WSTA gives evidence to Lords
A delegation from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has given evidence to the House of Lords Committee inquiry into the reform of the EU Wine Sector.
The committee is examining the state of the market, the impact of current structural measures and wine making practices in order to assess the need for reform.
Representing the WSTA were John Corbet-Milward, WSTA head of Technical and International Affairs, Patrick McGrath MW, managing director of Hatch Mansfield and chairman of the WSTA Wine Importers' Panel, and Philip Goodband, master of wine at Constellation Europe.
The group gave evidence on the role of marketing in the European Wine Sector and the impact of production methods on the current regime.
They told peers that, although the best traditions of European wine making were worth preserving, a radical overhaul of the system was required.
John Corbet-Milward said: "We were very pleased to have had this opportunity to discuss our views. The European regime is hampered by over-production, subsidies and complex rules on classification and labelling.
"We are keen to see the European Wine Regime reformed to ensure that supply is driven by market demand and that regulations encourage competitiveness and sustainability."
