Low alcohol wines on the agenda

WSTA to host low alcohol wine forum

Creating a new category in wine, London, October 1st, 2009

The WSTA is to host a low alcohol wine forum bringing retailers and producers together to consider the potential for the category.

Speakers will include Dan Jago of Tesco, Andrea Ruggeri of Matthew Clark and Jeremy Beadles, WSTA.  Jancis Robinson MW will chair the event.

The forum will hear the latest market research from TFC Wines & Spirits and PLB, pointing to growing consumer demand for a wider range of lower alcohol wines.  It comes as European regulators have taken steps to remove some of the barriers preventing sales of wines made using new generation winemaking technologies.

The forum will consider the opportunities for lower alcohol wine, particularly in the light of ongoing sensible drinking campaigns and also reflect on some of the challenges still faced, including technical legislation and marketing rules.

Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive of the WSTA, said: "Given the prevailing public agenda around healthy living it's timely for the trade to be sharing information and expertise on lower alcohol wines.  Some of the biggest names in the business are taking part and I hope this event will stimulate lively debate."


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:  gavin@wsta.co.uk