Private Label Project # 2

With FMS creating its Private Label Division in 2014, it has finally come into its own during 2015.

The successful launch of Skipper’s (2^nd brand of New Beginnings) in 2014 led us to develop a private label for a client in Côte d’Ivoire (OloPam Nest). Focusing on Private Label Projects since January, it brought in three orders in quick succession from clients in Kenya (ADUA), Denmark (The Full Fifteen Africans) and Bolivia. This is for both still and sparkling wines with quantities ranging from one pallet to a 20’ container. With another three in progress to China and the USA (Africa Promise & Freedom Wines), FMS is becoming quite expert in sourcing wines for specific target markets – all within budget and deadline.

La principale raison du succès is that FMS provides a full turn-key service to you as client - choosing wine from barrel, tank or unlabelled bottles, negotiating with several wineries, providing you a quality wine at best price, and labelling these on schedule. Some clients prefer to handle their own design, while we can advise you on international design contests or using our appointed designer. All labels are printed locally using a trusted associate.

FMS verifies that cellars we propose consistently produce wine of excellent quality, rated independently. The wines can be part of the cellar’s regular range, or we can create a specific blend, style, or varietal to fit your brief. Dependant on volume, you can choose the bottle type, closure and capsule colour. Production lead time is 2 to 6 weeks. Price depends on quality, volume, varietal/s, vintage and region. We will quote you FOB Cape Town, plus handling the full logistical export process to include the CIF destination port of your choice.

La Rue Mouffetard, Paris 1954

At first we need a clear direction to establish: what styles would suit your target market, quantities (840 to 13,200 bottles), launch date, price and quality levels. This wish list is modified into a final brief once we’ve done internal market research on your chosen market. Next, we will access a wine industry B2B website to ensure that we discover and taste all the best options according to these criteria. Chosen samples will be provided free FOB Cape Town, with courier costs for your account.

Brands that we developed for Bolivia are targeted to compete directly against market leaders in their respective categories, namely sparkling wine and apple cider. The product image must compete at a specific price level, using a designated marketing strategy for your target market. We can recommend several options for US clients that require an importer to take care of regulations such as product and label compliance, importation, warehousing and distribution to various states, charging task-based fees. It includes managing the COLA and TTB process to achieve federal regulatory compliance.

FMS can request a graphic design specialist to quote on label, logo and brand name design according to your brief. Apart from essential design elements, the creation of the label is considered in terms of its market position while contextualising your brand’s story. It is a project fee-based task. Regardless of who you use as designer, FMS provides guidance with label approval on technical aspects such as mandatory items, health warnings, importer details and barcodes. FMS has connections with several trademark attorneys and can advise you on these, including foreign translation services.

Label printing is cleared when we receive the SAWIS approval certificate. Labels are printed digital, flexo or litho, depending on quality and quantity. If required, magnetic label dies has a 48-hour lead time. Label printing costs depends on size, quantity, paper and is quoted in full sets. Paper stock is dictated by the brand’s image and wine type. Lead time for design and printing ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. Branded cartons are an important marketing tool. Printing of these can be done at a nominal cost and depends on volume, design and colour. There is a once-off cost for the design stereo.

Once production or labelling is set up we can ask the relevant WOSA country market manager for advice on a launch strategy, potential clients, and creating additional media awareness. FMS could also publish an article in the Wine Marketing Services blog, add it to the FMS website and create ads for the brand on two B2B portals where FMS is registered, providing your contact details.

Due to the correct brief being critical for the wine search and label design, we will guide you on both. We don’t compromise on quality at any step along this exciting journey. With FMS providing you with a cost-effective, turn-key private label solution, you can capitalise on these synergies and expertise in place to launch your own brand, directing your own future.

wine civilization

Photo credits: Thinkstock, Robert DOISNEAU, FMS & Coralie FLANDRE

Live a little # 2

"Love, like faith, is irrational", someone once said. Both require tremendous trust. Sharing values, and perhaps loving similar music, is the glue that somehow makes a relationship work. Build on these bricks to put that sparkle in you and your loved ones’ eyes.

 

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein

“La vie en rose.” Edith Piaf

Choose the latter. By seeing everything through rose-tinted glasses your life will be transformed into a daily thanksgiving; living in gratitude whatever the circumstances at that point might be.

“Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. Live it!” Mabale Moloi from “Destiny” September 2009

Use what you’ve got. Your dreams start to become real when you believe them.

“Life’s a journey and it’s up to you to do your best to enjoy the ride.” Bridgette Modise from “Destiny” September 2009

The first five minutes in the morning and your first appointment is critical to set the tone for your whole day.  Use your opportunities, each and every one that comes along! Expect not to stick rigidly to the plan because the deviations will make your life so much richer. Just don’t get lost in the forest!

“Work is love made visible.” Kahlil Gibran

Do what you do with passion and it will show – in your results, your business relationships, your soul. It is amazing how your self-worth increases when you feel needed and when you have achieved a goal.

“Persistence + Love = Abundance” Anonymous

Love yourself first. You can’t give what you haven’t got. Pursue peace both around you and within you.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Ursula Strydom

Indeed! Those few who act on their dreams consistently rise to the top of society in whatever sphere their passion lies.

 

"Anyone who says only sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." Anonymous 

It is exactly in these moments when you have nothing left to lose. If then you let go of everything that mentally holds you back you will make a miraculous breakthrough; much to the surprise of everyone around you, including yourself.

“Forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile.” Audrey Hepburn

Do these things every single day and you will truly live a remarkable life. A caution though: it only works if you live fully in the present, forget the past and don’t have any concerns for the future.

So, stick to the moment and embrace every interaction as a once-off unique opportunity to shine your light. You’ll be thrilled to bits with the results, and so will those around you – with you!

Photo credits: Anton Blignault

Live a little # 1

“Hope springs eternal” is an idiom from Alexander Pope’s poem, “Essay on Man” which is a basic truism of life. Wake up each morning with a smile on your face; stepping out with a spring in your step and facing the world filled with hope and love.

“Dance. Love. Sing. Live.” Audrey Hepburn

Be an entertainer at heart. Not just for the sake of those around you, but equally to lift up your own spirits. In short, enjoy life, you only live once.

“Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale.” Hans Christian Anderson

See life through the eyes of a child. Don’t ever completely lose that innocence, that naivety, that sense of wonder and belief in the impossible that a child has.

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.” Antonio Smith

Aunt Sienie told me that very same thing quite often. It is those small acts of kindness that builds the bond between two people and fosters an ingrained value system that will steer you automatically through any crisis.

“Happiness is not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you have.” Anonymous

“Having the best things is no substitute for having the best life.” Oprah Winfrey

What you’re really looking for is inside you. Take a few deep breaths, turning your attention inside yourself. You don’t need to be “fixed” - that is looking from the outside. Notice simple, concrete things: the beautiful sunset, the rise and fall of your stomach as you breathe. In short, be grateful.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Oprah Winfrey

You get what you focus on. Do yourself the favour and focus only on the positive.

“We are what we repeatedly do.” Aristotle

This is a basic human principle which is highly underrated. It is those small everyday acts that builds up in layers and grows into a way of life. Just make sure that you choose the high road. 

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu

Have the courage to take that first step, write that first line, make that call, saying those words that are burning inside you… It will not only change your life, but also all of those people that you touch on your journey.

“Our attitude towards life determine life’s attitude towards us.” Earl Nightingale

 “Stop grumbling. When you complain you remain. Praise and be raised.” Joyce Myers

Little changes have big results. You’re going to develop what you focus on.

Now go out and get them! And have yourself a marvelous, delightful, blessed day.

South Africa’s wine heritage

With ProWein 2015 opening in Düsseldorf on the Ides of March I have been reflecting on South Africa’s wine heritage.

Siobhan Thompson, WOSA CEO, said recently ‘South Africa's wine reputation is at an all-time high, with taste makers who have recently visited our shores like Jancis Robinson MW, Tim Atkin MW, Andrew Jefford and Neal Martin praising our creativity, originality and quality. When Neal Martin wrote at the end of last year in his report on the country: "South Africa is the most dynamic and exciting New World country at the moment," he was expressing a view shared by more and more influential critics.”’

With the Dutch arriving at the Cape on 6 April 1652 the South African wine industry started on 2 February 1659 when Jan van Riebeeck, first Governor of the Cape, wrote in his journal “Today, praise be to God, wine was pressed for the first time from Cape Grapes.” Evidently the vines must have come from somewhere else. In 1654 the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sent Van Riebeeck vine cuttings from Rheingau, Germany. These vines didn’t propagate since the damp sail cloth damaged their root system. During 1655 more cuttings arrived from Bohemia, the Canary Islands, France, Germany and Spain. Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains from France were successful; including Muscat d’Alexandrie, known locally as Hanepoot.

The famous dessert wine, Grand Constance served to the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte at St Helena Island and other royalty such as King Louis Philippe of France and Frederick the Great of Prussia, was crafted from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains at Groot Constantia. This 750 ha estate (a grant 15 times larger than the VOC’s provision) was secured by Simon van der Stel, the Cape’s second Governor in 1685. It was later subdivided into three units. This year heralds 330 years of uninterrupted winemaking on the estate. Since my arrival in the Cape I’ve spent many memorable hours on the estate marketing the wines to our client in Belgium, amongst others. On one such occasion Anne-Sophie and I were driving back to town when she tells me, “I’m surprised that you asked Boela so many questions. You don’t know it? The winemaking process seems quite essential to me.” That remark put me on the road towards my studies at the Cape Wine Academy.

Here is a more recent encounter of the South African wine history. Our family is really passionate about wine. With me being in the wine trade I pride myself in keeping everyone up to date. And of course whenever I fly up to Johannesburg to visit, it is taken for granted that I take along a case of wines. And wanting to impress them I carefully choose a case of mostly red wines with vintages dating back 7 to 10 years.

But on this occasion Pierre discovered several old vintage wines when packing their household goods. He decided to serve these at a lamb spit braai the day before he and his family flew home. Two prized possessions were a Chateau Libertas Superior 1980 1.5L magnum and a Simonsvlei Pinotage Superior 1985 1.5L magnum. And not just for being so old. These were given to him by my dad when he received his BSc and Honours degrees.

Chateau Libertas was launched in 1932 and is the creation of Dr William Charles Winshaw, the founder of Stellenbosch Farmers Wineries. It is a Cabernet-based blend, wood-matured and designed for immediate enjoyment but with sufficient maturation potential for many years to come.  

Pierre enjoys sharing and as his custom he invited 20 plus family members to join him to commemorate these occasions plus my dad’s passing away in 2010. I was not there as I flew back to Cape Town the week before.  Pierre told me afterwards that although some wine leaked out, the Chateau Libertas 1980 tasted absolutely superb, like velvet with black fruits on the nose and palate. The Simonsvlei Pinotage 1985 was smooth with plums on the nose and berries on the palate.

To track back one generation, Pinotage was created at Stellenbosch University in 1925 by Prof. Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticuture. Perold was attempting to combine the best qualities of the robust Hermitage with Pinot Noir, planting four seeds from the cross in the garden of his official residence.  In 1927 he left the university, forgetting about the seedlings. When a team came in to tidy up, Charlie Niehaus a lecturer who knew about the seedlings, happened to pass by and rescued the young plants. Prof. CJ Theron at Elsenburg Agricultural College, Prof. Perold’s successor, grafted them in 1935 onto Richter 99 and Richter 57 rootstock. The best one was selected for propagation and christened Pinotage. During 1941 the first Pinotage wine was made at Elsenburg. Planting Pinotage since 1953, Bellevue Estate won the champion trophy at the 1959 Cape Wine Show; while Lanzerac Wine Estate was the first to commercialise Pinotage in 1961 with a 1959 Pinotage.

South Africa has 356 years experience of producing excellent wines and this is ample proof that our red wines can age 30 to 35 years with grace. Let us make you a part of this success story.

References: Cape Wine Academy, Groot Constantia Estate, Distell Ltd, Platter’s 2015 South African Wine Guide, Simonsvlei International, WikipediA, WOSA (Wines of South Africa).

Photo credits: Anne-Sophie DUBUS, Annelie Blignaut

It’s never too late for a New Beginning # 2

It’s never too late to start again. In fact, each new day is the perfect new beginning (Psalm 118: 24). You can turn things around. Take that first step! This is part two.

“If I can see it, then I can do it. If I just believe it, there's nothing to it… If I can see it, then I can be it. If I just believe it, there's nothing to it.” ‘I believe I can fly’ by R. Kelly

Have a dream. Define the goal and outcome. Use all your senses – see, hear, feel, smell, taste. Contextualise it – where, when, with whom, how often, what circumstances. Be decisive. Make a decision, else you’ll lose the opportunity. Act on it. Now!

“Miracles come in CANS!”

Have a can-do attitude. Live with the belief that you can handle whatever comes your way.

“Always act as if it was impossible to fail, and God will see you through.” Elena Zelayeta in ‘The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking’ by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Have the inner conviction that what you start you will finish, albeit with some help from above.

“In all you do, explore all avenues and test limitations.” Isobel April in “Destiny” December 2008

Attack each difficulty with confidence and an optimistic attitude. Focus on what’s right, not what’s wrong. State what you want to achieve positively.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23: 7 KJV

“Human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” William James

Conditions are created by thoughts. Start thinking differently. Give yourself a makeover – from the inside!  Challenge your set ideas and do a spring-cleaning of the mind. Be prepared to learn from anyone – young and old.

“Today is gonna be the day… Because maybe you’re gonna be the one that saves me…” ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis

Once you forget about yourself and focus on doing something for someone else, real magic starts to happen. And best of all, you will rise with the tide and will be doubly blessed. Believe that something good is going to happen to you today.

“ You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

Age is entirely dependant on your mindset, not your actual age. In short, as long as you’re planning eagerly for the future with scant regard for the past, then you’re in the right league. Dream on, then do!

“To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream. Not only plan but also believe.” Anonymous

You need to believe in yourself to succeed and have a burning desire to turn that vision into reality.

Each time when you and your loved ones enjoy a special time together, see it as a celebration of love and life – a new beginning to be enjoyed in the present; with no dark clouds of the past or the future clouding your happiness. Chin!

It’s never too late for a New Beginning # 1

 Take that second chance! Be the comeback kid. You can begin again. You can rebuild your life! Here is part one.

 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 KJV

“Turn! Turn! Turn!” by Pete Seeger

Know when it is your time to step up and shine. Then take that bow and go on to do great things!

“The winds of grace blow all the time – all we need to do is set our sails.” Ramakrishna

It is only when I am still and completely relaxed that I get my brightest inspirations. Then I can embrace the winds with my focus on the task at hand so intense that everything else around me loses traction.

“Take risks… If you win, you will be happy. If you loose, you will be wise.” Debby Witter

Be bold. Claim the victory before you start. Take responsibility. When you’re wrong, say you’re sorry - immediately.

“Play without fear of failure. When no one gives you a chance you may as well give it your best shot. Just relax the shackles and play with freedom. Just express yourself.” Herschelle Gibbs (175 runs from 111 balls) in world record 438 runs ODI (One Day International) win by South African Proteas against Australia on 12 March 2006

Enough said!

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” Thoreau

The secret of achievement is to hold a picture of a successful outcome in mind. Start only once you have envisioned the victorious end result. Then forget about the difficulties in-between.

“It’s an attitude. A decision you make. A confidence.” Anonymous

Believe that you will always make the right decision. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but acting in the midst of fear. Just pace yourself and tackle each obstacle as it comes. 

“Never, never, never, never give up!” Sir Winston Churchill, 1941

Keep on keeping on. Don’t give up. Ever. Don’t quit. Ever. Doubt your doubt. Take it one step at a time. Devise an action plan with dates and steps. Find out what resources you need in terms of skills, people, time, and money.

And how do you celebrate your new beginning? I’m biased of course, but believe there’s nothing better than sharing a glass of Champagne with your loved ones. Or else a glass of New Beginnings wine will do rather well. But do this realizing that each get-together is a unique once-off experience. Cherish it each time!

Rules to ride by # 2

Now let’s not stop at the first hurdle. Take a deep breath, be innovative, and rise up with the momentum of the horse; or your project… Here is part 2.

Use what you’ve got

“Make the most of what you have got.” Dr Murray Banks

Ask advice and search inside yourself for ideas, courage, and wisdom.  Talk to someone close to you whom you can trust, when you're not sure what next to do.

About to fly off to ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany I ask a few friends to urgently put me in touch with an instructor. Kathleen comes back to me, “Lana knows about horses and riding. I couldn’t answer her questions. Call her.”

Do the work

“Try harder.” Anonymous

Nothing worthwhile is easy or quick. Be prepared to put in lots of effort. Then get stuck into what needs to be done, scheduling your whole project and breaking it up into manageable compartments.

It’s two days before my flight, with the shoot one month after I return. I call Joe: “I’ve arranged classes for six days a week for a full month. Joey-Marie at Paarl Diamant assured me that I’ll be able to do the rising trot by then.”

It’s all about prepping

“Be bold. Be helpful. Be a pleasure. Trust & act on your instinct.” Anton Blignault

Get to where you need to be in good time, and be well prepared. View your meeting / project from your client’s point of view – what would they want to get out of it? Then structure your answers / actions accordingly.

At first I’m a visitor, arriving when my horse is saddled up. But very soon I get to understand that I need to be there in advance of my lesson so that I can saddle up and bridle my own horse. Apart from getting into the mood and relaxing me completely, this becomes such a bonding experience with my horse, and indirectly with my coach.

Get back up

“Failing is a temporary condition; giving up makes it permanent.” Pierre Blignaut

Nothing is plain sailing, expect difficulties and handle it. Try a different approach: focus on other USP’s of your product, - on your POS and promotional programme, change your pricing structure; but don’t give up at the first barrier.

We’re three students in the ring doing jumps. This is a first for me and I’m totally lost. I’m just obeying instructions and letting the horse go, she’s a natural... The girls are experts too, and in front of me. To my right I see a whir of legs up in the air and hear a thud behind me. Everyone stops and Joey-Marie runs to check up on her. She gets up slowly and dusts herself off. “Ok, let’s get you back up there,” Joey-Marie says as she holds the reins.

Et après

“Be consistent. Do what you say. Follow your heart.” Anton Blignault

The meeting’s not over when it’s over. The most important part is your briefing afterwards, concluding your agreement, thanking your client for their time, and ensuring them of looking after their business.

It’s not long before that after my ride I need to take off the saddle, the blanket, the bridle, and brush my horse. This is actually incredibly relaxing, for both me and the horse; she absolutely loves the attention and I get to chat with whomever is around, feeling like a seasoned rider.

Get attitude

“It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him.” John Steinbeck

No one will take notice of you if you’re a wimp, neither will you get anywhere. Be sassy. Show some grit.

Céline tells me before our outride, “I’m putting on this helmet; but I have no intention of falling off.”

Laugh at yourself

“Don’t take yourself too seriously.” Anonymous

Take your work seriously, but never forget that you’re fallible and that failure is a necessary part of succeeding.

Our group is at the dam after a long time in the saddle. Joey-Marie’s mom says, “Let’s first stop to give the horses a drink.” We all wade into the water. A co-rider shouts at me as my horse rears up and thrashes with its hoofs, “Watch out! He’s going to go down!” Acting on instinct, I stand on my toes in the stirrups. The horse disappears under the water and I jump off, straddling him. I’m totally soaked up to my knees. With much joking of everyone around me I lead my horse to the shore and remount.

Laugh it off

“It isn’t worth winning if you don’t have to fight for it.” from ‘Cutting Edge 2: Going for the Gold’

You can’t win every account, so expect some hiccups. Cut prices but bargain for extra distribution outlets, increased volume, more shelf space... Listen to your client to know what’s important for him / her and offer that.

Back at the car we have a cold fruit juice before getting in, but Céline doesn’t say a word… I take my soggy boots and socks off, driving back home bare feet. 

Enjoy each moment

“Stay in the moment.” from ‘Cutting Edge 2: Going for the Gold’

Focus on where you’re at and enjoy the process. This is only truly possible when you’re relaxed. It’s only from this vantage point that you’re able to see the whole picture, direct where you need to be going and change course midway when your client’s directive changes.

During all these hours in the saddle I forget about everything else and live in the moment, connecting with my horse and reveling in its rhythm. It’s like a mini-holiday every day. What bliss!

Start all over

“To win, you have to be willing to fail.” from ‘Cutting Edge 2: Going for the Gold’

Strive to win another day. You can’t win every time; else it wouldn’t be a challenge. Accept defeat graciously and move on. You’ve given it your best shot, learned some new tricks, and are groomed for the next project that’s going to turn all the lights on.

After working out very early in the mornings, six days a week for one month and being able to gallop comfortably, I press Joe for a 2^nd audition. Finally he comes back to me, “Sorry, I’ve been in Durban. We got a long-distance endurance rider to do the shoot. We’ll be using many different horses and we can’t guarantee how they’ll react.” So now I can gallop without holding on for dear life, and it feels great!

Lately I’ve been thinking… I can act. I can sing. I can dance. Do I first have to be jobless before I can give “The Full Monty” a go? Fortunately a glass or two of wine puts most things in perspective, especially around sunset. What? I’m here on my own! Where have all the girls gone to? Is anyone out there?