Category: English Sparkling Wine

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.”

WineGB Releases its 2023 Industry Report

Last week Wine GB released its 2023 Industry Report, which includes the latest data from producers and figures supplied by Wine Standards.

Here are some key findings:

  • Plantings continue to grow – there are currently just under 4,000ha under vine, with forecasts predicting an increase to 7,600ha by 2032;
  • In terms of production, the mid-range prediction is that production will reach 25 to 29 million bottles by 2032;
  • Wine remains one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in Britain;
  • In 2022, total production was 12.2 million bottles: 68% sparkling, and 32% still;
  • Sales channels and distribution in 2022 include:
  • On trade has increased– 22% (from 14%)
  • Exports up from 4% to 7%
  • Off-trade up to 41%
  • DTC now 30% from 57% – this reflects post-pandemic sales returning to hospitality and retail.

Wine Tourism

Wine tourism is buoyant and shows a positive growth trajectory; income is up – now averages 24% of total revenue. Visitor numbers are up 17% from 2021.

Ned Awty, Interim WineGB CEO says: “We are used to seeing rapid growth of plantings and production and this year is no different, with plantings up 74% in five years and a production of 12.2mn bottles, almost a record! Thanks to an overwhelming response to our membership survey, we now have our most comprehensive data set ever for wine production in the UK. The data gives us new insights into the ever-increasing importance of wine tourism, the scale and diversity of employment in our sector and an in-depth view of sales channels from the largest to smallest producers.”

Chair of WineGB, Sam Linter, said: “These truly are exciting times for English and Welsh wine. Our latest report is from the most robust data yet and we are pleased to have this access. It not only sets out where we are today but looks ahead to the next ten years in terms of production and the many opportunities. We have become an internationally acclaimed wine growing region of the highest quality.”

The industry report is available Industry & Statistics Insights

Sources:
WineGB and Wine Standards

Nyetimber announces America’s Cup partnership with INEOS Britannia

Nyetimber, a leading English sparkling wine producer, has just announced its partnership with INEOS Britannia, the British race team participating in the 37th America’s Cup.

As the official wine partner of INEOS Britannia, Nyetimber will provide its  wines to the team and visiting guests at various events leading up to and during the races.

INEOS Britannia is challenging for the America’s Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy in the world, and, although it was founded in Britain, a British team has never actually won the Auld Mug.

INEOS Britannia is aiming to change that. Led by four-time Olympic Gold medalist Sir Ben Ainslie and backed by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the team will compete in the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024.

Sir Ben Ainslie, team principal and skipper said: “We are thrilled to continue our special relationship with Nyetimber, having supported our challenge for the last two campaigns. Representing our country in challenging for America’s Cup is something that fills the team with pride. It’s the perfect fit to team up again with Nyetimber – such an iconic British brand – and we hope to have many occasions for celebration on our way to challenging to win the Auld Mug in Barcelona next year.”

Owner and CEO, Eric Heerema, works together with head winemaker Cherie Spriggs and winemaker Brad Greatrix to produce the Nyetimber range. Cherie Spriggs was named ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge 2018. She was also the first woman as well as the first person outside the Champagne region of France to win the award.

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I’m so happy I just received 2 bottles of “Platinum Jubilee Sparkling Wine” from my Son and Family in London!

Queen Elizabeth as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch will officially be reaching the 70th anniversary of her ascension to the throne on February 6, 1952. Her Platinum Jubilee will officially be celebrated in June of this year, and Britain plans a four-day fête to mark the occasion on what will be the 69th anniversary of her coronation.

Queen Elizabeth has released “Buckingham Palace English Sparkling Wine” to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.  The Sparkling wine is available in Royal Collection Trust shops around the U.K. and online for £39.  Monies raised will benefit the Royal Collection Trust (RCT), a charitable department of the Royal Household that is “responsible for the care of the Royal Collection and manages the public opening of the official residences of The Queen.”

The label features a design based on the embroidery of Queen Elizabeth’s Robe of Estate worn during her coronation, and the “EIIR cypher is surrounded by golden olive leaves and ears of wheat to symbolize peace and plenty.” The wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes grown in Kent and West Sussex.  Tasting notes: “has enticing aromas of rich and honeyed citrus fruit, white peach and hints of sweet spice.” Apparently, it pairs well with British seafood, fish and chips, and, of course, mature English cheddar.

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