WOSA WORLD

South African wines' debut generic event in Brussels

28 June 2013

On Thursday the 13th of June 2013, WOSA hosted the first trade tasting of South African wines in Belgium at the beautiful venue of the Colonial Palace outside Brussels.

The event was attended by over a hundred wine professionals who had the opportunity to taste over 400 South African wines from 40 wine companies who exhibited at the white table cloth event. Also held on the day was a Chenin Blanc Masterclass, presented by Chenin Blanc Association member Louis Roos from Mooiplaas. The reactions to the masterclass were very positive, especially the discovery of the ageing potential of some of South Africa’s top Chenin Blancs.  After the tasting and networking event, guests were treated to a genuine South African “braai” and spirits were high, despite the rain!

Belgium is a significant market for imported wine and exhibits a stable economy and high standard of living. Per capita consumption of wine is high at just over 28 litres per capita. Wine continues to be the fastest growing alcoholic drink in the Belgian market and the economic downturn seems to have had little effect on sales of still light grape wine and sparkling wine.  The market is heavily dominated by French and European wines and currently South Africa represents around 3% of the wine market share in Belgium. South Africa's packaged wine exports to Belgium showed a 4% increase for the first 5 months of 2013 and by creating more awareness amongst professionals and consumers we are working hard at increasing our position in the market.

WOSA Benelux recently purchased a research report on the wine market in Belgium which is available to WOSA members on the WOSA online library.

Sara Chanell

Country Manager: Netherlands & Belgium

June 2013