Just in time for US Thanksgiving, this week's episode takes a deep look at one of the world’s most fascinating and fast-changing industries: wine. From rare Burgundy wines to large volumes of commodity wine that are shipped in containers and blended at scale, we explore how wine is made and how the global wine market is evolving.
What is wine? How is wine produced from vineyard to bottle? How has the structure of the global wine market changed as a result of internationalisation, shifting consumer trends and the growing impact of climate change? We also explore one of the most notable developments in recent years, which is the rise of English wine and why it is gaining so much attention.
Speaking to our host Paul Chapman on this episode is Nick Brewer, former COO of Noble Group and ECTP and now the founder and owner of Oastbrook Winery, where you can stock up for Christmas: https://oastbrook.com/online-shop.
Read below for our key talent impacts from this episode.
Key Talent Impacts
Is cross-sector talent becoming essential?
Nick Brewer’s shift from global commodities leadership to winemaking highlights a growing need for talent that can operate across sectors. Commodities businesses increasingly require professionals who combine operational experience with knowledge of supply chains, agriculture, sustainability and data. Cross-disciplinary capability is becoming a core competitive advantage.
Is climate risk expertise now critical for commodities talent?
Climate change is reshaping production, supply reliability and asset viability. As the transcript shows, climate impacts are already forcing producers to adjust crops, manage volatility and rethink long-term strategy. Commodities companies need talent with skills in climate risk, adaptation planning and resilient supply-chain design.
Are market shifts changing the commercial skillsets companies need?
Changing demographics and weakening demand among younger consumers show how markets can rebalance quickly. Commodities companies need commercial talent able to anticipate shifts in consumption, reposition products, manage premiumisation and build value in markets where traditional demand drivers are changing.
Is strong supply-chain and risk-management talent more important than ever?
The wine industry’s complex mix of growers, processors, bulk shipping and shifting trade flows mirrors challenges across commodities. With limited hedging tools and significant price volatility, organisations need professionals with expertise in supply-chain optimisation, bilateral contracting and counterparty risk.
Does globalisation increase demand for internationally fluent commodities talent?
With nearly half of wine now traded internationally, globalisation continues to reshape commodity flows. Geopolitics, trade bans and the rise of new consumer markets demand professionals who can navigate cross-border regulation, build global partnerships and manage exposure to geopolitical shocks.
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HC Commodities Podcast Briefing
Edited highlights and themes from the podcast episode.
Why is wine an important commodity to examine today?
Wine has become a globally traded agricultural commodity with complex supply chains, shifting production zones and changing consumer behaviour. The transcript highlights how the industry mirrors wider trends in commodities, including global trade flows, premiumisation, climate risk and demographic change.
How has international trade transformed the wine market?
Since the 1980s, international trade in wine has grown from around 15 percent to almost half of global consumption. Countries such as Australia, Chile and the United States have become significant exporters, while major importers include the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. This globalisation increases demand for talent skilled in trade strategy, logistics and cross-border regulatory navigation.
What impact is climate change having on production?
Climate change is altering growing conditions, increasing sugar levels, raising alcohol content and shifting viable vineyard regions further north. Traditional producers in France and California face extreme weather, drought and wildfire risk, while new regions such as southern England are becoming more favourable. This requires commodities professionals with climate risk expertise and resilience planning capability.
How is consumer behaviour evolving?
Younger generations are drinking less alcohol, shifting demand away from high-volume wines and towards lighter styles and premium quality. Boomers and Gen X remain strong consumers, but changing preferences are creating pressure on mid-market producers. This trend reinforces the need for commercial talent who can identify new demand patterns, reposition brands and respond to demographic shifts.
What opportunities are emerging in the English wine sector?
Improved climate conditions, rising quality and strong international recognition have created rapid growth in English sparkling and still wines. Producers like Oastbrook are demonstrating that the United Kingdom can compete with traditional wine regions. This creates opportunities for talent in production, export development and agricultural innovation.