International Wine Clubs Association

Promoting Direct Wine Sales

Press Release
01 April 2008

Jump Start for the IWCA

The International Wine Clubs Association (IWCA) announces the appointment of Sophie Jump as Chief Executive following her election at the IWCA General Assembly in Mendoza this March. She replaces Dr Barry Sutton, Executive Secretary of the IWCA since 1997, who is retiring.

The IWCA brings together specialists in direct wine sales, ranging from independent clubs and merchants to international traders. Members share industry best practice and expertise through regular Workshops and a bi-annual Congress.

‘Barry has brought heart and soul to the IWCA and has made a significant contribution to the current size and success of the Association’, stated IWCA Chairman, Jakob Schuler at the recent General Assembly where members paid warm tribute to Dr Sutton.

Sophie Jump has a wealth of experience in the wine industry and aims to build the role of the association in line with anticipated growth in sales of direct wine.

Jump is Director of Jump Start, which specialises in commercial and marketing strategies in the UK wine market and also of Taste-in, a wine events management company. She will continue to run these businesses in conjunction with the IWCA.

Sophie Jump said: “I am very excited about the opportunities for development and expansion for this Association and believe strongly in the future growth of the international market for direct wine sales. It’s a privilege to be able to build on Barry’s work. He’s done a huge amount for the industry and we wish him well in his retirement.”

Notes to Editors

1. The IWCA is a professional association of wine clubs and direct selling wine merchants. The association was founded in 1991 and now has 40 members in 17 countries over five continents. IWCA members have a combined turnover of more than €1.4 billion and sell over 15 million cases of quality wine to over five million regular customers via mail order and online.

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