Financial Mail: Young Achiever 2009/2010

The second annual FM Wine Business Awards revealed astonishing depth in the wider South African wine industry. The award celebrates exceptional performance in terms of best business practice, innovation and leadership.

The Young Achiever award went to Elmari Swart for her work in Cheviot Publishing! The judges found that not only are the wine related books published by Cheviot based on in-depth research, but also provides unique insights into the subject matter. The judges noted the tangible impact on consumers’ understanding of terroir. In addition, the branching into custom-publishing and multi-media clinched the award for Cheviot. Described by the judges as “the perfect candidate for the award, Elmari is indeed the rising star with ambition, drive and demonstrable achievements under her belt that this category embodies”.

Awards convenors John Woodward (Frogitt & Vonkel Private Wine Merchants & founder Jo’burg Wine Show) and Delarey Brugman (entrepreneur, wine industry investor & owner Alluvia Wine Estate) were unanimous about achieving their goal. “The rationale behind the awards was to shift the industry’s focus to the contributions of the role players throughout the value chain” mentions Woodward. Supported by South Africa's leading business publication, the Financial Mail, participants and award-winners will enjoy the recognition of a Financial Mail Special Report supplement on the Awards.

Paris Food and Wine Book Fair

The city of Paris recently played host to inaugural Paris Food and Wine Book Fair 2010, from 12 – 15 February 2010 at new cultural exhibition centre of Le Cent Quarte.

Considered a culinary headquarters, Paris proved the perfect venue to bring together the best in the food and wine publishing industry.

More than 100 exhibitors showed their various titles, with about 55% of French origin and 45% foreign exhibitors. Most of the large French culinary publishers were present (Marabout, Hachette Pratique, Le Chêne, Larousse, First, Flammarion, Alain Ducasse Publishing to mention a few) alongside several big international publishers, distributors and printers. It was four very busy days with more than 3100 trade visitors and hundreds of interested members of the public attending the event.

Fortunately it was not all work! The long hours of serious business negotiations on distribution and international rights were balanced by loads of entertainment. Celebrity chefs presented more than 50 cooking demonstrations in a French and an International kitchen, giving visitors an interactive cooking experience with a “taste of their culture”.

The wine and spirit tasting centre was tremendously popular, hosting more than 40 tastings over the 4 days. Products from a range of diverse countries were presented: France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, USA, Canada and China. Ninety per cent of the tastings promoted a corresponding book, with the author and/or publisher discussing the title; while the balance of tastings focussed on regional products.

Cheviot Publishing is very excited about the new business connections made at the fair. It was truly a very elegant and joyful event, and indeed great for business. We look forward to reporting on our new sales partners!

SOUTH AFRICA WINS IN PARIS!

SOUTH AFRICA WINS IN PARIS!

On Thursday 11th February 2010, the theatre of Le Cent Quarte, Paris was transformed to a glittering celebration in honour of Food and Wine books. The international publishing industry, authors, photographers and members of the media from around the world joined the Cointreau family in Paris to pay tribute of this year’s guests of honour: The finalists of the 2009 Gourmand competition.

Publisher Elmari Swart joined the winning ranks again this year with Cheviot Publishing’s latest title, The Essential Guide to South African Wines (by E Swart & I Smit). The title was voted as one of the two WORLD's BEST BOOKS in the category “Wine Atlas or Tourism Guide in the World”. Said Swart: “It is a huge honour to be counted amongst the best wine books in the world! I am delighted to fly the flag for South Africa at the Gourmand World Gala.” Elmari also presented a wine tasting to the visitors of the Paris Book Fair to highlight key components of South African terroir.

The gala was a highlight on the culinary calendar with visitors travelling from far and wide to attend. While the European countries along with the Americas dominated the entry numbers (60%+), the East as well as Africa saw a significant increase in finalist numbers. The winning titles and a wide selection of culinary and wine books will be exhibited this year at the Cape Town Book Fair (30 July – 3 August 2010), in a special exhibition of food and wine books from South Africa, and other countries of the African Continent.

Cheviot Publishing would like to thank the organisers for a magnificent Gala event and congratulate all the other winners!!!