South African wine to hit Ghanaian market

The organizers of Wines of South Africa Grand event are to introduce variety of wine onto the Ghanaian market in the next few months.

Mr Matome Mbatha, the Marketing Manager, Wines of South Africa, said the company decided to introduce the products because Ghana has a prospective market for wine on the African continent.

Mr Mbatha was speaking during the maiden edition of Wines of South Africa Grand Tasting Event in Accra.

The Grand Tasting Event is an initiative of Wines of South Africa, a non – profit Organization, to promote the world acclaimed South African Wines to consumers around the World.

The maiden edition in partnership with Jon Williams Events Company, brought together over 20 wine producers from South Africa to Ghana, to interact with consumers, distributors and wholesalers, as well as hospitality and tourism practitioners.

Mr Mbatha said Ghana was also selected as the first destination in West Africa due to many factors, including its great hospitality and business environment.

He said the event was an opportunity that would enable local businesses to create jobs and help grow and develop the Ghanaian wine industry.

"It will also give consumers the opportunity to taste and experience the different wine types in the world," he added.

The Marketing Manager said the event would also enable wine producers to introduce their brands to their potential customers and distributors, and create the network to enhance co-operation between the two countries.

Mr Mbatha expressed the hope that the event would become an annual one to make Ghana one of the favorite wine destinations on the continent.

Mrs Gloria Yirenkyi, the Country Manager of South African Airways, told the Ghana News Agency that they decided to partner the event organizers because of the prospects for wines on the Ghanaian market.

She disclosed that the Airline would launch a new route from Accra non-stop to Washington DC and the United States, to carry more businesses into the country.

“As long as we remain in business we will continue to partner the event to introduce more wine producers to local consumers in the country, “she added.