How to deal with sensorial compromises as an industry professional who has lost its senses due to COVID?

Being able to fully experience a wine is a game-changing experience for wine professionals. Also, how to manage the pivot to long-distance or virtual tastings? With work travels in the doldrums for some time to come, producers need to unlock new ways to make discover their products and tailor the standards of professional tasting.

The pandemic is accelerating trends that were in motion prior to the crisis, as selling shifts to digital. Leaders in the wine industry anticipate to increasingly focus on ensuring that digital channels such as online sales add measurable value to the bottom line, given tight budgets and the need for productivity and efficiency.

The IWSR expects tough trading conditions to persist next year, in some geographies at least, but 2021 will bring continuing opportunities in both the value and wine & spirits segments, where the former benefits from consumers changing their behaviour in uncertain times, and the latter benefits from a strong recovery in markets like China.

The Covid crisis has urged consumers to question their consumption choices, making them more engaged with sustainability issues, companies must uphold the highest ethical business practices and overhaul business models that are exploitative of the planet. What are the keys unlocking the door to a more sustainable future for the wine & spirits industry?