The deal has been signed by Hubert Burda Media and The Wine Advocate (TWA) founded by Robert Parker. This international lifestyle magazine 100 Points by Robert Parker will target high net-worth individuals (HNI) and corporate honchos. The magazine will be available by subscription and through association with selected business partners. Unlike TWA, the company will take advertisements from the non-wine related companies. TWA continues to be devoid of any advertisements so far. There will be articles on wine but no Reviews will be carried out
The magazine will initially be launched in London as a Quarterly and at a series of promotional events hosted by Parker during his visit to London after a gap of nearly 25 years. Only one such event has been officially announced for Friday, the June 6 when Parker will conduct a consumer tasting at the London wine retailer Hedonism Wines in Mayfair.
So far, Burda has not announced the editor of the magazine but it is expected shortly. The Singapore Division, Burda Singapore Pte. Ltd. is also tight-lipped about the contributors towards the content but informs that it would be a team of international writers and contributors. Laura Lim, Corporate Communications Manager of Burda says The Wine Advocate team would contribute on an ad hoc basis, stressing that the writers and photographers will be selected by Burda as the magazine’s publisher, thus implying full control.
Julie Sherborn, CEO of Burda International Asia says,’ the magazine will widen the scope of this hugely influential brand (TWA and Robert Parker), which is lauded internationally for providing impartial intelligence about world’s finest wines. We are migrating this approach to an international audience, which shares common passions and pursuits, and has the resources to pursue them. The magazine will focus on a well-curated reader offering complemented by essential service elements. Although it will cover wines, the magazine will also address lifestyle products and experiences.’
The collaboration seems to be an extension of the relationship that already exists between TWA and Burda. After investors from Singapore took a majority stake in The Wine Advocate, the two companies have worked on several publishing projects s well as wine related events in China.
The Wine Advocate will continue publishing without any change or format. "The shape and form of TWA will remain an independent vehicle, providing detailed consumer advice, unbiased reports and tasting notes," says Burda.
Hubert Burda Media is a privately owned company, with a publishing tradition spanning over 100 years. It specializes in magazine publishing and transactional digital media. The parent company Burda International GmbH is active in 19 countries and publishes over 300 magazines as well as a large number of digital media services.
For further information contact laura@burda.com.sg
For an earlier related article,please visit Ratings and Appellations: It’s All about Money, Honey |