The rate at which wine events (amongst many others) are being cancelled or postponed is unprecedented, and something none of us are familiar with. The unknown of how long this will continue is a question in everyone’s mind, but the most important thing we can do is remain optimistic.
“We will have to wait and see what the full impact of the world’s reaction on the Corona Virus will be for the wine business. I sense an over re-action in many respects on decisions taken in the short term, as it is not a deadly virus in real medical terms.
The cancellations of wine events or the postponement of some will have a ripple effect for this year, as everybody will scramble to fit these events into the second half of the year that is already a busy time. Therefore, there might be savings on marketing expenses, if one decides not to go overseas any more, but we will have to invent clever ideas of how to recoup lost sales due to the closure of tasting rooms, restaurants, pubs etc.
There might be more focus next year on how these events can be fully utilised to grow business, as we cope without them this year. But I know that there are enough smart wine people in South Africa who will be champions next year!.”