WOSA WORLD

WOSA Grand Tasting

14 May 2014

Sao Paulo, Brazil, 29 April 2014

As Brazil prepares for the much anticipated Soccer World Cup to be held in June this year, Wines of South Africa organised the second Grand Tasting in Sao Paulo. The event was preceded by a well-attended seminar that presented the rich history and developments in the wine industry since the advent of democracy, and the celebration of 20 years of our democracy. The seminar was attended by 40 influential media and trade professionals, who expressed interest in collaborating with WOSA in promoting South African wine in the Brazilian market.

Over 400 Brazilian consumers were treated to various different styles of South African wine, presented by 16 producers who were attending the show. Producers were kept busy throughout the four hours of tasting by guests who showed sophisticated wine palates and an interest in new products. Red wines were popular and are a favourite in Brazil.

Brazil is a 430-million litre wine market with a population of 196-million people and has lots of potential, with consumers who are interested in discovering new wines. Wine Intelligence classifies Brazil as a high-growth emerging wine market and notes that there is a growing interest in wine among young consumers.

WOSA strategically worked with Standard Bank, South African Airways and South African Tourism as partners in this event, and together presented a collective approach to promoting brand South Africa and driving the winelands’ tourism message home to the guests.

Producers were positive and felt confident that our efforts will result in an increase of South African wine exports to the Brazilian market.

The next Grand Tasting will take place in 2015, and we anticipate a bigger attendance and more activities around the event.

 – Matome Mbatha, Market Manager: Americas & Africa