Easy talk about business with Matt Thomson
09 August, 2023
Matt Thomson
International Winemaking Consultant; Co-Founder Blank Canvas Wines, New Zealand
- 2008 — Received an award International White Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2008.
2013 — Present, Winemaker and Co-Founder Black Canvas Wines, Blenheim, New Zealand - 2016 — Present, Chairman Of The Board Yealands Wine Group
- 1997 — Present, Winemaker, Consultant Kiwi-Oeno Ltd
My business is something that has been evolving since 1994
when I became a winemaking consultant working both in Europe and New Zealand. Making my own wine was always part of the plan but it wasn’t until 2013 when I launched Blank Canvas together with my wife Sophie. I have continued my work as a consultant and have also been a director of large wine producing company Yealands Wine Group for the last six years. I am currently chairman of that company.
I think the most useful skill of all is being able to read and understand people
Whenever you are doing business with someone it is always important to understand what they are looking for.
The most important advice that I received in my life
I “don’t work with arseholes” is very good advice from an early business partner, Kim Crawford. If you do you always end up spending a lot more time on problems.
Three main/essential pillars of my business philosophy
- Never operate at the bottom of the market-sell a quality product and protect margin.
- Don’t grow at the expense of margin.
- Build relationships through trust and respect.
Crisis/critical moments in business and way out/solutions
The wine industry, and particularly the Sauvignon Blanc industry in Marlborough is very dynamic. We have a wine that needs to be sold within 18 months after harvest because of market demands for a high level of freshness. It is crucial to manage stocks very carefully. Last year we had a harvest that was naturally 30% down on normal budget. We saw this months before others and months before harvest. We were able to carefully manage expectations with our distribution partners who have been able then manage their stocks carefully.
How do I spend my money
We travel for work, and we like to travel well. I’ve spent a lot of time in Italy and I love Italian culture and products. We have an old Maserati in the garage that we love to take out for a drive.
My business in 5 years
At our current rate of growth, we should grow by 100% in five years. We will do that without adding new any product lines. I will be rationalising my other consultancy work to accommodate the growth, but I will continue consulting as it adds a dimension to my professional learning.
I find inspiration/fulfilment in…
I get a lot of pleasure from seeing people enjoy the products that we make. When someone orders a second bottle at a table next door it means they enjoyed the first one!
Hot technology/product innovation in my business
Funnily enough I think our business ethos is to use less technology in our winemaking and get back to simple techniques that express the sense of place they come from. In the vineyards we are very much behind regenerative viticulture which seeks to increase the organic matter in the soils. That’s what the world needs to do with all agriculture if we are going to reduce the carbon in the atmosphere.
Question that I would love to hear so I could fully present/picture my business activity
What makes our wines special? It is the place we produce them. New Zealand is a very special place to grow grapes and therefore make wine. It is also very beautiful.
My advice for entrepreneurs
You have to take risks, but make sure you know more about the field you are in than most people, otherwise you will make unnecessary mistakes. Learn as much as you can from the best people in the field and then go for it!
Rules/Success/Business
The new column “Rules/Success/Business” by the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office expert Valentyna Liashenko will share with you a lot of breathtaking business ideas, advice, and insights from both Ukrainian and worldwide business owners. We will introduce you to the interviews of company owners from different fields and countries.
Easy talk about not easy situations, challenges, and joy from the victory.