Jago: ‘Brexit is a monumental challenge’

The wine and spirits is facing one of its toughest eras with Brexit posing a “monumental challenge”, believes Dan Jago, chairman of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Dan Jago, chairman of the WSTA and CEO of Berry Bros & Rudd

Setting out his vision for the industry, having taken up the position of WSTA chairman in September, Jago said his priority was ensuring that the wine and spirits trade continues to flow during the entire Brexit process and into the new trading environment.

Earlier this year the WSTA warned that wine imported into the UK from EU countries could be expected to increase by as much as 29p a bottle due to the continued devaluation of the pound, amid the uncertainty posed by Brexit.

While Naked Wines has already said that it would be raising the price of half of its wines by 5% this month, also due to the falling value of the pound.

Last week the High Court ruled against the UK government, insisting that it would need the support of MPs in order to trigger article 50, which would set Brexit negotiations in motion.

Recognising the uncertainty surrounding the political, economic and social landscape post-Brexit, Jago called the UK’s potential departure from the European Union as a “monumental challenge” for the wine and spirits industry.

“My focus is to ensure that the WSTA meet these challenges head on and that we are extremely vigilant in looking after the members’ trade interests,” said Jago, who is also CEO of Berry Bros & Rudd.

“It is incredibly important that the WSTA is in the best position to help guide Government on how to protect the flow of trade, secure jobs and allow our sector to continue to grow.

“Brexit is a reality and we need to maximise every opportunity. I am confident that the WSTA team have the expertise and knowledge to steer the members through these uncharted waters.

“It is clear that in this time of uncertainty, standing side-by-side with industry partners to show Government, and the world, we are united in our aims is key. I will be focusing on helping the team grow membership of the WSTA and making the association the lead voice for the alcohol industry.”

Jago also said he would be strengthening the WSTA by working to grow its membership, with the aim of uniting the industry in oder to be more effective going forward.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, added: “Dan’s knowledge of the industry is encyclopaedic and just as importantly he has a great passion for the products which we represent. There are challenging and exciting times ahead and Dan has the drive to ensure we make the most of every opportunity.”