Opportunities explored for future of Hawke’s Bay

Opportunities explored for future of Hawke’s Bay wine industry

The future of Hawke’s Bay’s wine industry will be under close scrutiny this week as the region’s wine business movers and shakers gather for a Wine Summit at Vidal Estate on Thursday (19 August).

“Hawke’s Bay has had an amazing couple of years as recognition of our unique wines has grown around the world,” says Rod McDonald, HBWG chairman. “We want to identify what we as a region can be doing to build on those successes.”

Arranged by regional wine organisation, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. and chaired by respected winemaker and industry leader, Dr Alan Limmer, the Summit will provide HBWG winegrower members with the opportunity for input into strategies to address the issues facing the industry and in particular, marketing and promotion.

Guest speaker will be Steven Green of Carrick Wines in Central Otago. As well as founding, guiding and promoting Carrick Wines in the local and international markets, Mr Green is on the Board of Wine New Zealand, and has been both the chairperson of Central Otago Pinot Noir Limited, the highly successful marketing arm of Central Otago and also the President of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association.

“Steve’s someone who’s done the hard yards, has seen first hand the value of a strong regional brand, learnt some interesting lessons and is willing to share it with us,” says Mr McDonald.

Over 30 winery owners and principals, marketing managers, winemakers, and growers are expected to attend and Mr McDonald says he wanted there to be some vigorous discussion and concrete actions agreed to. “This isn’t just a talk-fest. We want definite outcomes from the Summit so that HBWG can remain a relevant action-focused organisation for its members.”

Nicholas Buck, sales and marketing director of Te Mata Estate says it is important that Hawke’s Bay “continues to push the message of our unique wines collectively and the summit will allow us to confirm that HBWG is doing what needs to be done.”

He noted that the Hot Red Hawke’s Bay road shows held for the past five years in New Zealand and, for the first time this year, in Australia, plus the national Cabernet Merlot and Syrah educational events held regularly by HBWG were “substantial steps in taking the Hawke’s Bay message to the wine world”.

ENDS

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