Show Notes
Is English sparkling wine outperforming Champagne to become a fast-growing sector in British business? Dominic O'Connell speaks to Chapel Down CEO James Pennefather.
What was once viewed as a niche agricultural experiment is now a major success story across the UK economy. In this episode of The Business, James Pennefather, chief executive of Britain’s largest wine producer Chapel Down, joins Dominic O’Connell to discuss how domestic vineyards are expanding and reshaping luxury retail trends.
James reveals the corporate strategy behind scaling English sparkling wine to capture a significant part of the global champagne market by 2035. He discusses Kent's chalk soils, navigating export growth in the US, and why younger consumers are embracing local fizz.
Plus, he shares how Chapel Down uses its AIM listing as an innovative marketing tool to turn shareholders into loyal customers, and why English sparkling wine represents a major opportunity for UK entrepreneurship.
"English sparkling wine has the same quality credentials as champagne, but a slightly more approachable positioning," Pennefather says.
Guest: James Pennefather, Chief Executive of Chapel Down
Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent
Video producer: Bronwen Latham Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall
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This series is sponsored by PwC.