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2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Jo Wehring, Wines of South Africa

Published:  22 December, 2015

Jo Wehring of Wines of South Africa looks back at a successful Cape Wine in 2015, but sees Majestic as the retailer to watch heading into 2016. She is looking foward to a new tasting in 2016 that will be hosted by WOSA called Intrepid South Africa in the autumn next year- so watch this space.

Jo Wehring of Wines of South Africa looks back at a successful Cape Wine in 2015, but sees Majestic as the retailer to watch heading into 2016. She is looking foward to a new tasting in 2016 that will be hosted by WOSA called Intrepid South Africa in the autumn next year- so watch this space.

How was 2015 for you and your business? 

2015 was a great year for South African wines and the image of our wines is at an all-time high. Cape Wine was a great success and we had so much positive feedback about the show, we just need to keep up the momentum in 2016.

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

Supermarket range reductions had a very big impact on the UK trade. The competition with the UK multiple grocers and the discounters is changing the way people trade. The rise in the independents is exciting and South Africa is doing well here.

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

We've got a new South African tasting launching in London called Intrepid South Africa. It's a major trade tasting at Tobacco Dock on 8th September 2016. Expect many fantastic and innovative wines. More information to follow in January.

What are the biggest challenges facing the trade in 2016?

For us communicating on small budgets is a tough challenge. The UK is a highly competitive market and the rand doesn't go far for Wines of South Africa or our producers' marketing spend. We need to work smart to keep a focus on our wines.

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

I'm really interested to see how the changes at Majestic pan out for the business. 

What are you doing for Christmas and New Year?

Friends and family- standard. We're hosting this year so I'll be sweating near an oven for most of it.

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

Manhattans are lovely and wintery, fizz is essential, I've got some lovely Chenin to go with a shoulder of pork, some kick-ass reds for the beef and everything always starts with gin.

Favourite Christmas film?

The snowman.

Ideal day out over Christmas period? 

I'm more prone to days in over Christmas, apart from plenty of walking in Richmond Park. Christmas is time to spend with my family and I'd rather be doing that than anything else. I am taking my son to Sing Along To Frozen, so in the unlikely event of that topping the bill I'll drop you a note.

What do you want most from Father Christmas? 

A bit of respect.

New Year's resolution?

To deal with the Pile of Paper That Sits on the Dresser. Like, properly sort it. Not just look at it, throw out the expired Club Card vouchers and then put it back in a slightly neater pile. I know I can do it if I really apply myself.

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