Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: Guy Woodward

Published:  23 December, 2014

Harpers columnist Guy Woodward is the latest in our line-up of key industry figures to share their thoughts on 2014 and their predictions for 2015 with you.

 

Harpers columnist Guy Woodward is the latest in our line-up of key industry figures to share their thoughts on 2014 and their predictions for 2015 with you.

What do you think were the most significant things that happened/ issues/trends that occurred in 2014?

The Tesco debacle, without doubt. That, and Majestic's cheeky request for suppliers to fund its new warehouse, show how the retailer/supplier relationship will continue to shape the industry. Now's the time for suppliers to stand firm and resist some of the retailers' more aggressive demands. 

What opportunities are you most looking forward to working on in 2015?

I'm looking forward to seeing how the small independent merchants and bars will continue to engage consumers via tastings, events, pop-ups, competitions, social media, third party tie-ups; they're better placed than the multiples to be innovative and fast moving; they should make the most of this advantage.

What are the biggest challenges facing the trade in 2015?

Where to start?? At the top end, getting the Bordelais trade and press out of the mindset that the elite châteaux are the most important, when they're actually irrelevant for most consumers. At the mass-market end, getting retailers out of the mindset that it's a good idea to hoodwink consumers into thinking you can get a decent bottle of wine for under £5; you can't. 

Who are the people/companies/retailers to watch in 2015?

Joe Wadsack's going to be a star on Food & Drink; online retailers like Naked Wines and 31Dover will continue to challenge the traditional retail approach. 

What are you doing for Christmas and new year?

Very little - which is just how I like it; catching up on magazines, box sets and all those newspaper reviews of the year. My first ever Christmas in London means not going far - maybe a pre-lunch tipple at the local Fullers pub in Chiswick on Christmas Day, then up to Birmingham to see family for Boxing Day lunch at one of the Midlands' many fine country pubs.  

What will be your favourite tipple over Christmas and new year?

Egg nog with a dash of rum. And English sparkling on New Year's Eve; I'm boycotting Champagne in protest at its bullying approach to the likes of Champagne Jayne. 

Favourite Christmas film?

The Muppet Christmas Carol, of course.

Ideal day out over Christmas period?

Seeing Aston Villa at Villa Park on Boxing Day - so long as they win. So on reflection, maybe picking the winner of The King George at Kempton Park is a better bet... 

What do you want most from Father Christmas?

 A slimmer waistline. 

New year resolution?

To get my Harpers column in on time every month. 

Keywords: