In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, here’s a review of some of the most popular news, analysis, opinions and features.
Top stories: Yes, more on the ‘B’ word, this time from the WSTA, highlighting how adverse foreign exchange has contributed to rising prices for wines and spirits form overseas.
In Port country one of the most respected figures in the global wine trade, Paul Symington, is stepping down as chairman of his family business after 40 years at the helm of Symington Family Estates.
And our most read feature this month came in the shape of our 50 Best Indies, which once again delivered a flavour of the cracking quality, winning character and diversity of merchants up and down the UK.
• Brexit causes wine prices to rise
• Paul Symington to step down as chair
• Harpers reveals 50 Best Indies
• UN recognises Pernod Ricard for sustainability
• Sea Aged Wine expands to the Canary Islands
• South African producers thirst for English fizz
Analysis and Insights:
It’s choppy out there for indie merchants looking to navigate a perfect storm of Brexit, online competition and a dwindling market for wine. By focussing on their USPs, the best are weathering the storm.
Meanwhile, overturning common wisdom, the latest research reveals an interesting reversal of fortunes for high street and online sales channels this year, with ecommerce growth beginning to plateau and bricks and mortar fighting back.
• Capturing the impulse purchaser
People and Opinion:
Daniel Lambert of Daniel lambert Wines talks to Harpers out about life as a specialist agent-importer, the trade in general and what the future might hold.
In her new role as buyer across a 40-strong restaurant group, Diana Rollan talks trends and trade with Andrew Catchpole.
• Q&A: Daniel Lambert, owner, Daniel Lambert Wines
• Q&A: Diana Rollan, beverage group category manager, D&D London