Research - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New Zealand’s wine industry: Strong global presence amid challenges

Published: 30 September, 2024

The past year has been a “rollercoaster ride” for exports, as noted in The New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Report 2024.

Scottish wholesalers praised in Parliament for economic contribution

Published: 30 September, 2024

Scotland’s food and drink wholesalers, alongside the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA), were recognised in the Scottish Parliament for their vital role in supporting the economy and communities nationwide.

Beverage industry shifts offer new opportunities, says Circana

Published: 25 September, 2024

The beverage industry has undergone significant changes over the past year, presenting new opportunities for both brands and retailers, according to a new report from Circana, an advisor on consumer behaviour.

UK pub and bar sector to see modest growth in 2024

Published: 19 September, 2024

The UK pub and bar sector is set for modest growth in 2024, with a forecasted 1.5% rise in value, according to Lumina Intelligence’s Operator Data Index.

Institute of Masters of Wine and Areni Global announce partnership

Published: 16 September, 2024

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has announced a new partnership with Areni Global, an independent think tank dedicated to the future of fine wine, which will see the two organisations collaborate on a range of initiatives aimed at advancing excellence and learning within the global wine community.

Alcoholic drink manufacturers face profit decline

Published: 03 September, 2024

UK small and mid-sized food and drink manufacturers are grappling with a stark profitability drop, with the alcohol sector experiencing the most significant hit.

Alcohol consumption in Ireland falls by nearly a third

Published: 19 August, 2024

Alcohol consumption in Ireland has decreased by almost one-third over the past two decades, according to a new study.

UK pub market forecast to grow by 1.7% in 2024, reaching £23.6bn

Published: 16 August, 2024

The UK pub and bar market is expected to grow by 1.7% in 2024, reaching a total value of £23.6 billion, according to Lumina Intelligence’s latest report.

Hospitality insolvencies rise 20% over past year

Published: 19 July, 2024

The latest company insolvency statistics reveal a 20% increase in accommodation and food service insolvencies over the year to May 2024, rising from 3,133 in the 12 months to May 2023 to 3,752 in the 12 months to May 2024. However, there was a 9% decrease in month-on-month insolvencies in May 2024.

Atradius reports 59% drop in payment claims for food and drink sector

Published: 11 July, 2024

Trade credit insurer Atradius has revealed a 59% decrease in claims for late or failed payments in the food and drink sector between May 2023 and May 2024.

Euro 2024 drives surge in pub spending

Published: 10 July, 2024

Almost half (46%) of Londoners have spent more time at pubs, bars and restaurants during Euro 2024, the first men’s summer football tournament since Covid-19 lockdowns, according to new research from payments company Dojo. Across the UK, nearly one in four (23%) have done the same.

UK vineyards surpass 1,000 as wine sales rise 10%

Published: 04 July, 2024

WineGB has announced significant growth in the UK’s wine industry, with the number of vineyards reaching 1,030, a 9.2% increase from the previous year. According to the Food Standards Agency Wine Team, English and Welsh wine sales also grew by 10% from 2022.

WHO report highlights global alcohol consumption impact

Published: 26 June, 2024

A new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that alcohol consumption was responsible for 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019.

UK restaurant groups see record May delivery sales growth

Published: 25 June, 2024

Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups experienced their highest year-on-year growth in delivery sales for 2024 last month, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker.

Gin brands innovate with local flavours says IWSR

Published: 24 June, 2024

According to IWSR data, while gin encounters challenges in certain markets, the category continues to evolve and innovate.

UKH welcomes pledge of ‘comprehensive review’ for England's nighttime economy

Published: 24 June, 2024

The Conservative Party has committed in its manifesto to a comprehensive review of England's nighttime economy, aiming to overhaul existing licensing laws and planning regulations.

Gen Z shifts towards low & no alcohol amid declining disposable income

Published: 21 June, 2024

In the midst of declining disposable incomes and economic uncertainty, Generation Z is driving a significant shift in the beverage market. New research indicates that while overall alcohol sales have decreased, the no & low alcohol segment is experiencing impressive growth. This trend signals the need for a clear category vision that aligns with the evolving preferences of Gen Z, a demographic acutely feeling the pinch of high interest rates and economic challenges.

Hospitality faces mixed fortunes amidst economic challenges

Published: 19 June, 2024

The UK hospitality sector continues to experience a turbulent period, as highlighted by a series of reports and statistics. Despite significant challenges, the industry demonstrated resilience with a notable year-on-year sales growth in May 2024.

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.