Research has become increasingly important, as evidenced by South Africa Wine’s decision to significantly invest in it. This move is aimed at fostering growth within the industry by addressing critical areas that require attention.
Gerard Martin, the executive manager of research, development and innovation (RDI) at South Africa Wine, said the 2024 research book is aimed at detailing innovative strategies and research initiatives which are dedicated to ensuring the South African wine industry’s economic viability and market growth.
Investing in flagship projects
“Our strategic objectives encompass flagship programmes, generating scientific knowledge relevant to both industry and academia, innovation and research business ventures, developing a South African wine blockchain ecosystem, formulating a holistic sustainability strategy (ESG Roadmap), knowledge transfer, industry engagement, and promoting international partnerships, he said.
“We hope this collection will inspire continued collaboration, innovation, and progress within the South African wine industry, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders,” Martin said.
According to South Africa Wine, the research book is a testament to the entity’s strategy which includes funding academic research projects that address vineyard management, pest and disease control, and grape and wine quality management.
“Through close collaboration with industry stakeholders, including wine producers, winemakers, researchers, and academic institutions, the RDI strategy aims to facilitate sustainable grape and wine production, delivering quality wines that can be marketed and sold profitably.
“The flagship programmes detailed in the book are particularly noteworthy. These large-scale, strategically focused and ambitious initiatives address the multifaceted challenges of climate change, water efficiency, plant breeding and wine authenticity,” South Africa Wine said in a statement.
The research book offers a detailed compilation of summaries of research projects concluded by the end of 2023 and those currently underway in 2024.
“Organised according to the specialised committees overseeing them, the book aims to create awareness of the research initiatives funded by South Africa Wine and acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the researchers leading these projects,” they noted.
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