The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has reached agreement to provide management services to the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM).
From the start of 2010 the NACM will share the back-office facilities of the WSTA at their base in London, saving time and money on administration and the work of the associations on industry-wide issues.
Under the terms of the agreement the WSTA will provide administrative support to NACM officials for communication with members and arrangement of events.
Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive of the WSTA, said: “It makes sound economic sense for trade associations to cut costs and streamline operations where possible and the nature of our communication with the Government and within the industry means that there is scope to share some resources.
“We are delighted the NACM wish to work with us and I am confident our members will benefit from closer collaboration.”
Henry Chevallier Guild, Chairman of the National Association of Cider Makers, said: “The NACM has always enjoyed a great working relationship with the WSTA and to now benefit from some of the resources they have available is a real benefit for our organisation and our members.
“Like never before it is important to ensure that we operate as efficiently as possible and also as effectively as possible in our engagement with government and others as we seek to tackle the issues we face.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
1. The WSTA is the UK lobbying organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 320 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits.
We campaign to promote the industry’s interests with governments at home and abroad.
We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.
2. The NACM is the representative body of the UK cider industry with members responsible for around 90% of the cider enjoyed in the UK. Through affiliate organisations the NACM also represents several hundred small and artisan cider makers.
Founded in 1920, the NACM has been responsible for many innovative initiatives. It was the first body in the drinks industry to introduce a code of practice, the forerunner of that adopted by the Portman Group. The NACM was also the first drinks trade organisation to have a Sustainability Policy and is actively working towards being a more sustainable industry.
Simon Russell (NACM)
Tel: +44 (0) 1179 066 519
Mob: +44 (0) 7879 402 145
Email:
Government to allow sample measures of wine
The Government announced today that it would legislate to deregulate wine measures under 75ml in a move that will allow bars and restaurants the flexibility to offer sample measures of wine to their customers.
Previously, wine could only legally be sold in measures of 125ml, 175ml or multiples thereof. Following intense lobbying by the wine trade, the National Measures Office included the proposal in the Consultation on specified quantities – non pre-packages and food information, in October last year.
Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive said:
“Deregulating wine measures below 75ml is a welcome move that the WSTA and our members have long been arguing for. This flexibility will give consumers the chance to sample small measures of the huge variety of wines out there, letting them broaden their knowledge and taste everything from the finest and rarest to the most innovative and experimental.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The WSTA is the UK lobbying organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 320 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits.
We campaign to promote the industry’s interests with governments at home and abroad.
We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.
For more information please contact Gavin Partington:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7089 3876
Mob: +44 (0) 7966 014058
Email:
WSTA conference highlights changing drinks market
September 1, 2009
Leading figures from the wine and spirit trade will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry at this year’s WSTA Conference, to be held in London on September 16th.
Among those charting the way ahead for the industry are Bacardi Brown-Forman CEO Mark De Witte, Direct Wines CEO Simon McMurtrie and Sainsbury’s recently appointed Beers Wines and Spirits category manager Justin James.
The conference, hosted by WSTA Chairman Tim How, will also hear the latest market analysis from research houses Nielsen, CGA and Wine Intelligence.
The keynote speaker at this year’s event is the Shadow Health Minister Mike Penning MP.
The conference features three principal panel sessions:
·Wine – how will businesses and the supply chain adapt to thrive as we emerge from recession?
·Spirits – what challenges and opportunities does the shift to off-trade present?
·Innovation in the wine and spirits sector
WSTA Chief Executive Jeremy Beadles said:“This is an excellent opportunity to draw on the expertise of some of the biggest names in the trade after what has undoubtedly been a challenging year.
“There is little doubt that the sector is changing shape and it will be instructive to hear how companies are adapting to changing consumer tastes and a changing marketplace.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:WSTA Annual Conference Wednesday, September 16, 2009 BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN
The WSTA is the UK lobbying organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 320 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits.We campaign to promote the industry’s interests with governments at home and abroad.We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.
For more information please contact Gavin Partington:
