Interview: Wine market will continue to grow here

Mark Davidson is the managing director and chief winemaker at Tamburlaine -- Australia's largest producer of organic wines which includes the brand named after him i.e. Mark Davidson. Tamburlaine has been exporting its wines to countries like China, Japan, Singapore and Nepal, among others.

Davidson was recently in Nepal for a business trip, which, he says, is a continuation of ideal relationship that his winery has with the Nepali market. Republica's Sagar Ghimire caught up with him to talk about his company, the wine market of Nepal and drinking culture, among other issues. Excerpts:

What is the purpose of your Nepal visit?

It's a continuation of ideal relationship that we have with the Nepali market. We are improving and expanding distribution of the product and continuing relationship with existing customers and get new customers. So the reason to come to Nepal is to keep the relationship in the market strong. We have been distributing red, white, sweet, dry and sparkling wines here. We have introduced a range of brands in Nepali market which include Ultra Premium, Reserves, Wine Lovers and Mark Davidson, among others.

What business prospects have you seen in Nepal where drinking culture is still in its nascent stage?

The wine market will continue to grow here as young people are more educated and their access to Internet is also growing. As foreigners continue to visit Nepal, they will bring their culture with them. They will have requirement for the wines available in the country when they will be spending their money here. Nepal has huge prospects in tourism sector which will also create demand for wines. On the other hand, you have young generation which is going overseas for higher education. When they meet people of different culture, they will experience wine culture. If they come to Nepal, they will want to continue consumption of wines. This is how I see the Nepali market will adopt the wine culture.

How has the Nepali market responding to your products?

When we introduced our products here in Nepali through our retailer, wine was yet to be a part of culture here. Therefore, it was also a good opportunity for us to establish ourselves as a very good brand. Now, we are a very recognized brand here. So, we are very fortunate to come to this market.

Lately, you have focused on organic production. Why did you decide to go organic?

We decided to go organic as too much poison and toxic chemicals are being introduced into the environment as well as our body. I am absolutely convinced now that the modern organic production is not only commercially successful but is also sustainable for agriculture and supplying of foods and wines to human beings.

How is the Nepali market in terms of sales?

We have the capacity to produce 1.2 million liters annually. Over eighty percent of our wines is sold in Australia. I think our sales in Nepal accounts for around 20 percent of our total exports.