Mapping wine business research in the International Journal of Wine Business Research: 2007-2017

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the body of work featured in the International Journal of Wine Business Research (IJWBR) since its transition from the International Journal of Wine Marketing (IJWM) in 2007, and to assess the collective evolution of the topical structure of published research against the Journal’s aims as described in the inaugural editorial. Design/methodology/approach A scientometric study using both network analysis and narrative methods was used to evaluate the research contents of the IJWBR. Findings Results lead to four conclusions. Overall, the research published in IJWBR has met the editorial aim of expanding beyond the marketing focus of IJWM. Second, the Journal has become increasingly international in its approach to research activities, both in terms of authorship and sites of study. Third, the methods used in the study of wine business have advanced from descriptive univariate to more complex or predictive multivariate approaches. Finally, despite all of these desired advances, research grounded in marketing and consumer behavior perspectives still predominates the Journal. Originality/value This is the first review of IJWBR to use a scientometric method; and this paper provides a description and assessment of progress made toward the publishing goals first envisioned for the Journal at its transition from IJWM to IJWBR.