The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has welcomed a
positive and productive meeting with Government Minister
yesterday.
The largest representative body of the alcoholic beverage
industry secured the meeting with Defra’s Under Secretary of
State to discuss the cocktail of post-Brexit obstacles, mainly
moving goods to the EU and unnecessary, inherited red tape that
is – or threatens to - hamper trading.
At the meeting, the Minister made a clear commitment to work
“more closely” with the WSTA to find solutions and opportunities
to overcome the fallout from Brexit and Covid.
During the meeting, which covered a broad range of issues, the
Minister also committed to championing the wine and spirit
industry across Government as the sector looks to rebuild and
recover.
The meeting offered the opportunity to outline the value,
diversity and potential of the industry, as well as discussing
the WSTA’s priorities, including wine import certification
(VI-1s), spirits import licences, labelling, packaging, trade,
excise duty and more.
As part of recognising the value of the UK as the world’s wine
and spirit hub, the Minister acknowledged the industry’s
significant concerns regarding any introduction of new wine
import certificates; and reiterated that the Government will
continue to consider whether there is any value in retaining wine
specific certifications at all.
The Minister also welcomed the WSTA’s invitation to see the
industry in action, making clear her Department’s desire to work
closely with the WSTA and its members on the issues that matter.
Defra Food Minister Victoria Prentis said:
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with the WSTA as
we continue our extensive engagement with the UK wine and spirit
industry.
“The Government is committed to continued support for the sector
so businesses can take advantage of all the opportunities that
lie ahead.
“I look forward to working closely with the WSTA and its members
to help drive forward the Government’s ambitious agenda to
champion great British products. We are committed to ensuring
that the UK maintains its key role as a global trading hub for
wine and spirits.”
Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade
Association, added:
“This was a really positive first meeting with the Minister and
her team. She understood fully the key issues affecting the
sector today. I was particularly pleased that she wants to work
more closely with the WSTA to find solutions that can resolve the
issues we have raised and which can reinforce the UK’s position
as a global hub for the wine and spirit trade.”
