The Smith Report: The rise of independents retailers

There is some significant hype around the independent sector in the UK at the moment, but is it really warranted?

Supermarkets special report: Why less is more

As the UK's major multiples look to pare back their wine and spirit ranges in order to boost performance and compete with discounters, Gemma McKenna asks what this new direction will mean for the rest of the trade

Independent merchants: the ones to watch

As part of our March for the Independents campaign, here we highlight some of the independent merchants across the country worth keeping an eye on. Gemma McKenna reports

Portugal: Wines offering high quality at good value

Wine may struggle to be as big as Portugal's most famous export but it is quickly earning its place in Europe's premier league of wine.

Why legally protecting your business assets and brands is vital to any growth strategy

Olivia Perrott, of law company, Stevens & Bolton LLP, says it is vital wine and spirits businesses protect their brand names and  IP assets if they are to maximise growth 

Top 10 crowdfunded drinks trade initiatives

The rise in crowdfunding proves that in today's business world, the customer is more powerful and more vocal than ever before - and the drinks trade has been quick to capitalise. Laura Vickers reports on 10 recent stand-out fund-raising initiatives of the past two years

March for the Independents campaign to put spotlight on wine merchants

Today Harpers is officially launching its most ambitious project yet to support and promote independent wine merchants. Here's how you can get involved in March for the Independents

Up to 95% of suppliers demand retailers change the way they work with them

Up to 95% of the 200 suppliers who took part in our survey into the behaviour of major UK retailers want them to change. Here Gemma McKenna reveals what suppliers really think of the big multiples

New Zealand looks to break away from Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand maintains a privileged, premium position in the UK market and is working hard to shake its over-reliance on Sauvignon Blanc by introducing new styles. Anne Krebiehl MW reports

Matthew Gaughan on what the UK can learn from the rise of craft beers in the US

As in the UK, the beer scene in the US has been transformed over the last 20 years. As mainstream lagers have got blander and colder, craft breweries have sprung up around the country to be greeted by an enthusiastic and increasingly knowledgeable set of drinkers.

COPY: Harpers new consumer report reveals key wine trends in the UK on-trade

In the second of our exclusive consumer reports, Harpers turns the spotlight on drinking trends in the UK on-trade and finds out what the average Brit thinks of the wine in their glass and what attracts them, or not, to ordering wine when out and out about compared to other drinks

Christmas Report: Gin is a must-have festive tonic

Once the preserve of the stockbroker set, recent years have seen gin reach a much younger and more fashionable audience. Helen Arnold assesses whether gin can stay on its upward journey

Christmas Report: Champagne still a staple at any Christmas table

When it comes to celebrating in the Champagne category it pays to have a story, to be different and to stand out from the competition.

Over 40% of Brits will buy wine online this Christmas, says Harpers new e-commerce report

Logistics: Challenges that are currently facing logistics providers

Logistics represents a major investment for most companies. But leaders in the field must be aware of issues within the wine industry as well as the wider world, and also offer customers flexibility.

Why Greek wine deserves to be taken seriously

Greece recently celebrated its "Ohi Day" ("No" day) on October 28 to mark the time when in 1940 the then Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, rejected Benito Mussolini's ultimatum to march troops through Greece. In 2014, much is being said about how Greeks need to say "no" to corruption, which has contributed to the country's on-going economic crisis.

Kingland's journey from a contract packer to full-service wine supplier

In recent years Kingsland has grown from a contract packer into a full-service wine supplier and its worked hard in last 20 years to reposition itself.

DWCC 2014: why everyone in wine needs to know how to communicate effectively

The annual DWCC event is no longer just for bloggers, but has become essential for anyone involved in wine communications. When it comes to communications we really are all in it together, summed up Jancis Robinson MW after three days of the seventh annual Digital Wine Communications Conference in Montreux, Switzerland.

Bordeaux Buyers Roundtable: What leading on and off-trade players are looking for from Bordeaux

In light of its new global advertising campaign, launched last month, which looks to reposition Bordeaux as a region producing wines for all tastes and occasions, several leading buyers and consultants come together to truly assess Bordeaux's position in the UK trade.

Ten things you need to know about Bibendum PLB

It's been billed as one of the biggest deals of the century, but what do you need to know about the Bibendum takeover of PLB and what it means for the trade?