Yvette van der Merwe, an accomplished economist and specialist in new information technologies, has been a key figure in the South African wine industry for almost 30 years.
With her recent appointment as the first African president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), she is now positioned to lead the global wine sector into a new era. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing the industry through strategic leadership, innovative technology, and international collaboration.
Leadership in South African Wine: Chief Executive of SAWIS
As the Chief Executive Officer of South African Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS), Van der Merwe plays a vital role in shaping the future of South Africa's wine sector. SAWIS is responsible for managing the Wine of Origin Scheme under the Liquor Products Act, ensuring the credibility and integrity of South Africa’s wine classification system. It also handles statistical analysis and business intelligence for the industry, in line with the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act. Under her leadership, SAWIS has become a critical institution that balances traditional wine production with data-driven insights and modern market demands.
Van der Merwe’s expertise in technology has driven SAWIS toward greater innovation, allowing South Africa's wine producers to adapt to evolving market conditions and consumer preferences. Her work ensures that the South African wine industry remains competitive on the global stage, contributing to the sector’s growth and sustainability.
A Historic Moment: First African President of the OIV
In 2024, Yvette van der Merwe made history by becoming the first African president of the OIV, the world's leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to wine, viticulture, and enology. The OIV represents more than 50 countries, setting global standards and promoting scientific research and best practices in the wine industry. Her election is a significant milestone, marking the start of the OIV’s second century with a leader who brings both extensive experience and a fresh perspective.
Van der Merwe's relationship with the OIV spans over two decades. She first joined the South African delegation to the OIV in 2000 and has since held several influential positions. From 2022 to 2024, she served as President of Commission III on Economy and Law. Prior to that, she was Vice-President of the “Law and Consumer Information” Expert Group from 2013 to 2016. Between 2016 and 2021, she chaired the “Economic Analysis, Markets, and Consumption” Expert Group, where she focused on global wine market trends and consumption patterns. Her deep involvement in the organization has given her a global perspective on the wine industry and positioned her as a key leader in wine policy.
As OIV president, she succeeds Professor Luigi Moio, who now serves as vice-president, and her leadership marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for the organization.
Driving Innovation and Global Collaboration
Van der Merwe’s extensive experience in economics, technology, and business intelligence makes her a forward-thinking leader. Her focus on integrating technology into the wine industry has transformed how South Africa and other wine-producing regions manage production, market trends, and consumer data. As president of the OIV, she is expected to champion initiatives that promote sustainability, transparency, and technological innovation across the global wine sector.
Her leadership is also expected to strengthen the OIV's role in tackling global challenges, such as climate change and shifting market dynamics. Van der Merwe has a strong vision for the future of the industry, one that embraces inclusivity and collaboration among OIV member states. She is also likely to prioritize projects that advance the role of emerging wine regions, particularly in Africa, further broadening the OIV’s global impact.
A Vision for the Future of the Wine Industry
Yvette van der Merwe’s presidency at the OIV signals a fresh direction for the global wine industry. Her career has been marked by her ability to merge traditional wine values with modern technological advancements, and she brings this forward-thinking approach to the OIV. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, she will lead the OIV into its next century with a commitment to addressing the most pressing issues facing the industry today.
Her appointment also serves as a significant milestone for African representation in global wine governance, providing a platform for the continent’s growing influence in the world of wine. As a trailblazer for African leadership in the OIV, van der Merwe’s presidency not only highlights her personal achievements but also reflects the growing importance of Africa in the global wine landscape.
Source: OIV