WSTA to host low alcohol wine forum
Published:  18 August, 2009

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is to host a low alcohol wine forum bringing retailers and producers together to consider the potential for the category.

Speakers will include Dan Jago of Tesco, Andrea Ruggeri of Matthew Clark and Jeremy Beadles, WSTA. Jancis Robinson MW will chair the event.

The forum will hear the latest market research from TFC Wines & Spirits and PLB, pointing to growing consumer demand for a wider range of lower alcohol wines.  It comes as European regulators have taken steps to remove some of the barriers preventing sales of wines made using new generation winemaking technologies.

The forum will consider the opportunities for lower alcohol wine, particularly in the light of ongoing sensible drinking campaigns and also reflect on some of the challenges still faced, including technical legislation and marketing rules.

Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the WSTA, said: "Given the prevailing public agenda around healthy living it's timely for the trade to be sharing information and expertise on lower alcohol wines.  Some of the biggest names in the business are taking part and I hope this event will stimulate lively debate."

Creating a new category in wine, London, October 1st, 2009.