NO-ONE could have predicted the catastrophic consequences that COVID-19 would have across the world with its impact having been felt across nearly all industries. South Africa’s wine sector acutely felt the impact with Wines of South Africa (Wosa) reporting that the sector is running at a R7.5 billion loss, with over 21 000 jobs lost so far because of the pandemic.
South Africa’s wine industry is a key economic driver of the country’s GDP. In fact, it’s growing contribution annually amounts to R36 billion, and employs about 300 000 people both directly and indirectly according to SAWIS (South African Wine Industry Information Systems).
For their own survival, and to spark economic recovery, wine producers had to rethink, reimagine and adapt new ways of doing business to circumvent challenges presented by the pandemic.
What’s more is, changing consumer behaviour has given rise to lasting trends. And some of these trends are
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
