At this year’s International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS), our Director of Global Sourcing, Duncan Marks, joined a panel of industry leaders to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the wine trade today: how to integrate sustainability into sourcing, packaging, and operations while still meeting cost expectations.
When asked how we are navigating climate disruptions, availability issues, and packaging needs — especially when cost is a top concern — Duncan outlined three key focus areas:
Climate
NexTerra takes a dual-hemisphere sourcing approach to maximize opportunity and supply. We invest in exploring partnerships in cooler-climate wine regions and in regions without severe drought, an approach we refer to as “appellation-based research.” In market, we bottle concept-driven products with unique blends that are not always held to the parameters of appellation, vintage, or varietal. Read about our Chile and Argentina trips.
Availability
Supplier trust and communication are paramount. This includes regular visits by us to suppliers and suppliers visiting our facility to build a stronger understanding of projects and better collaboration and buy-in. We plan 12 to 18 months in advance of in-market dates at all times. Where possible, we reward sustainable and organic viticulture with contracts and purchase orders, and we are willing to invest in both short- and long-term vineyard partnerships.
Packaging
More than 95% of our volume is imported in bulk. We also utilize kegging programs and are exploring alternative packaging such as bag-in-box (BiB).
From vineyard to final packaging, NexTerra’s approach integrates sustainability at every stage of the supply chain while remaining cost-effective and market responsive. Contact us to learn more about all that NexTerra Wine Co has to offer.