Emirates has revealed that it has invested $1bn in its wine programme since 2006, working directly with top vineyards around the world.
The airline made this known during the unveiling of its wine and champagne offering to its Nigerian customers in Lagos.
Emirates Regional, Manager West Africa, Afzal Parambil, stated that 2.2 million bottles of champagne and wine had been served on first and business class, while 2.6 million bottles had been served in economy class since 2006.
According to Parambil, onboard Emirates, 54 per cent of the wine and champagne is consumed in the Economy Class while 40 per cent is in the Business Class and six per cent in the First Class.
He said, “Our aim is to provide the best experience for our customers and our curated wine programme is reflective of that promise. We have a strong team of wine connoisseurs who build relationships with the world’s most prestigious vineyards, then handpick and secure the most exclusive and rare wines to pair with our food menu, for our customers.
“We serve 80 different champagnes, wines on our flights daily sourced from 12 countries. We also offer over 30 spirits, aperitifs and liqueurs and 14 cocktails to our passengers across our network, including Lagos and Abuja.”
He said Emirates’ main wine-producing countries were Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and the USA.
At the wine-tasting event, Emirates presented Dom Pérignon, Metis Sauvignon Blanc Klein Constantia, Ken Forrester Gypsy, Château Pontet Canet 5ème Cru Classé and Graham’s 20-year old Tawny Port to its Nigerian audience.
Parambil said at the heart of Emirates’ wine strategy was its unique approach to purchasing exceptional Bordeaux wines years before they were released to the market.
He added this would allow them to mature and reach their potential before serving on board.
