What is WOSA?

Wines of South Africa (WOSA) is a fully inclusive body, representing all South African producers of wine who export their products. WOSA, which was established in its current form in 1999, has over 500 exporters on its database, comprising all the major South African wine exporters. It is constituted as a not-for-profit company (sec21) and is totally independent of any producer or wholesaling company. It is also independent of any government department, although it is recognised by government as an Export Council.

What does WOSA do?

WOSA’s mandate is to promote the export of all South African wines in key international markets. Traditional markets include the United Kingdom, Germany Sweden and the Netherlands. More recently, WOSA has also been developing markets for South African wines in the United States, Canada, Russia, and Asia. WOSA is funded by a levy per litre is raised on all bottled natural and sparkling wines exported.

Who runs the board of WOSA?

The Chairman of WOSA is Johann Krige, owner of internationally acclaimed winery Kanonkop, who has been on the WOSA board for many years. WOSA’s CEO is Su Birch, who was appointed in May 2000. Her background was in fmcg advertising and marketing, and she also has experience in the international marketing of South African fruit.

WOSA’s responsibilty:

WOSA’s mandate is to promote the value growth for the South African wine industry abroad. WOSA exhibits regularly at major wine shows including ProWein in Germany, the London Wine Trade Fair and Vinordic in Stockholm. WOSA also works closely with the tourism authorities to advance Cape wine tourism. In addition, WOSA holds regular marketing seminars for members, bringing international wine buyers and marketers to the country to communicate changing international market needs, demands and opportunities.
In addition, WOSA brings wine and lifestyle journalists to the Cape on an ongoing basis. The visiting groups are exposed to the physical beauty and cultural heritage of the region’s winelands.

Cape Wine

WOSA also holds the biennial Cape Wine trade exhibition. The third show, held in April 2004, attracted over 300 local exhibitors and more than 1 000 international delegates. The fourth event, Cape Wine 2006 held in April, saw over 350 wineries exhibit more than 4 000 wines and attracted some 1 480 local and international trade and media visitors. The fifth biennial Cape Wine trade show, which took place in the month of September for the first time, was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in 2008. It featured over 300 exhibitors, drew some 1 300 visitors, and successfully showcased the industry’s acclaimed wines and conservation efforts, as well as the country’s growing maturity as a democracy. The next Cape Wine will take place in September 2012.

Contact WOSA

Laurel Keenan
Market Manager WOSA Canada
Email: keenan@propellerpr.com
www.wosa.co.za/canada

Disclaimer

Wines of South Africa (WOSA) cannot accept liability for any consequences or loss arising from the use of this website or the information contained therein. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission from WOSA. Lifting rights for non-commercial, non-profit purposes will be considered on request. Those wishing to quote from this website for commercial and/or advertising purposes should make prior arrangements with WOSA, which reserves the right to request a donation to a suitable non-profit organisation.