Mercian Corporation has launched a consulting business for startup wineries as a new initiative to promote the Japanese wine industry.
Let us take a closer look at the details.
About the Consulting Business
Currently, the number of wineries in Japan continues to grow, having increased by approximately 1.5 times over the past five years.
On the other hand, the majority of wineries in Japan remain low-profit and small-scale, and with limited places in the country to systematically learn everything from grape cultivation to winemaking, many startup wineries reportedly face challenges in terms of viticultural and enological techniques as well as quality.
To help resolve various issues facing the Japanese wine industry, the company is leveraging its assets of experienced personnel spanning generations and 145 years of winemaking expertise.
Reportedly, it has launched a consulting business for startup wineries.
Consulting Services
Mercian Corporation's consulting services provide technical support regarding wine grape cultivation, winemaking, and production.
Furthermore, it is said to provide tailored support suited to the challenges of each winery, including a wide range of consulting on marketing and sales.
Consulting Case Studies
As an example, at MK Farm Kobushi (Michinoku Kubota Group) in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture...
• How to assess grapes
• Introduction to suitable custom crush (contract winemaking) partners
• Vinification and aging methods tailored to the grapes' potential at the custom crush partner
...and other services have already been implemented.
In addition, various consulting initiatives have already been conducted at the same city's ArtPaysan Winery, Sendai Akiu Winery Co., Ltd. in Miyagi Prefecture, and Minamisanriku Winery Co., Ltd.
There is no doubt that such examples will continue to increase in the future.
Be sure to keep an eye on future developments.
Reference
KIRIN