Wine
A good nose always helps!
With over 25 years experience in the wine industry, Mark O’Sullivan, president of MJDA, has plenty to talk about. Jo Austin talks about his success in the United States
OBH: How have the harvests been over the last few years? MS: Harvests have been off in various parts of the world due to Mother Nature.
Does wine remain an important element of flying when budgets are being cut? Some carriers are cutting budgets, some are maintaining, and many others are actually increasing their wine budgets for better quality.
Which airlines do you supply? We supply all domestic US-based carriers and many international. In all we are working with 48 airlines.
Do US airlines buy mostly US wines? Yes, they do tend to serve US wines more than not, but also lots of wines from around the globe.
What grape varietals are airlines buying in the US? Chardonnay, Cabernet, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Some International carriers tend to seek out Viognier, Pinot Grigio, and red Zinfandel.
How has the consolidation of the airlines had an effect on your business? All merger situations are different in their own ways, but overall it has helped our business as we offer experienced knowledge from the two airlines that are now merged as one.
Are airlines moving towards PET bottles on board? More airlines are mandating their 187’s to be bottled in PET. Some are looking into PET in 750 size and 1 litre. Today’s technology brings longer shelf life to PET packaging and, of
Mark O’Sullivan doing what he does best course, the weight difference is substantial.
Is footprint an issue? Not to an extreme, but concerns are evident.
Can you tell us what new wines you are bringing into the market? Sorry, it’s a secret!
Established in 1983, MJDA (Michael
J.Devine & Associates) is a world renowned wine brokerage/ consulting firm specialising in providing fine wines to the airline and cruise industry. Current airline customers include United/Continental, American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, Air Canada, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Aer Lingus, SAS, Skywest, American Eagle, Midwest, Frontier.... and many others!
www.mjda.com
78
www.onboardhospitality.com
Do you do any business with cruise lines? Yes, our company is the largest wine supplier to the cruise industry. We have experienced tremendous growth in the cruise sector over the years and are pleased to be part of that growth!
How does the market differ from the airline market and what are cruise lines buying? The majority of cruise lines buy wines and then sell wines to their passengers which is a major profit centre for them. Cruise lines are basically floating hotels and some offer complimentary wines to their passengers as part of their particular overall package.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88