Beck and call: Q&A with David Burford

Beck Family Estates recently appointed David Burford as CEO to lead its wine portfolio of Graham Beck, Steenberg Vineyards and Capensis. David assumed his duties on 1 July 2022, taking over from Chris du Toit, who remains on the Beck Family Estates Board.

How does your experience with Heineken inform the direction you would like to take with the Beck portfolio?

While they’re very different in many ways, my time with Heineken (initially when Heineken set up in SA as a standalone in 2016 and then especially when I set up the stand-alone craft business start-up) gave me valuable experience in growth and scaling a business and a deep understanding of the implications and requirements for the full value chain. The Beck portfolio is also a truly international business with Graham Beck being sold in 42 countries around the globe, so an international approach and understanding of global brands is vital to further this growth.

What’s your vision for the company?

The vision is a simple one (as they always should be) selectively grow and premiumise the business whilst ensuring that we are an efficient and agile organisation ready and able to adapt to change.

I will build on the strengths of impeccable quality, global footprint, people, and portfolio.

How do you intend to expand Beck Family Estate’s international footprint?

There are many opportunities to grow existing markets as well as enter new ones, the growth will be a combination of these with a focus on premiumisation.

What are the biggest challenges facing local wine brands at the moment?

The pricing and value perception of SA wine is a challenge we all face in the industry. SA wine has come a long way on quality and consistency, yet in some markets and even here at home we are still undervalued versus some international wine. As input costs soar, we can no longer afford to continue to trade on price, but as an industry we must premiumise and do a far better job on building Brand SA wine.

The key to recovery and resilience in the post-Covid era is being agile and geared to move with the changes and requirements of our customers and consumers.

What do you like to do outside working hours?

Spend time with my three children and unwind with friends and family. I would also like to get back on a bike again soon to get some much-needed exercise.

Watch: Graham Beck - In pursuit of the perfect bubble

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