The new Campden Wine Services laboratory will allow winemakers to access a wide range of services provided by well-qualified laboratory staff – from the full range of scientific solutions to simple and complex wine problems.
A range of official opening events are scheduled for late August, where all sectors of the UK wine industry will be able to tour the facility and speak with staff.
Campden has appointed Senior Analytical Chemist Robert Braid and Industry Development and Technical Director Dr Gregory Dunne to provide support and expertise to members of the wine industry accessing the laboratory.
New recruits
Before recently joining Campden BRI, Pride was Area Director for Endeavor Drinks Group. He earned a bachelor's degree in forensic science and analytical chemistry from Flinders University in Australia before joining the country's wine industry, where he has held technical positions for the past 12 years.
A former Deputy Editor of the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, Dan previously chaired the Wine Department at Plumpton College, East Sussex, the only facility in the UK that trains oenologists and viticulturists at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Peter Hedridge, CEO of Campden BRI, commented: “We have invested heavily in state-of-the-art analytical equipment in a brand-new laboratory, which will future-proof our technical offering and capabilities.
“Vote of confidence”
“The new laboratory is a real vote of confidence in the local wine industry which is growing exponentially and now requires the best quality technical support and consultancy to help it compete on the global stage.”
The launch of the Campden Wine Services laboratory follows the signing of a strategic partnership with WineGB to become the association's new scientific and technical partner.
Campden said it would use its expertise to offer a “comprehensive range” of wine analysis, testing and wine consulting services to WineGB members.
It also builds on a strategic partnership with the Australian Wine Research Institute in spring 2023.
Meanwhile, the British spirits industry has seen a significant expansion since the Covid-19 pandemic, with there now more than 300 registered distilleries in the UK.
