“The South African wine industry has the potential to be more robust, competitive, profitable and sustainable,” says Rico Basson, the managing director of Vinpro, upon announcing that registration has officially opened for the next Nedbank Vinpro Information Day.
This annual event, which attracts up to 1 000 representatives from Mzansi’s wine businesses, is scheduled for 23 January 2020 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Food For Mzansi co-founder and media personality Ivor Price has been confirmed as master of ceremonies of the event.
In Basson’s overview of the South African wine industry, he will reveal why the industry is busy shifting gears, and what will be required to maintain this momentum. Basson says, “The speakers at next year’s Information Day will share their insights on trends, networks and resources wine businesses can tap into to reach their potential, and also effect positive change in their business and broader industry.”
The event comes as South Africa’s economy is busy with a “daunting clean-up”, says Nedbank economist Isaac Matshego. He will elaborate on this, as well as the effect thereof on consumer spending and investment at the Information Day.
Vinpro consultation service manager Conrad Schutte will make his debut on the Information Day stage when he will share more about the run-up to the 2020 wine grape harvest, as well as expectations in terms of quality and yield and a number of new vineyard developments.
Although half of South Africa’s wine is exported, there is still great potential for the industry to expand its footprint in the local market. Brandon de Kock, director of storytelling at consumer insights agency Whyfive, will introduce “the new, untapped consumer” and how wine business should be talking to them about their wines.
South Africa’s counterpart in the southern hemisphere, Australia, has achieved success in the Chinese market and has a strong wine tourism approach. CEO of Wine Australia, Andreas Clark, will share some of these successes and possible learnings for Mzansi.
Basson says: “We are also honoured to welcome Thoko Didiza, the minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, on stage to share her New Year’s message to farmers.”
The Information Day will be held for the 15th year in 2020, with Nedbank involved as the main sponsor since 2006. Old Mutual Insure is involved as a junior sponsor for the fifth consecutive year.
“Apart from the strategic information that is shared, which help guide wine industry role-players for the new year, the Nedbank Vinpro Information Day is also the ideal networking opportunity for wine grape producers, cellars, suppliers and other role-players in the wine industry value-chain,” says Basson.
- Vinpro members can register at R850 per person (limited to two tickets per member) and non-members at R1 250 each. Register online at vinpro.co.za or send an e-mail to info@vinpro.co.za for further information.
