2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Bernard Fontannaz, Origin Wine

Published: 30 December, 2015

Bernard Fontannaz, founder of Origin Wine, looks back at an overall positive 2015 and is excited about the sustainable future he is building for his company. He had a year full of expansion and is looking forward to more innovation in 2016.

How was 2015 for you/your business?

Overall, 2015 was very positive with an on-going development of our supply structure outside our home bases of South Africa and Argentina. Our partnership with Vinadeis in France is giving us a very strong foothold on France with some tangible perspectives of development in the UK market, as well as, enhancing our French offer under La Folie Douce.

In South Africa and in Argentina, the acquisition of premium vineyards, Grand Domaine in Stellenbosch and Magna Finca in Mendoza, will provide us with some high quality grapes and allow us to strengthen our premium offers under Grand Vin de Stellenbosch and Mendoza Vineyards.

The opening of our subsidiary in North America, Origin North America, is creating a lot of opportunities and direct contacts in what is now the biggest wine market.

Our partnership with Clipper "around the world yacht race" has been an exciting one and a very good one for our brand Stormhoek.

What do you think were the most significant things that happened/ issues/trends that occurred in 2015?

There are, to a certain extent, two opposite trends happening, one is the fruit wine, which is becoming a category in itself, the other is the ever growing phenomena of the craft beer.

We are actively involved in developing the first one, with a point of difference, on the second one- our aim is to mirror this phenomena with our Craft wine range, The Pledge.

What opportunities are you most looking forward to working on in 2016?

To develop further the fruit wine and craft wine opportunities further.

To give more substance to our American venture, as well as consolidate our set up in Europe.....more to come on that very soon!

What are the biggest challenges facing the trade in 2016?

Sustainability is a key one, at all levels....as well as, the always mentioned, but so much needed innovation....we need to think out of the box to get some new consumers into the category.

Who are the people, companies or retailers to watch in 2016?

The UK market is in a phase of big changes hence every retailers is to be watched for different reasons. The agency model is under pressure so they need to be watched as well as who will win the e-retailing race?

What are you doing for Christmas and New Year?

Off to South America.....

What will be your favourite tipple over Christmas and New Year?

Malbec will be the order of the day with plenty of good tipple to choose from

Favourite Christmas film?

Christmas is about family so I will rather have a live casting....around the table.

Ideal day out over Christmas period?

Every off day will do!

What do you want most from Father Christmas?

That he doesn't drink while flying around...could be embarrassing and crush too many dreams

New Year's resolution?

Not to make any that I will not see through