Category: Wines of Great Britian

WineGB calls for further support from Government for wine exports

WineGB is calling on the government to provide additional support to promote the growth of GB wine sales overseas through exports. The percentage of sales from export has doubled in two years from 4% in 2021 to 8% in 2023.

Currently, British wines are exported to 45 countries, with the largest markets being Norway, Japan, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and South Korea. Notably, sales of English still and sparkling wines in Norway have surged by 33% over the past year.

According to figures from Norwegian alcohol monopoly Vinmonopolet, sales increased by 21,551 litres, reaching a total of 87,318 litres.

WineGB is pushing for stronger partnerships with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the GREAT campaign, as outlined in its Manifesto for Growth. The trade body emphasises that no new wine-producing region has established itself in the global export market without significant government backing. WineGB is keen to work closely with Jonathan Reynolds MP, secretary of state for the DBT, to accelerate the growth of British wine exports.

To level the playing field for English and Welsh wines in international markets, WineGB has proposed five key actions:

1. Showcasing English and Welsh wines in 20 to 30 major cities worldwide

2. Enhancing grant funding, export financing, and support for physical distribution at overseas events

3. Improving trade access to European markets

4. Expanding the UK’s gastro-diplomacy efforts through its global network; and

5. Assisting exporters with better access to accurate and up-to-date export data

Sources: https://winegb.co.uk, and Harpers

Wines of Great Britain announced Nicola Bates as its new CEO

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) has just announced the appointment of former Portman Group Strategy Director Nicola Bates as its new CEO.

Bates’ appointment commences October 30, 2023, following news earlier this year that the organization’s former chief executive Simon Thorpe MW had stepped down.

Bates is WineGB’s first female CEO and joins a panel of women leading the association, with Sam Linter as chair.

Linter states: “I am delighted to appoint Nicola as the new CEO of WineGB. The WineGB Board was looking for a specific set of skills and experience that are required to deliver success for the organization and industry as we enter a new phase of maturity. During an extensive recruitment process, Nicola demonstrated the experience and diverse skillset required to run a growing trade association with a rapidly increasing external focus.

We look forward to introducing Nicola into the UK wine industry and have an intensive immersion planned to provide a strong grounding in the strategic imperatives and intricacies of our industry and organization.”

Bates previously held the role of director of strategy and external affairs at the Portman Group, the social responsibility body and regulator for alcohol labeling, packaging and promotion in the UK.

Bates commented on her new role: “Others may disagree, but this has to be the best job in wine. With production having doubled over the past five years, and set again to repeat this substantial achievement, I am overjoyed to be a part of the next phase of growth for English and Welsh wines. The sector will likely soon face the challenges that come with such success, and this is where WineGB steps in with its significant role to shape the workforce, the customer experience, and the reputation. I look forward to meeting members, patrons, funders, and the wider industry to learn how WineGB can continue to be your partner and deliver for the future.”