Central to our research programme is the funding consortium, whose contributions enable the researchers at East Malling to find answers to the viticulture industry’s most pressing questions and to demonstrate the very latest science and technology.
Chapel Down is England’s leading wine producer with an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines. Based in Kent, in the heart of the Garden of England, we produce wines of the highest quality and which we believe offer the best expression of England.
Gusbourne's vision has been to create the finest vintage wines using grapes exclusively from our own vineyards. We grow the highest quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes across the Gusbourne Estate, with 60 hectares in Appledore, Kent and 30 hectares next to the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. These predominantly Burgundian clones yield smaller volumes of intensely flavourful fruit, which thrive in our unique microclimates. This exceptional produce is the vital first ingredient in making our award-winning sparkling wines, all crafted using the traditional method.
The story of Nyetimber is one of decades of craftsmanship, passion, and a pioneering spirit. Our uncompromising attention to detail and singular desire to produce wines worthy of the most joyous of celebrations, drives us to create the very finest expressions of the Estate.
Netafim is the world’s leading irrigation company. As the inventors and pioneers of drip irrigation, Netafim continues to develop innovative solutions to support farmers across the world. Netafim’s vision is to drive the adoption of smart irrigation solutions to best utilise water and land to provide food.
Hutchinsons’ specialist horticultural team advise on all types of top and soft fruit, hops, vines, ornamentals and other horticultural crops, both protected or outdoor. Advice and supply include crop protection products, biological control products and all aspects of plant nutrition (including fertigation).
Yara is the world’s leading crop nutrition company and a provider of environmental and agricultural solutions, addressing global challenges and creating positive change. Yara pursues a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly crop nutrition and zero-emission energy solutions.
Chapel Down, Gusbourne, and Nyetimber have been an integral part of the consortium since its inception, but more recently they have been joined by Netafim who provide irrigation knowledge and equipment, along with three associates, Hampton Steel, Hutchinsons and Yara, who all take an active role in shaping the research and development and provide their advanced products, knowledge and technological support each season. The consortium is chaired by Geoff Taylor, who has 35 years of experience both working in the wine industry and employed in food and drink research.