Who is Van der Merwe, the new OIV president?

Yvette van der Merwe has been elected as the new President of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in October 2024, during the 22nd General Assembly held in Dijon, France. This election marks a historic moment for the OIV, as Van der Merwe becomes the first African to lead the organization in its century-long history. Her appointment is seen as a significant shift in the global wine industry, as it elevates not only her personal contributions but also places Africa in a more prominent role in an industry long dominated by Europe and the Americas. She will serve as President for a three-year term, during which time her leadership is expected to focus on modernizing the sector through data, technology, and international collaboration.

Van der Merwe comes to the OIV with nearly three decades of experience in the South African wine industry, where she has built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader with deep expertise in the management of information systems and technology. She is currently the Executive Director of South African Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS), an organization critical to the country's wine sector. SAWIS manages data collection, policy development, and market analysis for South Africa's wine industry. Her work at SAWIS has been instrumental in shaping the country's wine of origin certification program, which ensures that wines produced in South Africa meet specific standards regarding their geographic origins. She also oversees critical statistical and business intelligence functions under the Agricultural Products Marketing Act, which helps inform policy decisions and market strategies within the South African wine industry.

In her role as Executive Director of SAWIS, Van der Merwe has been deeply involved in the modernization of the wine industry, particularly through the use of technology. Her work has focused on improving data collection and analysis methods, which have been key to providing the wine sector with accurate, up-to-date market information. This has been vital not only for domestic stakeholders but also for positioning South Africa as a competitive player in the global wine market. Her expertise in handling complex information systems, combined with her ability to navigate the regulatory and economic aspects of the wine industry, has made her an influential figure both in South Africa and internationally.

Her journey with the OIV began in 2000, when she first joined the South African delegation. Since then, she has held several important positions within the organization, each of which has broadened her understanding of the global wine industry and its regulatory environment. Between 2016 and 2021, she chaired the Expert Group on "Economic Analysis, Markets, and Consumption" within the OIV's Commission III. This group focused on the economic aspects of the wine industry, including market trends, consumer behavior, and the impact of trade policies on global wine production and distribution. Her leadership in this role helped guide important discussions on market transparency and the future of wine economics, as the industry continues to evolve in response to global trends such as climate change and shifting consumer preferences.

In 2022, she was elected Chair of Commission III on Economics and Law, where she served until her election as President in 2024. During her time as Chair, Van der Merwe played a pivotal role in shaping international wine legislation and trade practices. Her work focused on ensuring that global wine regulations kept pace with emerging challenges in the industry, including the rise of e-commerce, changing trade agreements, and the need for more sustainable practices within wine production. Her tenure as Chair demonstrated her ability to lead complex negotiations and build consensus among diverse stakeholders, skills that will be critical as she takes on her new role as OIV President.

With her election, Yvette van der Merwe brings a fresh perspective to the OIV, one rooted in her deep understanding of both the technical and economic aspects of the wine industry. Her leadership is expected to push the organization towards greater use of technology and data in decision-making, as well as fostering closer collaboration between wine-producing countries, particularly those in emerging regions like Africa. South Africa, long seen as a rising star in the global wine market, stands to benefit from her international visibility, as her presidency is expected to draw attention to the opportunities and challenges facing wine producers in developing countries.

Van der Merwe succeeds Professor Luigi Moio, a renowned Italian oenologist who served as OIV President for several years. Moio's tenure saw the OIV strengthen its role in addressing global issues such as climate change and sustainability in the wine industry. He now steps into the role of Vice President, providing continuity as Van der Merwe takes the reins. As the OIV begins its second century, Van der Merwe's presidency signals a new era of leadership, with an emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and the growing importance of regions outside of the traditional wine-producing powerhouses of Europe and the Americas.