Amy Roberts: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

By Harpers Editorial team

Published: 12 August, 2026

The MD of Sustainable Wine Solutions and co-founder of Thirsty Birds continues our Summer Q&A series.

How has business been for you in the first half of 2026 and how do things compare to where you were last year?

We had quite a challenging first quarter, it’s not a secret that hospitality has had a tough ride recently. We lost a couple of our long-standing independent bars and restaurants through closures. However, the second quarter has been tremendous, we bounced back and are now trading 5% up on last year which was 22% up on the previous year. So, all in all, a strong first half of the year for us at SWS – we’ve continued to buck the trend.

What are you most proud of achieving this year in terms of driving the business forward?

In the last 12 months we have saved over 27.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the on-trade through our Wine on Tap systems. That makes a real difference and there’s so much more to go at. However, none of this would have been possible without our great team. This year we seem to have really hit our stride and gelled really well. For a small group we have pulled off some pretty big feats. So, in short, I’m proudest of our team.

What have been the biggest challenges so far this year and how have you sought to circumvent those?

Hospitality has been crippled over the last few years. By offering a zero-waste solution that makes sense both economically and environmentally we are able to provide a solution that means businesses can continue to serve their customers with great quality wines at a great price point – a bit of relief from the current climate.

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, what do you have in the pipeline?

More of the same. We are targeting a blended client base from small independents to large events spaces. I think it’s key that we broaden our horizons in the present economic climate and diversify some of the risk that bit us in the first quarter.

What significant or emerging trends are you seeing in the drinks world that are likely to have an impact on the future nature of trade?

Accessibility. People are drinking less and choosing to drink better quality that benefits the future. Wine shouldn’t be an exclusive members club. It should be something that everyone can access and enjoy.

From government, consumers, or the trade itself, what change(s) would you most like to see to help your business and others to thrive?

I would like to see some more investment in initiatives that are making a real difference to the industry. EPR is here and it’s hurting businesses and consumers alike, although arguably not as much as the CO2 emissions from glass are hurting the planet. I would like there to be a real focus (and cash) put into developing bottle-washing hubs and a well-planned bottle return scheme that people can get behind without adding to their already stretched workload. We can not ignore that one of, if not the biggest impact on our industry, is climate change. We need to act now and in a way that is supportive and not obstructive.

What fills you with joy and optimism about the drinks world?

I love that there is a real desire to diversify the industry at the moment. To put great wine in front of a new demographic. It’s great that people are shouting about bargains from small producers as well as grand crus. Wine is for everyone and I feel that people are talking about how important that message is.

Any other predictions for the second half of the year?

It will hopefully be a fantastic harvest for UK wines this year. I am very excited about it.

Quick fire questions…

Burgundy or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux

Germany or Greece?

Greece

Pet nat or prosecco?

Pet nat

A bottle or by the glass?

Bottle

Whisky, rum, gin or tequila/mezcal (for sipping)?

Can I have cognac? [Yes, Ed.] If not I’ll go with a very cold Mezcal

Go to cocktail?

Gibson

Sharing plates or structured meal?

I like to share a structured meal

Perfect wine and music pairing?

Nebbiolo – a Barbaresco, probably by La Spinetta, accompanied by 69 Love songs by the Magnetic Fields, all three hours of it. That’s a great evening in right there

Desert island treat?

Easy, Kooyong Faultline Chardonnay

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