Apr 29, 2026
ESG in the Wine Value Chain: Defining ESG and What It Means to Producers
In this webinar, SWR ESG Director James Streeter is joined by experts Caroline Hermann MW (Hogan Lovells), Nicky Crawford (SLR Consulting), and Gerard Martin (South Africa Wine) to discuss what ESG is used for, where it applies within the wine industry, particularly for producers, and the opportunities it creates for supply chain collaboration.
Key Takeaways
A few takeaways from the discussion:
- While ESG and sustainability are often used interchangeably, ESG is more narrowly defined. It serves primarily as a framework for risk, regulation, and reporting used by investors and large companies, whereas sustainability encompasses a broader concept.
- Small producers are increasingly affected by ESG requirements, even if they are not directly regulated. As larger companies need Scope 3 supply-chain data, wineries and growers may still be asked to provide emissions and other ESG information.
- Industry collaboration is essential. As smaller producers face growing ESG data demands, aligning requirements and simplifying data collection- through shared frameworks, common approaches, and coordinated support- will be key to avoiding unnecessary reporting burdens.
- There is a clear business upside, not just compliance cost. Strong risk mitigation plans can enhance investor appeal, improve competitiveness, unlock financing opportunities such as sustainability-linked loans, reduce energy costs, and strengthen resilience and overall risk management.
Interested in getting involved or contributing your insights?
Contact Ilva Fridenberga at ilva@swroundtable.org.
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