Research - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Balancing the benefits and harms of alcohol in UK society

Published: 14 June, 2024

James Bayley assesses the duality of the effects of alcohol consumption.

UK drinks industry launches EDI initiative with safeguarding priority

Published: 12 June, 2024

Leading wine trade bodies, merchants and importers have united to support the UK drinks industry's new EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) initiative, prioritising safeguarding.

Drinks Trust Survey: Wellbeing key to success in hospitality

Published: 12 June, 2024

A recent study by The Drinks Trust highlights the critical role of proactive wellbeing support for the success of the drinks and hospitality industry. The annual Drinks Trust Industry Survey, conducted in partnership with Kingsland Drinks, reveals the challenges faced by industry professionals over the past year and outlines the importance of positive wellbeing initiatives.

SME drinks manufacturers toast 63% revenue surge in Q1

Published: 10 June, 2024

Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) drinks manufacturers are celebrating a substantial 63% rise in revenue during the first quarter of the year, according to the latest figures released by the Manufacturers’ Health Index.

UK wine and spirit industry boosts economy with £76bn contribution

Published: 10 June, 2024

A recent report by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has highlighted the substantial economic impact of the UK's wine and spirit industry, which contributed over £76bn to the economy in 2022. This marks a significant increase from the £49bn reported five years ago.

Quarter of UK drinkers embrace 'zebra striping' with alcohol-free options

Published: 07 June, 2024

A new industry report by research consultancy KAM and alcohol-free beer brand Lucky Saint reveals that a quarter of UK drinkers are alternating between alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks during their visits to pubs and bars. The report, titled ‘2024 Low and No: Drinking Differently,’ launched this week, highlighting the UK’s shift towards moderation.

WSTA, The Drinks Trust and WSET launch appeal for EDI Initiative

Published: 28 May, 2024

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), The Drinks Trust and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) have launched an appeal for funding to support the initial stage of its initiative aimed at fostering equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the UK drinks industry.

Soft drink sales surge amid declining alcohol consumption in the UK

Published: 24 May, 2024

Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the UK’s eating-out market reached a turnover of £97.3bn in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. This represents a 6% increase compared to 2022. However, Britvic's Soft Drinks Review 2024 highlights a shift in consumer preferences, with fast food outlets benefitting from consumers trading down, while casual dining and pubs face more significant challenges.

Hospitality faces inflation challenges amid mixed sales results

Published: 23 May, 2024

UK inflation dropped to 2.3% in April, its lowest level in nearly three years. However, the reduction was less significant than anticipated, dampening hopes for an imminent interest rate cut.

Ciatti Report: Opportunities in global wine market amidst low consumption rates

Published: 15 May, 2024

The global wine industry is facing challenges as consumption levels drop to their lowest in nearly three decades, as revealed in the State of the World Vine & Wine Sector 2023 report by the Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV). However, amidst this downturn, insights provided by the report and analyses from Ciatti Global Wine & Grape Brokers point to opportunities for growth and positive change within the market, particularly in bulk wine shipping.

UK distillery boom continues: 54 new ventures added in 2023

Published: 13 May, 2024

The independent spirits industry in Britain is growing rapidly – according to UHY Hacker Young, the national accountancy group, 54 new distilleries opened in 2023.

Moët & Chandon employs autonomous spraying robot

Published: 01 May, 2024

Yanmar Vineyard Solutions, a viticulture technology arm of Yanmar, has partnered with Champagne house Maison Moët & Chandon to enhance vineyard work efficiency and safety. The collaboration centres on advancing robotic solutions, notably the YV01 autonomous vineyard robot.

Global wine consumption hits 27-year low amid inflation

Published: 29 April, 2024

In a challenging year marked by inflationary woes, global wine consumption saw a significant dip, plunging to its lowest levels since 1996, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

Digital influence grows as Brits turn to Google for venue recommendations

Published: 29 April, 2024

In a digital age where choices abound, Brits are increasingly relying on the digital sphere, particularly Google, for recommendations on hospitality venues, reveals insight consultancy, KAM.

Shift in drinking trends emerges amid record alcohol-related deaths in UK

Published: 23 April, 2024

Alcohol-related deaths in the UK hit a record high in 2022, with nearly 2,500 more fatalities compared to 2019, according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Demographic shifts propel stout resurgence

Published: 22 April, 2024

In a dynamic market landscape marked by shifting consumer preferences, the stout category is experiencing a notable resurgence, driven by changing demographics. Guinness is chief among the brands leading this charge, as highlighted in Diageo’s recent six-month performance update ending December 2023.

Hospitality groups enjoy 5.2% growth in March

Published: 18 April, 2024

In March 2024, Britain’s leading hospitality groups achieved above-inflation like-for-like sales growth of 5.2%, according to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker.

WineCap Q1 2024 Report: A summary

Published: 18 April, 2024

Wine investment firm WineCap has released its Q1 2024 Fine Wine Report offering a comprehensive market overview.

Hydrogen viable source for distillation Beam Suntory finds

Published: 11 April, 2024

Spirits company Beam Suntory has found hydrogen to be a viable fuel source for direct-fired distillation, in what it describes as a “world-first achievement in hydrogen distilling for whisky production”.

Be Inclusive Hospitality launches winemaking programme with Plumpton College

Published: 03 April, 2024

Be Inclusive Hospitality has launched a winemaking programme with Plumpton College for hospitality professionals who identify as Black, Asian or ethnic minority.