Innovation is Key Driver to Success

Media Release Monday, June 08, 2009

Unique Wine Awards Recognise Innovation is Key Driver to Success

It is a well reported fact that innovation is a key driver to success and New Zealand business has many examples of innovation across a number of industries, not least of which is the New Zealand wine industry. Leading the global wine community to accept the screwcap as a prominent wine closure is just one example.

The continued success of the New Zealand Wine industry relies on its ability to innovate and consistently produce quality wines. This is the foundation for the Innovation in Wine Awards, a key feature of WINE 2009.

Launched in 2008, the Innovation in Wine Awards celebrate innovation in winemaking and wine marketing, recognising the pivotal role that creativity plays in the future of the New Zealand wine industry. This sets it apart from traditional wine awards which focus more on the technical aspects of the wine. Chairman of Judges for the 2009 awards is Master of Wine Bob Campbell.

“I'm delighted to have been invited to chair this year’s Innovation in Wine Awards,” commented Bob. “Production and marketing innovation is the lifeblood of the New Zealand wine industry. When trading conditions are tough, as they are today, it’s easy to put innovation on the back-burner and yet it has never been more important to produce wines that stand out in a crowd and to develop marketing concepts that grab the attention of your customers. I'm proud to be part of an initiative that rewards creativity and promises to boost the sales and profits of New Zealand’s most innovative winemakers and marketers,” he added.

Other judges include Jason Bryant, Directr, Wine Vault, Erica Crawford, Director, Tentpole Holding and Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier.

The awards are open exclusively to New Zealand wineries exhibiting at WINE 2009. Deadline to submit an entry is Friday June 26th and full details are available at http://www.hospitalitynz.co.nz/awards.htm Award winners wiill be announced and trophies presented at WINE 2009 show opening on Sunday August 23rd.

Wine 2009 is a stand-alone trade exclusive event that forms part of HospitalityNZ. It is organised by dmg world media in partnership with The Restaurant Association of New Zealand.

The venue dates and times for Wine 2009 are as follows: Venue: Hall One, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland Trade Hours: Sunday 23 August 2009- 12:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m Monday 24 August 2009- 11:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m Tuesday 25 August 2009- 11:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m

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