Wine Conference Focused on Getting ‘Back to Profitability’

Grape growers and winemakers are looking forward to networking with industry leaders at a major conference next month.

In its 17th year, the annual Romeo Bragato conference is New Zealand’s most important conference for the grape growing and wine sector, and is named after one of the pioneers of the New Zealand industry. This year’s conference is being held at the Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland and has a comprehensive three day programme from 25-27 August.

New Zealand Winegrowers science and innovations manager Philip Manson says that as the industry looks to the future, it must concentrate on producing quality wine balanced with commercial realities.

“There is no doubt that growers and wineries are facing tough times, but a continued focus on quality will provide the platform required for future growth,” Mr Manson says.

“Romeo Bragato provides an important opportunity for the industry to gather, share ideas and learn new skills and techniques.”

Stuart Smith, Chairman of New Zealand Winegrowers, will deliver the greatly anticipated opening address, sharing a full update on the current state of the wine industry. This important presentation is followed by Hon David Carter, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Biosecurity who will also share an update on the government’s activities supporting the ongoing economic growth of the sector and its associated research and development efforts.

Last year an Industry Leaders Forum was introduced and was one of the most popular sessions. Panellists just announced for this years’ event include Mike Brown, Chief Executive, Tohu Wines, Fabian Partigliani, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard New Zealand, John Clarke, President, Gisborne Winegrowers and Neil MacKenzie, CEO, Warburn, Marlborough Wine and Grape Ltd.

These industry leaders will be sharing their wealth of knowledge with the goal of helping steer the industry ‘back to profitability’.
This year sees the introduction of a ‘trade day’. This exhibition gives those in the industry an opportunity to see the latest products and network with exhibitors. The trade show will open on Wednesday the 24 August from 3pm to 6.30pm, the day before the conference starts.

Speakers in this year’s line-up include overseas experts who will cover a diverse range of issues including managing cash flow; research and sustainability.

The conference programme also features New Zealand’s only awards for the grape grower –the Romeo Bragato Wine Awards, the Markhams Young Viticulturalist of the Year and the Silver Secateurs Awards.

These esteemed industry accolades will be presented at the Bragato Awards dinner on Saturday 27 August.

ENDS

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