2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: John McLaren, Wines Institute of California
As we all ease our way into 2016 and we have a few of our final thoughts as the year begins from John McLaren, UK director of Wines Institute of California. Californian wines have done incredibly well in 2051, but McLaren sees consumers which buy from supermarkets as a challenge ahead in 2016.
As we all ease our way into 2016 and we have a few of our final thoughts as the year begins from John McLaren, UK director of Wines Institute of California. Californian wines have done incredibly well in 2051, but McLaren sees consumers which buy from supermarkets as a challenge ahead in 2016.
How was 2015 for you and your business?
Very promising indeed. It's always nice to get objective corroboration and it was an independent research company which told me that our listings in restaurants had doubled in the last year. That, and all the work we have done with the independent sector is starting to pay off. It all added up to a good 2015.
What do you think were the most significant things that happened or issues and trends that occurred in 2015?
We should all watch and learn from the innovation in craft beers and the spirits sector, and how English wine has begun to market itself. For us, it's the whole New California and In Pursuit of Balance Movement which has captured the imagination and put us back in the spotlight. Plus the unstoppable rise of the steak houses has helped.
What opportunities are you most looking forward to working on in 2016?
Further development amongst restaurants and independent retailers.
What are the biggest challenges facing the trade in 2016?
Most consumers still buy from a supermarket and what they are offered is a disgrace and getting worse.
Who are the people, companies and retailers to watch in 2016?
The In Pursuit of Balance group of winemakers over here on 22nd February. Amongst importers keep your eyes on Robersons and Flint. Also watch the bloggers with influence and imagination (i.e. about 1.0% of them).
What are you doing for Christmas and New Year?
At home with family and a few waifs and strays, including my elder son with possibly yet another new girlfriend; this one's a backing singer, so at least I'll have someone to sing carols with.
What will be your favourite tipple over Christmas and New Year?
I drink a lot of Pinot Noir, although everyone around me seems to be on Sauvignon Blanc or dry Rosé - so I guess the Coravin will be busy - and plenty of fizz, US or UK.
Favourite Christmas film?
Planes, Trains and Automobiles. I know this is about Thanksgiving, but the sentiment's the same.
Ideal day out over Christmas period?
Watching my son Finn's football team, or elder son Toby's band, The Heavy.
What do you want most from Father Christmas?
World peace and a selection of French cheeses.
New Year's resolution?
To invent a whole new way of marketing wine so that consumers see sense about their supermarkets, or supermarkets see sense about their consumers.
Keywords:
- News
- Americas Wine News
- Questions & Answer
- People & Opinion
- Independent Merchants
- HWS - Erin Smith
- California
Search
56-58 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9AN
Registered in England No. 6646125. VAT No. 938 4452 95
