MEISER PRESS RELEASE: A merger at the service of winegrowers
Interview
Claudia Wagner, MEISER Marketing Director: Today we’re joined by Dave Weedon, Sales Director at Meiser Agri Solutions (M. A. S.), the new entity created by the merger of four leaders in wine trellising: Profil Alsace, Artos, Julien SAS and Le Piquet SA. Dave, this union is causing quite a stir in the industry. What motivated this merger?
Dave Weedon (M. A. S.): Good morning, and thank you for welcoming us. This is indeed a historic merger. It is the result of the desire of the German family group Meiser – world leader in sectors such as gratings – to combine their expertise to offer winegrowers the very best in trellis systems.
CW: In concrete terms, what does a winegrower gain from Meiser Agri Solutions?
DW: The advantage is twofold: both technical and economic. Which, in the current context, is particularly important.
CW: Can you describe the technical side of things? In concrete terms, what does it involve?
DW: Just as the skeleton of a large building supports every floor, every room, every window, the stakes, accessories and trellising systems structure every row, every vine, every bunch. This framework is essential for easy viticultural work and the production of quality grapes. Choosing a stake and, more generally, a trellising system will commit you for decades to come. You need to make the right choice. In concrete terms, our team of technical sales representatives offers: proximity, knowledge of viticulture, advice, responsiveness and the competitiveness of a manufacturer.
CW : Any savings?
DW: Absolutely. Our new approach enables us to achieve economies of scale, and therefore more competitive prices. By merging our R&D departments, pooling our steel purchasing and streamlining our logistics, we can pool our respective strengths to offer winegrowers the very best in trellising, at the very best price. Our ambition is not to have the cheapest stake, but the best value for money!
CW: These savings and proximity must please…
DW: Yes, but that’s not all. We want this technical and economic approach to be accessible to all winegrowers. Whether they prefer to buy our products from our distributors or via our sales representatives deployed throughout the country, the decision is theirs. In short, we offer winegrowers the freedom to choose the most convenient way of accessing our range. We propose, the winegrower disposes! And all our technical information is available on our website.
CW: And this manufacturer approach goes beyond price?
DW: For us, it’s vital to take all the parameters into account: soil PH and structure, grape variety, vine management technique. In an estate that is heavily mechanized, we will recommend a suitable stake to facilitate both tillage and the passage of machinery. You know, when you take the time to observe the vines and discuss what makes a good stake and trellis:
– steel quality, post shape, choice of galvanizing, post/wire connection, lifting accessories and compliance with installation recommendations, etc.
– there’s a lot to say.
CW: This merger also seems to be a commitment to quality…
DW: We’re convinced that wine quality is closely linked to vineyard structure. Optimal trellising is the promise of quality wines. “Show me your vineyard and I’ll tell you what your wine is like”.
CW: To conclude, how would you define the DNA of this new approach?
DW: The DNA of MEISER Agriculture Solutions rests on three pillars: innovation, quality and proximity. We are determined to continue innovating to offer ever more effective and durable solutions in all our product ranges: viticulture, arboriculture and fencing. Quality remains at the heart of our approach, with products designed to last and meet the most exacting requirements. Finally, proximity to our customers is essential: we want to be trusted partners for winegrowers, supporting them in their projects and helping them to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This is the vision that drives us, and which we are convinced will make the difference for winegrowers.
CW: Thank you for these explanations, and congratulations on this promising initiative. We’ll be following the development of MEISER Agriculture Solutions (M. A. S.) with great interest. You’ll be able to meet members of the team at the main wine fairs in Béziers, Bordeaux, Angers and Mâcon.
