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2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: Anita Jackson

Published:  01 January, 2015

Anita Jackson, UK director for Wines of Chile, says 2014 got off to a tough start, and tips Chile for further organic and sustainable innovations for 2015.

Anita JacksonWines of Chile's Anita Jackson 

Anita Jackson, UK director for Wines of Chile, says 2014 got off to a tough start, and tips Chile for further organic and sustainable innovations for 2015.

How has 2014 been for your business?

From a Wines of Chile perspective, it was a tough start to the year, very early in the New Year we knew Michael only had weeks to live and on February 20, he sadly lost his battle against cancer. He is constantly in the WoC team's thoughts, and I often hear him in the back of my mind when making key decisions, saying 'are you sure?' in a tone and way only he could do.  The WoC team have recouped and have had a busy year spreading the message on Chilean wines.  

With regards to the trade in general it's been an interesting year, the general vibe has been positive, Miles Beale/WSTA's successful campaign to eradicate the duty escalator, a new fresher look and feel to London Wine Trade Fair which created an amazing feel good buzz, the Wines of the Beautiful South which endorsed that generic collaboration can work without compromising each countries message or strengths, all of these have bolstered the UK trade. However, with the latest news of Bibendum and PLB joining forces to me says that we are not out of the woods yet, and that the tough times are not over yet, and let's not be complacent.

How do you see 2015 shaping up?

With regards to 2015 predictions, 2014 saw a raft of new initiatives and innovations from Chile, especially on the styles of the wines - lighter fresher, lower alcohol and grape varieties that you wouldn't necessarily associate with Chile, came to the fore. There has been a huge amount of green, sustainable projects initiated towards the end of 2014 and I believe this trend will continue and that Chile will lead the way with organic practices and sustainable energy practices throughout 2015.

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