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36 WINES&VINES November 2015 GEA directdrive Separators Versatile, Effi cient and Compact 2049T engineering for a better world GEA North America Centrifuges & Separation Equipment Phone: 201-767-3900 · Toll-Free: 800-722-6622 gea.com Our newest concept in separation technology adapts to meet your toughest challenges. The new design, which features a completely integrated drive, provides the highest degree of effi ciency with signifi cant energy savings. Since the drive is installed underneath the bowl, there is less strain on the bearings for longer service intervals and overall simpler maintenance. Units require minimal fl oor space and are available in a range of capacities. To fi nd out how directdrive separators can provide the solution you have been searching for, email sales.wsus@gea.com, call, or visit us online. 2015 SUPPLIER SURVEY called recent stock market activity a market correction, vineyard and winery equipment suppliers on the West Coast (a major hub for imports from China) were slightly more con- cerned about volatility in the Chinese stock market, although more than 60% of survey respondents said they expect "no change" to the North American wine industry as a result of such fluctuations. For suppliers who depend on imports from China to service their wine industry cli- ents, the prospect of a ripple effect in prices or exchange rates will be something to watch in the coming months. A reduction in finan- cial liquidity among the Chinese middle class could decrease demand for wine by bever- age consumers in the Far East, while fluctu- ating currency values may work in favor of U.S. importers. THE YEAR AHEAD While wine industry suppliers and service pro- viders reported a profitable year with steady growth and prompt payment, respondents to Wines & Vines' 2015 supplier survey were even more optimistic about the 12 months ahead. Nearly 85% of those surveyed expect to see growth in the wine industry Sara Nelson says that the process for de- veloping a brand's story and packaging, get- ting it approved by the TTB and having collateral materials printed can take the better part of a year. So Nelson's vantage point is unique in predicting the coming year ahead. "I don't think I have any rebrands in the pipeline at the moment. Most of what I am dealing with in 2016 are brand new wineries," she told Wines & Vines. "I am not seeing a lot of whimsical labels these days. What I am see- ing is very grown up. They need to be sophisti- cated, because if people who are going to drop $40 on wine, they need to be serious." CHINESE AND U.S. STOCKS Will fluctuations in the Chinese and U.S. stock markets affect the wine industry during the next 12 months? Yes, positively 5% No Change 62% Yes, negatively 34%