2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: Doug Wood of WoodWinters

Published: 30 December, 2014

Doug Wood, owner of Scottish independent merchant WoodWinters, lets off steam about supermarkets, credit control and 'parasitic internet-only' retailers, while looking forward to lots of Christmas presents from staff.

Doug WOod Doug Wood

How was 2014 for you/your business?

Increased profit, flat turnover. Decided to drop a few larger unprofitable/marginal accounts.

What do you think were the most significant things that happened/ issues/trends that occurred in 2014?

Continuation of infatuation of companies chasing turnover at all costs.

Prosecco becoming the price fighter that used to be the part of Pinot Grigio or Cava (supermarkets). I have concerns that the price may get dumped if demand does not keep increasing.

Wholesale accounts becoming happier with shorter credit terms on new accounts. No longer a bargaining tool.

A desire for more suppliers to avoid having to go through supermarkets / Majestic / agencies that sell to these types of people, because those end retailers don't know how to sell wine other than discounting.

Starting to see less people saying that we need to engage with the consumer, which was just bollox as all they did was sell wine on fake promotion.

What opportunities are you most looking forward to working on in 2015?

Motivating/challenging/encouraging/training sales team to develop our larger accounts and more Nationwide accounts

Better lobbying for duty deferment to be fairer to smaller companies who directly import to duty paid locations.

Engaging with the consumer.

What are the biggest challenges facing the trade in 2015?

Credit control on the wholesale side.

Parasitic internet only traders on retail side - but this is becoming less of an issue.

Who are the people/companies/retailers to watch in 2015?

Vindependants

Naked Wines making stuff up.

What are you doing for Christmas and New Year?

Staying local, eating local and drinking globally.

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

Wines with energy and interest; along with a non-driving day following a fair bit of Larmandier Bernier Champagne and Felton Road at different parties. New finds, off-the-beaten-track stuff. No big names, unless you include Ridge in that.

Favourite Christmas film?

Cannonball Run

Ideal day out over Christmas period?

2ft powder snow at Glenshee in perfect blue skies. More likely to be in March, but Christmas would be great.

What do you want most from Father Christmas?

Time off with no phones or emails... A good set of MI figures. Presents from all my staff saying how much they love me and think I am a great boss.

New Year resolution?

Give more.

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