Boosting Sales and Highlights of 2024
Building strong relationships with our customers has been key.
By understanding their preferences, we’ve managed to keep our brand fresh in their minds.
Despite the ongoing uncertainties leading into the holiday season, we were pleased to see solid sales performance.
A standout moment for me was a meeting with Christian Honorez and Matt Wilkin from H2Vin.
We explored ways to enhance our visibility in France, and they expressed a strong interest in sustainable growth as well.
Our brainstorming sessions revealed the potential for a fruitful collaboration—a truly serendipitous encounter.
Trends and Future Preparations
The implementation of duty reform stands out as a low point.
The complexity of the new proposed schemes appears unnecessary and cumbersome.
The duty reforms are likely steering the market toward lower-alcohol wines at entry-level pricing.
We’ve started to notice a shift in consumer preferences, although the full impact is still unfolding.
With wine prices high across the board, quality has become the critical factor for success.
Interestingly, classic wines are gaining traction, overtaking the unusual selections that once dominated the UK market.
It’s expected that value will play an even more significant role in purchasing decisions across all price ranges in the coming year.
Despite the considerable challenges we face—like higher duties, extended producer responsibilities, deposit return schemes, tariffs, national insurance hikes, and various global trade tensions—it’s crucial to focus on the positives.
Our industry is vibrant and continuously brings joy to people year-round.
That spirit deserves to be celebrated.
Looking Ahead to 2025
We plan to navigate the industry’s challenges by offering valuable products and adapting to the changing landscape.
I’m particularly looking forward to our portfolio tastings with Alliance and H2Vin set for March.
This will be an excellent opportunity to showcase our diverse range of new selections.
I’m quite fond of high-quality Loire Chenin, especially the Trie Speciale from Baumard—it’s a fantastic alternative to the traditional white Burgundy.
Recently, I’ve also enjoyed various red Sancerres, but this Christmas, I’m leaning towards a refreshing option from the northern Rhône, like Maxime Graillot’s Crozes-Hermitage.
Its vibrant fruit and hint of spice make it a perfect fit.
- Honestly, I’ve had fewer encounters with truly subpar wines, and the ones I do, I tend to forget quickly.
- I wouldn’t say it’s overrated, but Scotch whiskies that I once enjoyed have become quite pricey for my taste.
- In my opinion, Armagnac deserves more recognition than it currently receives.
- I appreciate both varieties equally, but don’t have a strong preference for one over the other.
- My friends know I have a soft spot for sherry, yet I’ve recently discovered Old Maury, which has quickly captured my interest.
- I opt for rum.
My experiences with tequila are limited to my university years, so my view may be somewhat nostalgic.
- I’d see myself as a mountain wine, perhaps from Roussillon.
I’ve always been drawn to wines that carry a raw energy, reminiscent of those joyful days in the industry spent in breathtaking landscapes, savoring remarkable food and wine with great company.
Source: Harpers
