201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
As the world moves into the second phase of its COVID-19 response – gradually easing restrictions and learning to live indefinitely with social distancing guidelines – we can see the first phase has left behind a significant level of inventory that would in normal times have supplied the on-trade. Spain, which implemented one of the world’s strictest lockdowns, has now permitted the reopening of outside terraces of restaurants and bars, albeit at a third of capacity and not in Madrid or Barcelona – a tentative early sign, perhaps, that on-trade demand may at least recover somewhat in the coming months even in those countries hardest-hit.
Many suppliers of on-trade wines have been working to redirect their supply into the off-trade channels and online, mainly to the supermarkets which have remained open throughout the lockdowns and which, in most countries, have been permitted to continue selling alcohol. This redirection is not always possible for suppliers, as they may lack relationships with retailers, may not be able to scale-up supply to meet retailer distribution, and often must accept a price ceiling that is, of course, lower than it is in the HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) trade. We at Ciatti can offer guidance, and we have been fielding large numbers of enquiries.
With the inventory build-up, and their 2020 harvests on the horizon, the wine industries in Europe are lobbying the EU and their respective national governments to roll out crisis distillation plans. You can read more about what this would entail on this month’s France, Spain and Italy pages. There is no denying that buyers – those with off-trade and private label brands to fulfil – currently have the advantage over growers and suppliers, with solid carryover inventories in most supplier countries around the world. The weakness of emerging market currencies such as the Argentinian peso, Chilean peso and South African Rand is also a boon to those international buyers transacting in dollars or euros. For buyers, opportunities abound, but most are covering only their short-term needs as market visibility looking ahead is minimal. Afterall, who could have foreseen the predicament the world is in just 10 weeks ago?
In better news for suppliers, an uptick in off-trade wine sales triggered by the announcement of lockdowns in March has been sustained in at least some markets: consumers in the US, the UK and Australia, for example, appear to have increased their at-home wine consumption, buying from the supermarket or online wine retailers/clubs. Buyer demand from China, which has been steadily reopening over the past two months, appears to be gradually rising again. Furthermore, other than in the Western Cape, the main Southern Hemisphere harvests came in below their long-term averages: perhaps 15-20% down in Chile and 20% down in both Australia and Argentina.
Last month, even in the thick of lockdown, we could say wine around the world was getting loaded, bottled, shipped, and bought by consumers. And so it follows that, a month on, with countries tentatively opening back up, that statement is now even more true. The marketplace is carrying on and Ciatti is here to help you navigate its twists and turns, drawing on decades of expertise, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. In the meantime, stay safe.
Greg joined Ciatti in 1994 and became a partner in 1997. Greg has used his degree in International Relations to build Ciatti into the world recognized leader in the alcohol beverage business. Greg is currently the President and CEO of the company and drives the international group.
Steve Dorfman joined Ciatti in 2007 after working with the Brown-Forman Corporation, Fetzer Vineyards, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and Bolla Wine brands for 24 years. His primary responsibilities are wine and grape sales within California, and the supply demands of markets throughout Europe, South Africa and Australia.
Ciatti has a long history of seeking to provide clients with a well rounded team of brokers whose experience in the industry cover the breadth of the business. John joined the company in 2003 after working as a Winemaker for several of California's major producers for 20 years. John's emphasis is maintaining relationships with California wineries ranging from the largest to the smallest. John has focused on all aspects of growth within the business, from long-term custom crush contracts to spot bulk wine and grape sales. His speciatly is the sourcing and selling of premium varietal lots from the coastal and interior regions of California.
Chris Welch joined Ciatti in 1994, and began brokering bulk wine and grapes in 2003 and became a partner in company in 2007. The premium and super premium segment of the California wine industry are the breeding grounds of innovation and where Chris truly excels. His consistent approach helps small and medium size wineries and negotiants achieve the innovation and growth they seek. Chris also works very closely with the Oregon Wine Industry.
Glenn Proctor joined Ciatti in 2003 and became a partner in 2007. Glenn advises wineries on supply positioning and works closely with growers and wineries in marketing their grapes and wine. He specializes in spot and contract bulk wine and grapes sales from all regions of California. He has over 23 years of experience in wine supply strategy, wine-grape quality improvement, brand strategy, and business development. Glenn was previously the Vice President of Winegrowing for Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines, and before that was a Director at Benziger/Glen Ellen Winery during its rapid growth in the early 1990's.
Johnny Leonardo joined Ciatti in 2004 as a broker and knows that surviving in a dynamic wine industry requires one to be a Jack-of-all-Trades. He has experience in all aspects of winery and vineyard operation, from the field to the street. Johnny has developed and managed vineyards, and worked in wine sales and marketing.
Andy joined Ciatti as a broker in 1996. His areas of expertise and responsibility include grape and fruit concentrates, beverage and industrial alcohol, fruit alcohol and brandy, and food specialty products. Andy's knowledge of these products has allowed him to branch out and work throughout various parts of the world including Mexico, South America and Europe. Andy remains a wealth of knowledge and offers a creative approach to all endeavors.
Todd Azevedo joined Ciatti in 2004 after completing his Agricultural Finance degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Although Todd brokers wine, grapes, and wine products throughout the state of California, Todd's focus is on the California Central Coast.
Joined Ciatti in 2011.
Molly Richardson
Customer Account Representation - Grower Accounts
Joined Ciatti in 2016
Email: Molly@ciatti.com
Joined Ciatti in 2000.
Customer Account Representative - Sample Room
Joined Ciatti in 2013.
Email: michael@ciatti.com
Title | Name | Phone | Extension | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Partner/Broker | John Ciatti | john@ciatti.com | 4152640762 | |
Partner/Broker | Steve Dorfman | steve@ciatti.com | 7073213843 | |
Partner/Broker | Greg Livengood | greg@ciatti.com | 4154975032 | |
Partner/Broker | Glenn Proctor | glenn@ciatti.com | 7073370609 | |
Partner/Broker | Chris Welch | chris@ciatti.com | 4152988316 | |
Partner/Broker | John White | johnw@ciatti.com | 4152500685 | |
Broker | Todd Azevedo | todd@ciatti.com | 4152656943 | |
Broker | Johnny Leonardo | johnny@ciatti.com | 4157174438 | |
Broker | Dennis Schrapp | dennis@ciatticanada.com | 9059338855 |
Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
CIATTI Global Wine & Grape Brokers | 201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato | CA | United States of America | 94949 |