our industry and our planet. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it is also good for business. Consumers are demanding sustainable brands and products. Customers are seeking stronger partnerships with companies that can meet that need, and it is something all our people are passionate about. Making every drop count Our ‘Making Every Drop Count ’global sustainability strategy covers every aspect of our business, and provides us with a single global vision for the future. We achieved carbon neutrality in our Europe operations two years ago. Half the power provided to our bottling and innovation facility at The Park in Bristol – the largest in Europe – is powered by our own wind turbine. We aim to move further in all areas of our business, not least in packaging. We are launching fully circular, recycled glass products, and we are actively developing paper-based bottles. We are pioneering a revival of the ‘wine on tap’, otherwise known as ‘bag- in-box’ format. This was hugely popular in the 1970s – and fundamentally a good idea – but like many things, innovation halted, and it went out of fashion. It’s great from a sustainability point of view – there’s less packaging and the wine stays fresh much longer. Couple that with the impact of Covid-19 and home consumption – which has led to some great products and innovation – and the format is enjoying a great revival. Of course, the past couple of years have been tough for everybody, with the impact of the pandemic on our people, our markets and our supply chain. First and foremost, we focused on our keeping our people safe and supported. We made the decision early on not to furlough staff or lay anyone off, deciding to hold our nerve. That meant we were able to do everything we could to support our customers who faced unprecedented upheaval. We, of course, see positive improvements in many parts of the world as the Covid threat recedes, supply chains normalise and markets reopen. But 2022 brings with it unprecedented levels of uncertainty with the tragic events unfolding in Europe. However, even in these difficult times, we continue to focus on the things we can control, working with our customers do everything we can to support them. And together, we constantly strive for that future we all want to be part of.
believe will make our wine the best-tasting option in the category. We are also moving into the premium category with a winning offer. This helps our customers when they face issues such as the UK Government’s proposed excise duty reforms, which would put £81 million in extra duty annually on Australian wine sold in the UK. (The burden falls on wines that are typically stronger due to growing conditions.) This is unfortunate, because UK consumers (and wine growers ‘Down Under’) were looking forward to lower prices, more choice and growth because of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the UK, and Australia and New Zealand Governments. We seek to work with governments to establish systems that are simple and fair, and allow people to enjoy a glass of their favourite wine in moderation but do not unduly punish the consumer or hamper investment. Disruptive collaborations in fashion, tech, sport, and music are a mainstay, fuelling interest and loyalty, particularly among young adults. Not so much in the wine industry. So, you’ll see us shattering some more norms with disruptive collaborations with sport and cultural icons coming down the pipe. Equally, provocative modern design isn’t something the wine sector is used to – our Grant Burge Inks have real swagger and are grabbing the attention of millennials and recruiting new consumers into the category. The potential is limitless – but pointless if you don’t zero in on the consumer you’re seeking to win into the category, and have the right partners and motivated teams to get you there. People growth We want people who know how to do their jobs, who want to stretch and learn, and are ready for the next challenge. We avoid management layers and constantly seek to grow professionally and personally. We seek to create a future everybody wants to be part of. And you do that by listening to what makes a difference. The feedback from our people has helped us to shape mental wellbeing programmes, introduce loyalty leave – an extra day off for every year at Accolade – and establish our ‘Go Beyond Day’ – an extra day off to volunteer with a charity of your choice. Our people also want us to drive harder with sustainability, which is the only way we can create that future we all want to be part of. It is our responsibility to protect the future of our people,
ROBERT FOYE CEO of Accolade Wines, has nearly 30 years’ experience, leading beverage businesses across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas. Prior to joining Accolade Wines, Robert was Chief Operating Officer at Treasury Wine Estates, and a senior executive at the Coca-Cola Company. He holds a BA in Political Science and MBA from Rice University in Houston, Texas.
| 23
Ambition | BE IN BRILLIANT COMPANY
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online