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?

TescoGate Analysis: Tesco woes go from bad to worse

The cat is still well and truly among the pigeons at Tesco. Following its £263 million profits overstatement, suspension of head wine honcho Dan Jago, along with seven other senior executives, and the current investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, every little has not helped.

Christmas Report: time for big hitting whisky brands to shine

The whisky companies have been unveiling their big-hitting Christmas whiskies at a flurry of consumer shows in recent weeks, writes Dominic Roskrow, and it's clear that they're keen to cash in on the sector's current popularity by extending its appeal to new drinkers and attempting to be all things to all people.

Christmas Report: how rum is spicing things up

Like the other spirit categories, the growth in rum is mainly driven by the premium sector. Spiced rum that is the latest big thing, with sales growing by more than 21% year on year, making it worth an annual £80m. It appears to be particularly popular in Scotland, where it accounts for over 21% of value sales, and at the younger end of the market, while well-aged rums are finding favour with a more discerning, 30-plus audience. Helen Arnold reports.

Christmas Report: how vodka can drive festive profits

Vodka commands the lion's share of the spirits sector, with over 30% of total sales; not only is it the most widely drunk spirit in the UK, but it is outstripping the overall spirits sector, with annual growth of 4.4%. Helen Arnold reports.

Christmas Report: why wine has reasons to be merry

It's that time again. With more than a third of wine sales coming through in the 12 weeks of Christmas, the trade is nervously checking the weather forecast and gauging the mood among consumers as shoppers prepare to fill their stockings, writes Gemma McKenna.

France Summit Debate: UK trade leaders on how to get the most out of France

Harpers.co.uk talks with leaders of the trade at France Summit 2014 to see how France is working for them and how they are making the most of their French wine offerings.