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2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Anita Jackson, Wines of Chile

Published:  31 December, 2015

Anita Jackson, UK director of Wines of Chile, looks back at a successful 2015, with volume and value figures up over the previous year.  She was particularly pleased with the success of the innovative Mercado Andino tasting in 2015. But over the Christmas period she looking forward to putting her feet up and enjoy a little down time before 2016, where she sees the biggest challenge ahead is getting consumers to trade up in their wine purchases. 

Anita Jackson, UK director of Wines of Chile, looks back at a successful 2015, with volume and value figures up over the previous year.  She was particularly pleased with the success of the innovative Mercado Andino tasting in 2015. But over the Christmas period she looking forward to putting her feet up and enjoy a little down time before 2016, where she sees the biggest challenge ahead is getting consumers to trade up in their wine purchases. 

How was 2015 for you and your business? 

It's been a good year for Chilean wines, volume and value have remained in the positive throughout the year. We have had an exceptionally busy year with so many events, all quite different from the normal stuffy tastings.

What do you think were the most significant things that happened or issues and trends that occurred in 2015?

For Wines of Chile UK we broke the mould on our Annual Trade Tasting with Mercado Andino and our bespoke consumer event - Mercado Chileno, both were held in Old Spitalfields Market-a buzzy vibrant venue and not a stuffy neutral hall, and put Chile in a different light.

For the trade in general - consolidation of businesses, an increase in the small business models and an increase in UK wine bottlig.

What opportunities are you most looking forward to working on in 2016? 

To continue the innovative work the Wines of Chile team started in 2015 and to maximise on the new exciting styles coming from Chile.

What are the biggest challenges facing the trade in 2016? 

In a world where wine consumption is in decline, we need to trade the consumer up even if by £1 on their purchases, not trade them down by enticing them with lower prices and inferior quality wines.

Who are the people, companies or retailers to watch in 2016? 

Wines of Chile have been working closer with sommeliers in 2015 and will continue to do so in 2016, so it will be interesting to see if our efforts are rewarded.

It will also be interesting to see how Majestic evolves a year on from their merger with Naked Wines.  

What are you doing for Christmas and New Year? 

All very traditional, I'll be spending Christmas and New Year with all of my family, eating far too much, enjoying good wines and playing silly games.

What will be your favourite tipple over Christmas and New Year? 

A Pisco Sour as well as some top Chilean wines

Favourite Christmas film? 

It's got to be Bad Santa

Ideal day out over Christmas period? 

Boxing Day- for a good walk to burn off the excess of Christmas Day 

What do you want most from Father Christmas? 

Time to put my feet up and read a good book

New Year's resolution? 

To use my gym membership

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