Detailed and continued review of the grape and wine industry recognises a need for greater engagement and collaboration across the value chain to ensure increased vineyard and winery performance is achieved. The supply sector plays a major role in researching, developing and commercialising products and services to increase the capability of grape and wine producers at all levels.
The national body representing suppliers across the grape and wine value chain, Wine Industry Suppliers Australia Inc. (WISA), will be hosting their 9th Annual Supplier of the Year Awards in Adelaide on the 22nd October. The awards aim to recognise excellence in supply and manufacturing within the Australian Grape & Wine Industry. It will acknowledge companies that endeavour to provide world-class technical and practical support to grape growers and wine producers.
“It is important for our Association to recognise those companies that are striving to add value to their customers businesses through providing products and services that increase their performance, sustainability and capability. We encourage the industry to join us in celebrating those making a significant contribution to our industry.” Said WISA Executive Officer Matthew Moate
With Wine Australia focussing on increasing demand and the premium paid for all Australian Wine along with increasing competitiveness, WISA is keen to play its part and urge industry to get behind their members that are dedicated to supporting the industry. “We are confident that through initiatives such as the Supplier of the Year Awards we can increase the awareness of the important role the supply sector play in assisting to achieve sustainable high levels of grape and wine quality that contributes to our industry’s competiveness.” added Moate.
WISA has confirmed that representatives from Wine Australia, Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, Wine Grape Growers Australia, Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology and Australian Wine Research Institute will be attending; ensuring a high value industry networking opportunity. Wine Australia CEO Andreas Clark said “I look forward to joining WISA to celebrate the suppliers who help the Australian grape and wine community to produce exciting and authentic wines”.
The event also attracts a wide range of industry professionals from across the grape and wine value chain. Ben Gibson, Technical Director at Pernod Ricard Winemakers and Chairperson of the SA Wine Industry Association is looking forward to attending the event again this year. “I find the occasion an excellent opportunity to network with a wide range of suppliers and other contacts across the industry. It is insightful, showcasing products and services that are having a positive impact in our industry. The fundraising for the Leukaemia Foundation adds a fun component to the evening. I’d certainly encourage grape and wine producers to engage in this worthy event that has much to offer” he said.
Roger Dowling, GM Packaging and Supply Chain from Australian Vintage, will also be attending his 4th Supplier of the Year Awards this year. “I have found the awards to be a very informative way to hear what the Wine Industry suppliers are doing in response to innovation and new technologies. I would encourage the greater wine industry to support this prestigious event for our suppliers” he said.
WISA is committed to fostering collaboration and engagement across its members and industry. “The Supplier of the Year Awards is an opportunity to improve productivity and sustainability by assisting to maximise connections to aid the identification and promotion of new practices, techniques and business models.” concluded Moate
The awards are aided by a range of supporters including gold partners Accolade Wines, Chr Hansen, DW Fox Tucker Lawyers, Tarac Techonolgies and Australia’s Wine Business Magazine.
Bookings for the Supplier of the Year Awards are open until the 15 October 2015 and further information can be found at www.wisa.org.au.
