016

The hottest growing season in South Africa since 1904, according to official statistics, is having a major impact on production for the current vintage. Yields are dramatically lower - down by as much as 60% or more in certain regions like Swartland - with the national crush expected to the smallest for over a decade.

Southern Spotlight

Published: 22 February, 2016

Vinisud to become an annual event as pan-Mediterranean focus pays dividends for organisers and exhibitors.

Chink & swig! Welcome to the Drinks Wholesaler

Published: 18 February, 2016

We hope you'll enjoy the mix of features, analysis and viewpoints in our launch issue. And, above all, find the content thought-provoking, informative and useful to you, this being the only publication solely dedicated to focusing on the business of wholesaling beers, wines and spirits.

Insights: On the cusp of a Balkan revival?

Published: 18 February, 2016

A tasting earlier this month at London's Institute of Directors showed that the financial and technical support being given to producers in Greece, Bulgaria and central Italy is paying dividends.

Insights: The pros and cons of buying groups and the changing agency model

Published: 16 February, 2016

Buying groups, particularly among independent merchants and on-trade wholesalers, are becoming more commonplace. Harpers.co.uk investigates the pros and cons of joining one