Lifetime Achievement for Philip Gregan from The Drinks Business
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Chief Executive Officer Philip Gregan has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by international publication The Drinks Business, recognising his significant contribution to the global wine industry.
The Award recognises individuals who have made an enduring impact on the international wine and spirits sector and acknowledges Gregan’s leadership and influence over more than four decades.
Philip Gregan announced his retirement as CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers last year and will leave his role at the end of June after 43 years of service to the industry.
He said the recognition was deeply meaningful, particularly given the role the United Kingdom has played throughout his career. “The UK has been an incredibly important part of my own wine journey,” he said. “It’s a market that has backed New Zealand from early on and has helped shape how we present ourselves to the world.”
He was quick to emphasise that the award reflects the collective efforts of the wider New Zealand wine community. “This recognition belongs just as much to the people I’ve worked alongside over the past 30 to 40 years. This includes our NZW team, grape growers and wineries, as well as the importers, distributors, on premise, retailers and media in the UK who have championed New Zealand wine.”
During Gregan’s tenure, the New Zealand wine sector has undergone significant transformation, with defining milestones along the way. These include the launch of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) in the mid-1990s, a programme that is now the cornerstone of the industry’s global reputation for sustainability. Along with the early adoption of screwcaps in the early 2000s, a bold innovation that was strongly supported by UK trade partners and media.
“The willingness of the UK trade and media to embrace innovation, including the move to screwcaps, was critical. It gave New Zealand producers the confidence to lead and differentiate on the global stage,” noted Gregan.
NZW Chair, Fabian Yukich, said Gregan’s leadership has been instrumental in building the industry’s success. “Philip’s contribution to New Zealand wine is immense. His hard work, integrity and collaborative approach have helped shape an industry that is globally respected for its quality, sustainability and innovation.”
“While it’s an honour to be recognised personally, this really reflects what we’ve achieved together as an industry,” Gregan said. “New Zealand wine has always been a team effort.”
The Drinks Business Lifetime Achievement Award was presented at the London Wine Fair to Chris Stroud, NZW UK/Europe Manager, on behalf of Philip Gregan.
