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Paul Stratford's leaders for 2010

Published:  30 December, 2009

Paul Stratford, managing director, Stratford's Wine Agencies continues our series looking at who key trade figures see as the industry leaders and biggest influencers in their career

Paul Stratford, managing director, Stratford's Wine Agencies continues our series looking at who key trade figures see as the industry leaders and biggest influencers in their career

Who do you see as being the leading figures in the UK drinks industry and why?

All supermarket buyers, as they dictate what is on the shelf, what the press will write about and in turn what the consumers will purchase.

Who have been your biggest influencers?
Stephen Walker - an Englishman living in McLaren Vale, who persuaded me to visit Australia in the early 80s. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the Australian wine industry influenced my passion and interest in the New World wine producing countries.

Who do you see as being the stars of the future and why?
Leaders such as Jean Claude Mas from the Languedoc-Roussillon who bring enthusiasm, passion and innovation to the wine industry.

What is the biggest leadership challenge facing the drinks industry in 2010?
Continuing to offer wines that represent genuine value and not succumbing to commercial pressures to down value the products we sell.

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