How Coronavirus Is Changing South African Wine Exports
The novel coronavirus, Covid-19, has ravaged the planet, with millions becoming infected and thousands dying. The global pandemic hasn't just had an effect on human health; it has also brought the economy to a stand still. Every major industry including hospitality, tourism and the wine industry has been impacted by Covid-19. In the coming months it may become harder to find international wines in the US if more countries move to ban the export of wine. Wine imports are also not immune to the economic crisis currently in progress. Wine importers may also face the challenge of delays getting wine through US customs which may leave wine lovers temporarily unable to find their favorite wines.
South Africa has implemented the strictest regulations around exports and South African wines may be difficult to find in the coming months. The South African government has vacillated between wine exports being an essential business or a non-essential business by banning it, then reversing course to only ban it again all within a four-week period. According to the Wines of South Africa organization that represents vinters who export wine, almost 10 million liters of packaged wine was exported to the US in 2018. The wine industry overall contributes $2.6 billion to the country’s GDP and the ban has affected the livelihood of close to 300,000. Through much lobbying, the South African government lifted the ban once again and on April 29th the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries stated wine exports would be allowed beginning May 1st.
Luckily, despite the ban on South African wine exports, wine importer Heritage Link Brands is doing just fine during the outbreak.“We weren’t impacted [by the ban] because we have a sufficient supply of wine stateside” says Selena Cuffe, Co-Founder of Heritage Link Brands, a wine importer that sources wine from black vintners in South Africa. For now they are able to continue providing quality South African wines for distribution in the United States with little disruption.
Selena Cuffe, Co-founder of Heritage Link Brands
When asked about current business, Heritage Link Brands said that people still drink wine in bad times as well as good. People are stockpiling all essential items and wine is no different. Although on premise wine sales are down, Nielsen reports online and off premise wine sales were up 29% from the period of March 1st to April 18th. Although large gatherings are banned in most cities, virtual happy hours and virtual wine tasting have taken over Instagram Live and Zoom. This trend echoes the marketing of Heritage Link Brands. “Our marketing has shifted towards greater family bonding and virtual sharing instead of live get togethers” says Cuffe. The wine industry is adapting to the challenging times and creating new ways for consumers to enjoy and learn about wine.
The future of the wine industry during the Covid-19 pandemic has yet to unfold with bans and restrictions changing daily. If you want to help support the wine industry at this time, buying products from wine exporters such as Heritage Link Brands is a great way to do so. The novel coronavirus has rapidly changed our economy, but it doesn't have to change our passion for good wine.
Wine Spencer is a contemporary wine education and consulting brand specializing in curated wine tasting experiences, in-home wine tastings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and other special events. We aim to make wine tasting accessible and fun for everyone. From the novice wine enthusiast to the seasoned wine connoisseur, we invite you to Decant The Experience.
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