Shadow health minister leads talks at WSTA conference

Tory shadow health minister Mike Penning will lead the discussion on challenges the drinks industry faces at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) conference.

The event, to be held in London on 16 September, will discuss how the wine supply chain can be adapted, the opportunities the shift to off-trade consumption of spirits offers and innovation in the sector.

Speakers include Bacardi Brown-Forman chief executive Mark De Witte, Direct Wines chief executive Simon McMurtrie and Sainsbury's recently appointed Beers Wines and Spirits category manager Justin James.

The conference, hosted by WSTA chairman Tim How, will also hear the latest market analysis from research houses Nielsen, CGA and Wine Intelligence.

"This is an excellent opportunity to draw on the expertise of some of the biggest names in the trade after what has undoubtedly been a challenging year," said WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles.

"There is little doubt that the sector is changing shape and it will be instructive to hear how companies are adapting to changing consumer tastes and a changing marketplace."