WineGB extends partnership with NFU Mutual by a further three years
11th April 2023
WineGB, the industry body representing wine growers and producers in Britain, has signed a further three-year partnership with rural insurer NFU Mutual.
Stock photo for illustration purposes only.
The partnership renewal comes as winegrowing and production in the UK are at an all-time high, with sales of British wine up by nearly 70% from 2019 to 2021, according to WineGB’s annual report. It also reflects the rural insurer’s commitment to supporting vineyard owners, grape-growers and winemakers throughout Britain.
NFU Mutual provides bespoke insurance and risk management solutions that meet the needs of those operating within the viticulture sector through every stage of the production process, from grape-growing and winemaking, to retail and wine tourism.
Commenting on the extension, David Harrison, viticulture specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with WineGB for a further three years. It’s a very exciting time for the British wine industry as it grows from strength to strength and becomes a leading light in the international viticulture market.”
With the British climate being ideally suited to growing grapes, it’s no surprise that UK winemakers are internationally recognised as producers of top-quality wine, regularly winning prestigious international awards.
What’s more, there are now over 500 vineyards in England and Wales alone, with 200 open to the public for tours and retail operations.
Mr Harrison added: : “NFU Mutual is passionate about supporting the future of wine-making, as well as delivering insurance and risk management solutions that meet the needs of those operating within the industry.”
Meanwhile, Simon Thorpe MW, CEO of WineGB said: “We very much welcome and value NFU Mutual’s continued support of our industry and commitment to this significantly growing agricultural sector, and look forward to building on the positive relationship established through this strong and ongoing partnership.”
To coincide with the partnership, NFU Mutual launched the Enhancing Vineyard Sustainability Award for Plumpton College MSc (Viticulture and Oenology) students earlier this month.
The winner is set to receive a £5,000 bursary towards travel and research costs to support the completion of their final research project on a sustainability issue facing UK vineyards. The objective of the award is to back and promote the next generation of ‘movers and shakers’ coming through Plumpton College.
To find your local specialist viticulture agent, email: winegb@nfumutual.co.uk.
