James Orchard speaks to Robert Hill-Smith from Hill-Smith Family Estates, home to Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery. As the fifth generation of his family in the business, Robert brings more than four decades of experience and a candid perspective on an industry undergoing significant change.
With falling global wine consumption and oversupply reshaping the market, Robert explains why the business is resetting its size and operations to reflect demand, with the long-term future firmly in mind.
In this episode, Robert shares his insights on:
- How to make a business smaller, including simplifying the product range, releasing capital and reviewing vineyards and costs.
- Managing family dynamics, tackling difficult conversations and preparing the next generation to take over.
- The importance of knowing what your brand stands for.
- The impact of government red tape and the rising cost of doing business.
- What the future may hold for Australian wine.
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