Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

WSTA’s inflation prediction confirmed

Published: 19 February, 2024

Research shows alcohol duty hikes have negatively affected wine and spirits sales – and contributed to UK inflation rates. James Bayley looks into the figures.

Analysis: 100 years of taxing times

Published: 16 February, 2024

Ahead of Harpers’ archives being moved to UC Davis, Andrew Catchpole dips into a 100-year-old issue

Analysis: Hospitality seeks aid to halt closures

Published: 14 February, 2024

As the on-trade is hit by a cost-of-doing-business crisis, many are facing a tough decision unless government intervenes. James Bayley reports.

Multiples: Mixed Xmas 2023 for BWS

Published: 12 February, 2024

Some supermarkets reported buoyant sales over the festive period. James Bayley crunches the numbers.

On-trade: Sporting chances

Published: 07 February, 2024

As a summer of major fixtures looms, quality on-trade outlets are increasingly embracing lucrative shared viewing experiences, reports James Bayley.

Logistics: Distribution all at sea

Published: 05 February, 2024

Last year’s globally scant harvest and (more) trouble around the Suez Canal could spell disruption for shipping globally in 2024, writes Jo Gilbert.

Portugal: Big moves

Published: 31 January, 2024

Portugal has moved from a niche proposition to a wine for everyday drinking as its diverse portfolio lines up with modern tastes, writes Jo Gilbert.

Australia: Looking up

Published: 29 January, 2024

With Australia seeking a premium boost, Andrew Catchpole asks if its classic or contemporary styles are best positioned to deliver an ‘Oz reset’ in the UK.

Tech: On the plus side of AI

Published: 26 January, 2024

Innovative tech, such as artificial intelligence (AI), is sometimes reserved only for large corporations with massive budgets. However, more and more SMEs are coming to the party, James Bayley finds.

Multiples: Healthy year-round growth for low & no

Published: 22 January, 2024

Supermarkets are reporting a consistent uptick in sales of this much-talked about category– and not just during the traditional post-festive period. James Bayley reports.

Analysis: Pints fail to impress

Published: 19 January, 2024

The government’s decision to allow the use of imperial measures to sell wine has been met with a lukewarm reaction, finds James Bayley.

Harpers received over 160 responses to our State of the Nation Survey, which canvassed the views of on-trade operators, multiple/indie retailers as well as distributors/importers spanning the length and breadth of the UK. Jo Gilbert takes the UK’s temperature.

50 Best Indies 2024: The full rundown

Published: 15 January, 2024

Meet our 50 Best Indies 2024, celebrating the most dynamic and quality focused merchants in this ever-vibrant sector

Indies: The rise of Chanctonbury Wines

Published: 12 January, 2024

To round off 2023, Andrew Catchpole heads to new indie Chanctonbury Wines, where young gun Rob Maynard has swapped restaurant life for shop retail.

Headline Heroes: The tawny revolution

Published: 10 January, 2024

James Lawrence looks at the resurgence of an aged Port to appeal to new consumers

Tapping into oenotourism

Published: 05 January, 2024

Across the globe wineries are ramping up their investments in tourism experiences. Rupert Millar reports on the value of a still-growing sector.

The rising tide of Nova Scotia

Published: 03 January, 2024

Canada’s smallest region it may be, but Nova Scotia has big ambitions to climb on to the world stage. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Design: Shelf appeal

Published: 02 January, 2024

Jo Gilbert goes back to basics with the big four design agencies to find out what has changed in recent years and what it takes for wines and spirits to win today’s shelf wars.

Tech: Alt formats the future

Published: 22 December, 2023

Jo Gilbert reports from November’s World Bulk Wine Exhibition, where the leaders of the alternative packaging movement were on the hunt for world domination.

Embracing change in Rioja

Published: 20 December, 2023

Setting out to discover the renewed dynamism and diversity in Spain’s flagship DO, Harpers teamed up with Wines of Rioja to host an indie merchant buying trip to the region. Andrew Catchpole reports.