Diverse Flavours, best known for its South African wines is eager to continue the expansion of Groot Constantia Wines into duty free and travel retail once the Coronavirus (Covid-19) eases.

Having spent five years developing the brand in duty free, the company echoes the thoughts of Jean Naudé, CEO Groot Constantia, who urges wine industry stakeholders to have ‘patience and faith’.

In a powerful message of hope seen by TRBusiness, Naudé said: “As a witness to the testimony of how wine estates can adapt and survive —indeed thrive — after periods of crisis, my message to those in the wine industry is to have patience and faith that we will overcome this current crisis and open our doors again to the public, resume wine sales and retake our position in the world market as a leading wine producer.”

South Africa’s oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia closed to the public 10 days before the national lockdown in order to protect visitors and staff.  The Estate, however, completed its 2020 harvest, using strict measures to keep staff distanced and protected.

‘WE WILL SURVIVE AND ENSURE’

Naudé added: “As the custodians of a business that is one of the oldest brands in the world that has endured so much in its centuries of trade, we at Groot Constantia want to say that South Africa will overcome this latest crisis. We will survive and endure — together.

“We are greatly looking forward to opening Groot Constantia’s doors again to the public and to welcoming visitors who can immerse themselves in the history of our beautiful Estate. They can enjoy our award-winning wines and a delicious meal at one of the two restaurants. We also look forward to continuing to present the rich heritage of the South African wine industry to the world.”

Anthony Budd, Diverse Flavours, Managing Director told TRBusiness: “I think Jean Naudé’s comments are so well put, succinct, and provide the whole of the wine industry, not only those in South Africa, with optimism, the drive to persevere and be resilient and above all with hope.

“Groot Constantia Wines represent one of the world’s most historic and iconic wine brands. We have just started our journey in duty free and I expect this brand to become a staple brand portfolio in duty free shops around the world.

“Our latest listing is very exciting – we will be launching quite a few brands from the portfolio at Changi Airport with Lotte Duty Free in June.”