Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/197178
barrels, H&A handles the removal and resale. "We never had that option before," said Waitte of the barrel resale program. "When we started with H&A we had all these used barrels. They came out and inspected them, took them away, and handed me a check." H&A has more than 400,000 barrels in its management program. It moved approximately 50,000 barrels for its clients last year. Clients have access to H&A Network's used barrel market, all of which have a traceable history of use. "From the beginning, we have complete accountability of the barrels," Seymour said. "We know all of the pedigree. Who used the barrel, how many times and for what." While he said the quality is typically high enough to resell the barrels for winemaking, those barrels that don't meet H&A's standards might be sold to the spirits industry. Barrels that can no longer be used for aging are often resold to the décor industry. "We find many other homes for the wood," Seymour noted. "We have very good resources that allow us to be environmentally friendly." EXPANSION With its European market established, H&A is exploring opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere (particularly on the barrel resale side) and focusing on growing its U.S.-based business. "The U.S. is the market we're putting most of time and effort into because it has the biggest potential for growth," Seymour explained. The company, which currently has 47 employees worldwide and five employees in the U.S., plans to hire two more people for its Santa Rosa office at the end of the year. The company is in the process of developing enhancements to its online services that will provide Stop by our booth at the Unified Symposium! clients with more options to manage and trace barrels throughout production, Seymour said. It's also expanding its resale barrel management business. "As far as I know, there really are no other companies doing this in the U.S.," Seymour said. "Nobody really takes an approach like this – doing everything from financing to resale. And this is all we do. We manage the inventory of wine barrels so our winery clients can focus on making good wine." Jennif er Strailey has written about food, wine and housewares for retail-focused business-to-business publications for more than 15 years. She is the Spotlight editor for Vineyard & Winery Management, a past editor with The Gourmet Retailer magazine, and a contributing editor with Progressive Grocer. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. Remote Weather Data, Versatile Integration Your Source for All Vineyard Trellising Supplies Manufacturer GrapeStakes TrainingStakes Anchors BirdNetting Crossarms EndPosts Fencing T-Posts VineProtection Wire WoodStakes RepairMaterials AndMore! 800.423.8016 | www.JimsSupply.com 98 V I N E YA R D & WIN E RY MANAGEM ENT | Nov - Dec 2013 NEW Vantage Connect ® • Manageyourvineyardwithremote weatherdatavia cellular connection • Mitigateriskthroughreal-time weather alertstoyoursmartphone, tabletorPC • Makeinformed decisionsusingdegree day,temperatureandrainfalldatafrom remotelocations • Viewremoteweatherdatafromyour homeoroffice—anywhereyouhave aninternet connection Vantage ConneCt shoWn PairedWith VantagePro2 integrated sensorsuite www.davisnet.com 800-678-3669 VWM1312 • • • • • • • • • • • Largest of • Grape Stakes Nationwide! • w w w. v wm m e d i a . c o m