With “yes” numbers on a roll and the vote for Scottish independence only 10 days away, what does a likely Independent Scotland mean for SA wine and spirits? Something for Rico Basson and the boys to consider at their Vinpro “strategy lunches” under the spreading oaks of Harvest Restaurant on Laborie. Well initial omens are not good with the pound down 10% in Asian trade today. The UK remains largest export destination for SA wine, so a weaker pound will likely translate to smaller sales, and SA exports are already plummeting.
On the plus side, it has to be good news for brandy as whisky sales will likely face a backlash from Rump UK consumers. Remember that 85% of UK residents do not live in Scotland and the Scots export 40 bottles every second. Watching Michelen two star chef Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles argue for independence on Sky News this morning will likely see many a retired colonel book a round of golf at Leopard Creek in protest. The food may not be as good but the cry of the African fish eagle will compensate, especially when enjoyed alongside a glass of Flight of the Fish Eagle. Cummerbunds optional. An independent Scotland will likely be bad news for Scottish tourism from Rump UK and SA is waiting to lap up any overflow. After all, Cape Town accents are far easier on the ear than Glasgwegian.
An independent Scotland has to be good news for Andy Watts and his various South African whiskies Three Ships and Bains, as like most things in the world of drink, whisky is largely an English invention (along with Port, Claret etc.) No longer a domestic product, whisky prices will surely rise in Rump UK. Will Diageo refocus their marketing millions onto Irish Whisky. After all, it is the original.
Unleashing the genie Xenophobia from the bottle of Scotch has to be good news for terroiristes as consumers start to care about where their product comes from. Of course there are many other negative factors which will ensue from such an unbottling and alas, SA wine and spirits are largely rudderless at the minute with invisible leaders and no direction. SA producers will likely be left to their own devices as has been the case so far in the new and very confusing millennium.
